Makematic
Land and Water
Discover Earth's physical features, from oceans to mountains, and learn how land and water form our planet's diverse landscapes.
Makematic
The Oklahoma Land Rush
The 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush triggered one of the largest migrations in U.S. history, as tens of thousands vied for new land, impacting Indigenous sovereignty and shaping the state.
Makematic
U.S. Settlement: Growth and Conflict
The mid-1800s saw diverse groups moving into the American interior. While this fueled U.S. growth, it also displaced Indigenous peoples, whose struggles continue today.
Makematic
The Gadsden Purchase
In 1853, the United States paid Mexico $10 million for less than 30,000 square miles of land, facilitating the completion of a Southern transcontinental railroad and decades of economic growth.
Makematic
French and Dutch Exploration in North America
European explorers like Columbus, Cartier, and Hudson claimed territories in the Americas for Spain, France, and the Netherlands, leading to European expansion at the expense of indigenous communities.
Makematic
New England Colonies
What was life like in the New England Colonies? Explore the transformation of New England from a harsh Pilgrim settlement to a revolutionary hotbed, encompassing conflict, cooperation and the quest for freedom.
Makematic
Historic North America
Prehistory – the time before we had written records – is filled with many unanswered questions. But by studying old objects, like tools and bones, scientists have found clues about North America's earliest inhabitants.
Makematic
Indigenous Peoples: Treaties and Alliances
From the close of the Revolution to the eve of Civil War, the U.S. signed 368 treaties with various Indigenous nations. Many were not upheld, leading to decades of injustice and distrust.
Makematic
The Battle of Little Bighorn
The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, is one of the most iconic conflicts in U.S. history. A clash for control of Montana’s Black Hills typified the U.S. government’s willingness to displace Indigenous...
Makematic
Burning of Washington
In 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces attacked Washington D.C., burning the White House and the Capitol, an act that galvanized American resilience.
Makematic
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?
Makematic
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.
Makematic
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.
Makematic
Metacom's Resistance: King Philip's War
After decades of peace between New England settlers and the Wampanoag, tensions over land and sovereignty erupted into conflict. King Philip’s War, named after a Wampanoag chief, would shift the balance of power decisively to the settlers.
Makematic
Expansion and Settlement of the United States
Today, the United States is home to more than 330 million people. In this video, learn about how the population has expanded and changed over time.
Makematic
The Treaty of Paris
In 1783, the Treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolution. This historic document secured American independence but failed to address important issues that would lead to future divisions.
Makematic
Harriet Tubman
Discover the remarkable story of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery in 1849 and went to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad and a leading exponent of abolition and women’s rights.
Makematic
Who Was James Madison?
James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution”. In this video for US students grades 3-5, we learn about Madison’s remarkable life, career and legacy.
Makematic
The Southern Colonies
What was life like in the Southern Colonies? Explore this region’s unique history, from the founding of Jamestown to their complex social, political and economic legacy.
Makematic
Economies of the 13 British Colonies
The 13 British colonies used their diverse regions and resources for trade, leading to prosperity, but ultimately tensions with Britain contributed to the American quest for independence.
Makematic
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion, a violent conflict between Virginia's poor working class and wealthy elite, had far-reaching consequences in North America.
Makematic
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?
Great Big Story
Fins of fashion, crafting stilettos from salmon skin
Discover the innovative intersection of fashion and sustainability where an Alaskan artist transforms salmon skin into stunning stilettos. This video showcases the unique craft, highlighting the eco-friendly approach to high fashion and...
Great Big Story
Northlandz, inside the world's largest model railroad
Discover Northlandz in Flemington, NJ, where over 18 years of passion led to the world's largest model railroad, featuring 40,000 ft of track and 400 bridges.