Curated Video
Eli Whitney and The Cotton Gin
New ReviewEli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin in 1793 transformed American agriculture. By quickly separating cotton fibers from seeds, it made cotton a profitable crop—and deeply impacted the economy of the South. But the invention also had...
Bedtime History
Reconstruction Era for Kids
What happened after the Civil War ended? In this video, we take a simple look at the Reconstruction Era, the time when the United States tried to rebuild the South and reunite the country. Learn about the major changes, including the...
Brainwaves Video Anthology
Annette Gordon-Reed - On Juneteenth
Annette Gordon-Reed, the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard, is a historian and author of On Juneteenth, a blend of memoir and history. In the book, she explores her family's deep roots in Texas, dating back to the 1820s and...
Wonderscape
Abraham Lincoln's Final Years and Lasting Legacy
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, led the nation through its most divided era, the Civil War, and took a firm stand against slavery. His issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation and leadership in preserving the Union solidified his...
Wonderscape
George Washington's Legacy
In 1759, George Washington married Martha Custis and focused on his life as a plantation owner and politician before becoming a key leader in the American Revolution. His military success and leadership led to his unanimous election as...
Makematic
13th Amendment
The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States in 1865. But it was just the beginning of a long fight for equality and civil rights.
Makematic
Slavery in the Colonies
Liberty is a founding principle of the United States, but many of the people who helped build the North American colonies were not free. The resilience of enslaved people and their contributions to what would become the United States...
Makematic
Constitutional Compromise
In 1787, the United States government began a series of critical compromises that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, but also ensured African American enslavement for generations to come.
Makematic
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was designed to maintain a delicate balance of power in Congress between slave states and free states. But how did it come about, what did it mean and how did it contribute to the US Civil War?
Makematic
The Raid on Harpers Ferry
Abolitionist John Brown viewed the fight against slavery as a holy endeavor that could only be won through violence. His raid on Harpers Ferry was an attempt to spark a mass uprising of enslaved people across the South.
Makematic
The Stono Rebellion
Prior to the American Revolution, the Stono Rebellion of 1739 was the largest uprising of enslaved people in the thirteen colonies.
Makematic
The Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 gave the federal government new powers to capture and return escaped enslaved people, but its failures intensified divisions between Northern and Southern states.
Curated Video
Frederick Douglass for Kids | Bedtime History
Dive into the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Frederick Douglass, a towering figure in American history whose voice echoed with power and passion. Born into slavery, Douglass defied the odds to become one of the most influential...
Wonderscape
Tituba: The Enigmatic Figure Behind the Salem Witch Trials
This video explores the mysterious background of Tituba, the first woman accused in the Salem Witch Trials. Learn about her origins, her life as an enslaved woman, her connection to Reverend Samuel Parris’s family, and the events that...
Wonderscape
Robert Smalls: A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Explore the post-war achievements of Robert Smalls, from serving the Freedmen's Bureau to shaping political change during Reconstruction. Learn about his contributions to public transportation integration, his role in founding the South...
Wonderscape
Robert Smalls' Bold Escape from Charleston Harbor
Discover how Robert Smalls led a daring escape from Charleston Harbor on the Confederate steamship, the Planter. Learn about the high-stakes plan, the critical role of his knowledge of security signals, and the bravery it took to...
Wonderscape
The Remarkable Escape of Robert Smalls
Follow the story of Robert Smalls, an enslaved man born in South Carolina who dreamed of freedom for himself and his family. Learn how he became a skilled navigator of Charleston Harbor and devised a daring plan to escape on a...
Wonderscape
Phyllis Wheatley: The First Published Black American Poet
This video tells the story of Phyllis Wheatley, a young girl from Gambia who became the first Black American to publish a book of poetry. Learn about her journey from enslavement to literary fame, her notable works, and her impact on...
Wonderscape
The Origins and Impact of Jim Crow Laws
Learn about the origins of Jim Crow laws and how they enforced racial segregation in the United States. This video traces the history from the minstrel character "Jim Crow" to the establishment of laws that restricted the freedoms of...
Wonderscape
Harriet Tubman: Conductor of Freedom
Learn about the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, the woman who led over 300 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Discover her bravery during the Civil War and her dedication to justice and equality. 10 Most...
Wonderscape
The Case for Reparations: Addressing Historical Injustices for Black Americans
Explore the long-standing debate on reparations for the descendants of enslaved Black people in the United States. Learn about historical examples, such as payments to Japanese Americans and Holocaust survivors, and modern efforts like...
Wonderscape
Obstacles to Black Voting Rights in U.S. History
This video explores the history of voter suppression tactics used against Black voters in the United States, from the Three-Fifths Compromise to Jim Crow laws, poll taxes, and literacy tests. Learn about the barriers Black voters faced...
Wonderscape
The Struggle for Black Land Ownership in America
Learn about the early history of Black land ownership in America, starting with Anthony Johnson, the first recorded Black landowner. Explore the impact of Special Field Order 15, the reversal of promises of "40 acres and a mule," and the...
Curated Video
Building The White House
The White House stands as a symbol of freedom, but the story behind its construction reveals some important contradictions.