The 1860 presidential election, pivotal in U.S. history, catapulted Abraham Lincoln to power, intensified national divisions over slavery, and led directly to the Civil War.

This video explains the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which introduced popular sovereignty as a way to decide the issue of slavery in new states. It also covers the violent aftermath, known as Bleeding Kansas, and other key events, such...

The 1st Congress of the newly established United States is hopelessly deadlocked on two critical issues. James Madison and the Southern states are pushing to move the seat of government from New York City to a location on the Potomac...

Dr. Forrester reviews key events of the Civil War and discusses changes in the South resulting from the war.

Dr. Scott Ellsworth, University of Michigan, teaches courses on African American history, Southern literature, race and sports, and crime and justice in contemporary U.S. society. Trained as a historian, he received his Ph.D from Duke...

In 1860, tensions were obviously high, not only between Democrats and Republicans, but within the Democratic Party. At the Democratic National Conventions, extreme pro-slavery "Fire-eaters," walked out in protest. They were nicknamed...

MOT 1944: CHURCH SERMON: WS Top of church. INT Chrurch w/ Dr. de Ovies addressing congregation in small church, speaking about Equal Rights. Caucasian congregation listening.

Here's the story of a President who consistently ranks as one of the worst. Does Franklin Pierce really deserve that ranking?

MOT 1944: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: WS Two story columned Southern mansion. African-American male driving horse & buggy. Richmond street. People at street car stop. African-American male moving down aisle of full bus, some soldiers in uniform,...

The 1st Congress of the newly established United States is hopelessly deadlocked on two critical issues. James Madison and the Southern states are pushing to move the seat of government from New York City to a location on the Potomac...

Here's the story of the caning of Charles Sumner.