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Shays' Rebellion
In the summer of 1786, the first major armed uprising in the newly formed United States began. Shays' Rebellion was a conflict over debt and taxes that would shake the foundations of the U.S. government.
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The First Great Awakening
The First Great Awakening revived Christianity across the American colonies, introducing a new era of religious practice and community involvement.
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Fort McHenry
In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain. Again. So how did the defense of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry help to end the war, and instill an enduring sense of national pride among Americans?
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Lexington & Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first of the American Revolutionary War, famous for the “shot heard ‘round the world”. But how did it start, what happened during the battle and what impact did it have?
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Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the most well-known American holidays. But how did it come about? And how is it perceived by different communities today?
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Juneteenth
Every year on June 19th, the United States celebrates the end of slavery. In this video, learn about the history and meaning of Juneteenth.
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Massachusetts Bay Colony
In 1630, around 1,000 Puritans left England behind for a new start in the New World. Against all odds, they managed to make a success of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. But how did they do it and what impact did it have on our nation?
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Framers of the Constitution
In 1787, during the Constitutional Convention, 55 men were in attendance as the U.S. Constitution was created. But who were they, what values did they share and what factors influenced the decisions they made?
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The Nez Perce War
The Nez Perce War of 1877, driven by forced relocations and treaty violations, marked a profound conflict between the U.S. government and Indigenous Nez Perce communities.
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The Gilded Age
Between the 1870s and 1900s, the United States experienced a period of rapid economic growth. But beneath the shiny veneer of the Gilded Age lurked profound inequality and widespread want.
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Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Nat Turner’s Rebellion was the deadliest slave uprising in U.S. history. By shattering the illusory peace of the Southern states, it led to restrictive new laws that codified slavery across the U.S.
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The Sons and Daughters of Liberty
In 1765, two secretive groups formed in Boston, Massachusetts to resist rising British taxes. The Sons and Daughters of Liberty forced the repeal of the Stamp Act and lit the spark of colonial independence.
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The Expedition of Lewis & Clark
In the early 1800s, explorers Lewis and Clark set out to chart the American West. The Corps of Discovery kick-started decades of Western expansion, at significant cost to Indigenous communities.
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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.
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Veterans Day
Veterans Day, celebrated every November 11th, honors military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a time for remembrance and gratitude.
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Presidents’ Day
Learn about the origins of Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring George Washington and all U.S. Presidents.
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Indigenous Peoples' Day
Indigenous Peoples' Day pays tribute to America's original inhabitants, honoring their rich cultures, languages, and significant contributions to the nation.
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Constitution Day
On September 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day. A federal holiday, Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, a guiding document that continues to evolve and uphold the rights and freedoms of all U.S....
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Memorial Day
Every year on Memorial Day the country honors those who died while serving in the military. In this video, learn about how Memorial Day became a federal holiday.
Great Big Story
Inside the Library of Congress, exploring America's largest library
Discover the vast collections of the Library of Congress, from rare manuscripts to historical maps and music.
Brainwaves Video Anthology
Ron Rice - Teachers Make a Difference - Russell Frank Weigley
Ron Rice reflects on the profound impact of a college professor, Russell F. Weigley, during his sophomore year at Temple University. As an English Literature and History major, Ron encountered Weigley, a distinguished historian known for...
PBS
Are you 'Black' or 'African American?'
Throughout American history people of the African Diaspora have been called so many things...all the things...but what does it truly mean, and how does it impact or affect the way we see ourselves.
Curated Video
The Comanche Tribe | Native American History Documentary
A brief Native American documentary about the Comanche people. The Comanches played a crucial role in the history of North America. They were a nomadic tribe, fierce in warfare and had no equals when it comes to horsemanship. Known for...
Curated Video
I WONDER - How Important Was The Civil Rights Act In 1964?
This video is answering the question of how important was the civil rights act in 1964.