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Trails of the West
In the 1800s, as the United States expanded, thousands travelled well-worn trails on foot and horseback in search of land and opportunity, often at the expense of Indigenous Peoples.
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The Seven Years' War: the First Global War
In 1756, Great Britain and France went to war for control of land, resources and global influence. The Seven Years’ War was the first truly global conflict, marked by major events across five continents.
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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.
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The Mayflower
The arrival of the Mayflower on the shores of Cape Cod in 1620 signaled the beginning of a new age of European colonization in North America. But why did the Pilgrims and Strangers want to migrate to the New World? Who were they? And...
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The Dawes Act 1887
The Dawes Act of 1887 empowered the federal government to divide Indigenous lands into plots, leading to the displacement of thousands and the loss of Indigenous sovereignty.
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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.
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Spanish Exploration in North America
Spanish Conquistadors, from Columbus to Cortés, reshaped the Americas, immensely impacting Indigenous communities and laying the groundwork for today's nations.
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Oceans
Discover Earth's five oceans – from the vast Pacific to the icy Southern Ocean – uncovering unique features, marine life, and geographic features like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
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Mountains
From the Sierra Nevada to the Rockies, these natural giants were formed in different ways over thousands of years, making up the United States's iconic landscape.
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Landforms
Landforms are natural features on Earth's surface. They come in all shapes and sizes. In this video, learn about the different landforms found in the United States.
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Land and Water
Discover Earth's physical features, from oceans to mountains, and learn how land and water form our planet's diverse landscapes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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?