C-SPAN
On This Day: Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
When the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it returned home in 2003, it sparked questions about the future of America's space program. Using video footage that includes former astronauts involved in the shuttle program, experts on...
C-SPAN
On This Day: McCarthyism and the Red Scare
Senator Joseph's McCarthy's claims that communists had infiltrated and threatened the American way of life set off a red scare in the 1950s—and those claims have influenced today's concepts of loyalty to country. Using video clips from...
PBS
New Mexico and Las Gorras Blancas
Fence cutters, lost land, and cattle ranchers. The video explains the plight of Hispanic Americans when New Mexico became a state. The video also shows young historians why New Mexico's statehood was less violent than that of Texas.
National WWII Museum
Manhattan Project
What was the Manhattan Project, and how did it start? The video describes the project's quest to develop the atomic bomb. It also shows pupils why the project began, the top scientists involved, and how they contributed to the creation...
C-SPAN
On This Day: Life and Contributions of Alexander Hamilton
Historians have been fascinated by Alexander Hamilton long before he was the subject of a Broadway hit. Using video resources, scholars explore how his early upbringing as an orphan and social outcast may have influenced his role in the...
PBS
Spanish-American War
Though short in duration, the Spanish-American War is an integral part of history. The video discusses the causes of the war, what brought the 13-week war to a close, and describes the conflict between democratic ideals and racist...
PBS
Rita Moreno and West Side Story
West Side Story—a hit Broadway musical or a true-life tragedy about turf wars in New York City? The video shows young academics the gang wars and violence that led to the creation of the musical. It also describes how discrimination...
PBS
Cesar Chavez Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist Video
Long hours, no restrooms, and low pay were all part of the life of migrant farm workers before the work of union leader Cesar Chavez. The video describes the life of Chavez and his family working in the fields of California. It also...
National WWII Museum
"We’re All in This Together: How Students like You Helped Win World War II" Electronic Field Trip
An eye-opening video shows how young people aided in the war effort, from growing victory gardens to rationing supplies during World War II. It also features primary sources, including military documents, and explains how to use them to...
National WWII Museum
Citizens to Soldiers
What does it take to be in the military? An interesting video shows pupils the training and procedures used to turn civilians into United States soldiers during World War II.
National WWII Museum
United but Unequal
Minority groups were treated differently during WWII. Images and newsreel footage show the experiences of African-Americans, Native Americans, Japanese-Americans, and other ethnic minority groups during the war.
National WWII Museum
America Responds
What was life like for civilians at home during World War II? The short video shows young academics a glimpse of what life was like in America for those not fighting in the war. Topics covered include the need to ration and the...
C-SPAN
On This Day: The Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive is the focus of video clips that show academics how the media viewed the Tet Offensive and how they affected others' views of the Vietnam War. The clips include a mixture of archival footage and a taped lesson. A third...
C-SPAN
On This Day: California Gold Rush
Upon hearing of the gold discovery at Sutter's Mill in California in the 1840s, a flood of migrants went West in search of wealth and fame. Others, such as Chinese workers, came from farther away. Using video clips from historians and...
C-SPAN
On This Day: Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Many Americans can identify Thomas Paine and his seminal work, Common Sense. Yet, only six people showed up at his funeral. Using video resources, class members study both the document and the outcomes of his inflammatory words. Clips...
C-SPAN
On This Day: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
What is free speech? And does it apply to corporations looking to support federal campaigns? As decided in the controversial Citizens United ruling, the Supreme Court determined that corporations have the same rights as people and can...
C-SPAN
On This Day: Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom since the people of France gifted it to the US. Today, as immigration debates grip the nation, learners consider the iconic image. Using a vintage newsreel about the statue, a scholar's...
C-SPAN
On This Day: U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act
In the weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress passed the U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T Act. This law—meant to protect the public—was controversial, as some felt it undermined civil liberties. Using video from President George W. Bush,...
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...
C-SPAN
On This Day: The British Surrender at Yorktown
Why was the Battle of Yorktown not as decisive in the American Revolution as many people believe? Young scholars consider the question while viewing video clips from historians who discuss the various factors that went into the American...
C-SPAN
On This Day: Cuban Missile Crisis
Just how close was the world to nuclear war in October 1962? Using White House audio tapes recording John F. Kennedy and his advisors, aerial footage, and newsreels, learners decide for themselves. Historians also weigh in on the Cuban...
C-SPAN
On This Day: OPEC Declares Oil Embargo
The memories of gas lines from the OPEC Oil Embargo linger in the memories of many Americans. A series of video clips—including those from experts on the subject of oil importation, Jimmy Carter addressing the country, and Congress...
C-SPAN
On This Day: The Establishment of the Department of Education
When looking at educational policy, many politicians forget to consult experts—scholars! Video clips demonstrate the debate over educational policy. After watching the views of education secretaries and politicians, pupils decide how to...
National WWII Museum
Manufacturing
What do Rosie the Riveter and Uncle Sam have in common? They both urged American workers to manufacture war goods. An informative video shows the push to produce enough war goods to meet the needs of the Allied troops overseas during...