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The TRUE Story of Ben Franklin & His Kite
You’ve probably heard of Ben Franklin and the kite. But do you know the TRUE story of how his famous experiment changed the world? Here’s the tale of how one person’s quest for scientific knowledge altered the direction of history.
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Analyzing Independence
New ReviewThis video analyzes texts written about the Declaration of Independence.
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Benjamin Franklin
“Benjamin Franklin” gives a brief overview of Benjamin Franklin’s greatest accomplishments in science, politics, and civilian life.
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Constitutional Convention
From the Albany Congress to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, this timeline explores the critical events that shaped the creation of the United States Constitution.
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What is History?
What is History and how do we study it? Explore the difference between primary and secondary sources, why it’s important to search for more than one source and why learning about our past can tell us more about our present.
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Common Sense
Published in 1776, Thomas Paine's 47-page pamphlet, "Common Sense", sold hundreds of thousands of copies across the colonies. By employing relatable language and Biblical references, it rallied many to the cause of American independence.
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The Gettysburg Address
President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address redefined the Civil War, emphasizing democracy and equality, and remains a cornerstone of American ideals.
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Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation created the United States' first government. This foundational document paved the way for the development of a more unified and powerful federal system, under the U.S. Constitution.
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The Mayflower Compact
In September 1620, a group of colonists left England to make a new life. By the time they reached North America, they had written the Mayflower Compact: a document that would lay the groundwork for democracy in the U.S.
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Enslaved African Americans in the Revolution
At the time of the American Revolution, enslaved Africans made up a fifth of the population of the Thirteen Colonies. Though they were initially barred from taking part in the war, eventually thousands did. But what part did they play...
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Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine's visionary writings, advocating freedom and democracy, were instrumental in shaping the United States' fight for independence. Explore his remarkable journey, from campaigning for higher pay as a tax collector in England,...
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The Liberty Bell
In the United States, the Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom. In this video, learn about the history of the bell, and why it is still important today.
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Middle Colonies
What was life like in the Middle Colonies? Learn how this region of diverse cultures, fertile lands and significant historical events shaped America's early days and influenced its foundational principles.
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Constitutional Foundations: Part Two
The U.S. Constitution transformed Enlightenment ideas about government, power, and rights into the laws that shaped the foundation of the United States for generations.
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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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Independence Day
The Fourth of July marks the transformation of the 13 colonies into a free and independent United States.
Wonderscape
From Tea to Revolution: The Road to Independence
Learn how the Boston Tea Party led to the "Intolerable Acts" and fueled colonial resistance against British rule. Discover the key events that followed, including the formation of the First Continental Congress, Paul Revere's midnight...
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What is the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty is more than just a statue – it’s a collection of powerful symbols that represent the United States, its history and the ideals that it holds dear.
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Constitution
The U.S. Constitution, drafted in 1787, established a strong federal government, outlining legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and remains the nation's supreme governing document.
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Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore, carved into South Dakota's Black Hills, features Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. It symbolizes pivotal moments in American history and leadership.
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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.
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Who was Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin wasn't just a founder of the United States, he was also a writer, inventor, scientist, statesman, and a huge celebrity in the thirteen colonies.
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Let's Go There Independence Hall in Philadelphia
Travel to Philiadelphia and explore the birthplace of liberty, Independence Hall.
Wonderscape
Benjamin Franklin: A Key Figure in American Independence
This video delves into Benjamin Franklin's pivotal role in the American Revolution. It outlines his efforts in England to represent colonial interests, his escape from treason charges, and his influential work as an American ambassador...