PBS
The Long History Of Presidents As Authors
Journalist and historian Craig Fehrman has written a book called “Author in Chief: The Untold Story of Our Presidents and the Books They Wrote.” He sits down with John Yang to discuss the long history of presidential writing, the...
TED Talks
Marc Pachter: The art of the interview
Marc Pachter has conducted live interviews with some of the most intriguing characters in recent American history as part of a remarkable series created for the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. He reveals the secret to a great...
MinuteEarth
How Long Did People Use To Live?
By analyzing survivorship curves over the centuries, we can learn what’s changed about how - and when - humans die.
Crash Course
Thomas Jefferson & His Democracy Crash Course US History
In which John Green teaches you about founding father and third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is a somewhat controversial figure in American history, largely because he, like pretty much all humans, was a...
TED-Ed
TED-ED: What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence - Kenneth C. Davis
In June 1776, a little over a year after the start of the American Revolutionary War, the US Continental Congress huddled together in a hot room in Philadelphia to talk independence. Kenneth C. Davis dives into some of the lesser known...
Curated Video
Drones Light Up the Fourth: The Modern Twist on John Adams' Vision
Heads in the Sky Drones specializes in stunning drone light shows, particularly for Fourth of July celebrations and special events like the Grammys.
Bedtime History
John Adams for Kids
Meet John Adams, one of the most important leaders in early American history! 🇺🇸 He helped America become an independent country, worked alongside famous figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and later became the second...
Curated Video
Declaration of Independence For Kids
Why did the American colonies decide to break up with Britain? 🇺🇸 In this fun and easy-to-understand video, you'll learn what the Declaration of Independence is, why it was written, and what it means for the United States today!
Makematic
The Treaty of Paris
In 1783, the Treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolution. This historic document secured American independence but failed to address important issues that would lead to future divisions.
Makematic
The Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts of 1767-68 imposed heavy taxes on American colonists, sparking widespread protests and setting the stage for the American Revolution.
Makematic
The Early Executive Branch
As Chief Executive of the Executive Branch of government, the US President has immense power and authority. Power that comes primarily from the Constitution and the traditions set by our first four Presidents.
Makematic
Europe and the American Revolution
The American Revolution wasn’t just a fight between American colonists and Great Britain. France, Spain, and the Netherlands backed the rebels through financial and military assistance.
Makematic
The XYZ Affair
The controversial XYZ Affair escalated tensions between the U.S. and France in the 1700s, leading to naval confrontations at sea and a crisis of democracy in the United States.
Makematic
Boston Massacre
Tensions between colonists and Great Britain exploded with the Boston Massacre of 1770. The deaths of five men, alongside John Adams’ landmark defense of the British soldiers, helped sow the seeds of rebellion across the colonies.
Makematic
John Adams
Explore the life and legacy of John Adams, second President of the United States, and learn how he journeyed from the courtrooms of Boston to the highest office in the land.
Great Big Story
The surprising origins of fireworks, from fear to celebration
Discover how fireworks evolved from ancient Chinese folklore to modern celebrations, lighting up our skies with a bang.
Wonderscape
Understanding the 12th Amendment and the Electoral College
Delve into the history and mechanics of the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, focusing on its pivotal role in shaping the presidential election process through the establishment of the Electoral College. Explore how the amendment...
Great Big Story
The Surprising Origins of Fireworks, From Fear to Celebration
Discover how fireworks evolved from ancient Chinese folklore to modern celebrations, lighting up our skies with a bang.
Curated Video
Building The White House
The White House stands as a symbol of freedom, but the story behind its construction reveals some important contradictions.
Curated Video
What is Presidents' Day?
Every year, on the third Monday of February, Americans celebrate Presidents’ Day. A federal holiday that originally began as a birthday celebration for George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Curated Video
The White House
The White House is more than just a residence for the President. Explore the building’s remarkable history and learn how it became a symbol of the United States.
Curated Video
The Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle, symbolizing strength and freedom, reflects the spirit of the United States. Chosen as the country’s national bird in 1782, this powerful animal is unique to North America.
Curated Video
Julia Stockton Rush: Love and Family Amid War
Julia Stockton Rush's letters offer a unique glimpse into the lives of women during the American Revolution, capturing a nation's birth from a female perspective.
Curated Video
Marbury v. Madison: What is Judicial Review?
The U.S. Supreme Court decides if laws made in the United States violate the Constitution or not. It’s called judicial review and it’s a power that was granted to the Supreme Court by the Supreme Court itself – thanks to a landmark case...