Curated Video
What is the Magna Carta?
It was written over 1,000 years ago, and commissioned by an English King – so what makes the Magna Carta one of the most important documents in US history?
Curated Video
What is the English Bill of Rights?
The English Bill of Rights curbed the power and influence of the English monarchy and gave more power to their subjects. It’s the basis for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.
Curated Video
Why did the Colonies Declare Independence?
In the late 1770s, U.S. patriots banded together to declare independence from Great Britain. But why did they want their independence and what kind of country did they want the United States to be?
Curated Video
What is Common Sense?
It’s one of the most important documents in US history, but how did Thomas Paine’s 47-page pamphlet, Common Sense, turn the tide of the American Revolutionary War?
Curated Video
What are Unalienable Rights?
What are unalienable rights and why are they so important? In this video, we explore why Thomas Jefferson included them for the first time in the Declaration of Independence.
Curated Video
What is the 4th of July?
Independence Day takes place every year on the 4th of July. It celebrates the day that the Founders of the United States declared their independence from Great Britain.
Curated Video
The Enslaved Household of Thomas Jefferson
This is the story of Ursula, Edith and Frances – three teenagers who Thomas Jefferson brought to the White House to train as his enslaved personal chefs.
Curated Video
Exploring Philadelphia: A Rich History, Art, and Sports Hub
In this educational video, we explore the fascinating city of Philadelphia, the fifth most populous state in America. Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Philadelphia offers a unique blend of past and present.
Curated Video
Elizabeth Keckly: From Slavery to the White House
She was enslaved at birth – but became the first lady’s favorite dressmaker and the author of a sensational memoir that shocked the nation. So who was Elizabeth Keckly?
HISTORY Channel
The Continental Congress
A fantastic video highlights the role of Thomas Jefferson at the Continental Congress, focusing on the language of the Declaration of Independence and its listing of grievances against the British government.
National Constitution Center
First Amendment Overview Part I
The Declaration of Independence details the natural rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. The video explains these rights, including freedom of speech and non-violent protest. Scholars learn why specific rights were guaranteed and...
PBS
Independence Day | All About the Holidays
How do your students celebrate Independence Day? Watch a short video about how the Founding Fathers designated the Fourth of July as an annual way to commemorate their newfound freedom.
American Battlefield Trust
Civil War Trust Animated Map: Entire Revolutionary War
A thorough and measured look at the American Revolution includes movements on an animated map, high-quality reenactments, and instructive narration that takes learners through the vital first steps of the United States of America.
Crash Course
Who Won the American Revolution?
Was the American Revolution really revolutionary? Consider all the sides to this complex historical event, as this video not only reviews key battles of the revolution, but also discusses the effect of the war on slaves and Native...
Curated OER
The American Revolution (Sesame Street) - Part 1
The Sesame Street crew take on the American Revolution. Part one depicts Thomas Jefferson attempting to write the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately, he breaks his quill and Mr. Grover gets him everything but a quill. This is a...
Curated OER
Declaration of Independence
This is part one in a series about the American Revolution. Here, the instructor focuses on The Declaration of Independence, what causes it to be written, who wrote it, and how well it was received.
Curated OER
A (Brief) History of Democracy Part 2
The concluding segment of this two-part student project video begins with the Renaissance and ends with an homage to John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Pierre Trudeau.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Resistance to Increasing British Control
Unpopular taxes like the Stamp Act spawned popular resistance in the colonies.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics:declaration of Independence:complaints Against King George Iii
What were some of the complaints the colonists had against King George III? We find out on today's podcast.