PBS
Should We Have Mandatory Military Service? | America From Scratch
Mandatory service in a democratic society? On July 1, 1973, the draft ended. Now the United States relies on an all-volunteer military. But what if all citizens were required to perform some sort of service, either military or public...
C-SPAN
On This Day: The Battle at Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was the deadliest day of the Civil War. An eye-opening video is filmed at the Antietam battlefield and provides pupils with an overview of the battle. Academics learn the military strategy General Lee and McClellan...
C-SPAN
On This Day: USS Cole Bombing
In October 2000 the USS Cole was attacked. Academics learn about the history of the USS Cole, and the events that occurred on the day of the bombing. Video clips also show President Clinton's response and how procedures were enacted to...
C-SPAN
On This Day: The Creation of the U.S. Naval Academy
The engaging resource explains the history of the Naval Academy and its impact on future leaders, such as President Carter. Scholars learn the importance of creating a school to train naval officers and how the Navy used funds to start...
C-SPAN
On This Day: Benedict Arnold
Was Benedict Arnold a friend or foe of the American Revolution? An interesting resource explains that Arnold was a prominent leader of the American Revolution and why he made the decision to betray his fellow soldiers. Scholars learn of...
C-SPAN
On This Day: The US Invasion of Grenada
The 1983 invasion of Grenada was one of the first major military actions after the Vietnam War. The invasion took place during the tensions of the Cold War, making the stakes higher than what might be expected. Using President Ronald...
PBS
Veterans Day | All About the Holidays
A quick video details the history of Veterans Day. Viewers discover how the holiday came to be, dating back to 1918 when it was known as Armistice Day, and how it has evolved to the holiday we celebrate currently. A question challenges...
National WWII Museum
War in Europe Overview
Victory in World War II was by no means a forgone outcome for the Americans. A video resource paints a picture about what the Allies faced by the time the United States entered the conflict. Issues included both wartime production and...
The Great War
Tank Development in World War 1
What is the tank and how did the technology develop? The resource discusses how new technology, especially the tank, affected many events during World War I. It covers the topic using primary source images and interesting facts to keep...
The Great War
The Invention And Development of Submarines
Crazy fact: submarines were actually invented long before the beginning of World War I! As the narrator of an engaging video explains, submarines revolutionized warfare and changed everything. Interesting anecdotes as well as vivid...
The Great War
Austro-Hungarian Pistols of WW1
Guns militaries used during World War I varied by country. An engaging episode of a larger series explains in detail the pistols used in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Individuals view a demonstration, learn about the pistol's connection...
The Great War
French Rifles of World War 1
What insights do rifles offer about French military strategy during World War I? Watch an interesting video to find out! The resource uses primary source images and videos, as well as descriptions from an expert in relating to the French...
The Great War
German Rifles of World War 1
How and why did Germans use rifles in World War I? A video resource discusses rifles in detail by using images as well as analysis by an expert in historical gun usage. Primary source images help connect the content to the military...
The Great War
German Pistols of World War 1
Need to describe the importance of new technology and weaponry to the Germans during World War I? The resource does just that! Scholars view different prominent pistols and cutting-edge technologies Germans used during World War I,...
American Battlefield Trust
Civil War Trust Animated Map: First Manassas
The Battle of First Manassas, commonly known as the First Battle of Bull Run, was the first major battle of the Civil War, signaling a conflict that would last for many years and take many lives in the process. View an animated map that...
Curated Video
The Wilderness to Cold Harbor, Grant's Overland Campaign: Animated Battle Map
Ulysses S. Grant, having been elevated to general-in-chief to the Armies of the United States, began the 1864 Overland Campaign that brought the Civil War to northern Virginia. High schoolers watch an informative video...
Curated OER
United States Military
Stills showcasing active US military are linked together using songs with fast tempos. Consider having your class analyze these images and explain what kind of viewpoint the video's creator might have based on the images selected.
Curated OER
Aircraft Carrier Documentary Part 1 of 3
The most advanced carrier ever built, the George Washington, was christened in 1990. Weighing 100,000 tons, fully loaded, they are the muscle of the US Navy. Watch the christening, how the boat travels through water, and the long line of...
Curated OER
Aircraft Carrier Documentary Part 3 of 3
Arguably one of the most perilous occupations in the world, pilots aboard these super carriers enjoy ready rooms, off-limits to anyone except aviators. What makes them successful? The training and high tech machinery kick in, even in the...