TED Talks
TED: How art can shape America's conversation about freedom | Dread Scott
* Viewer discretion advised. This video includes discussion of mature topics and may be inappropriate for some audiences. In this quick talk, visual artist Dread Scott tells the story of one of his most transgressive art installations,...
Crash Course
Migration: Crash Course European History
Between 1840 and 1914, an estimated 40 million people left Europe. This is one of the most significant migrations in human history. So, who was leaving Europe? And why? Crash Course is on Patreon! You can support us directly by signing...
Wonderscape
Amelia Earhart's Final Flight and Legacy
This video recounts Amelia Earhart’s daring attempt to fly around the world in 1937. It details her final flight with Fred Noonan and their mysterious disappearance near Howland Island. Earhart's legacy as a pioneering aviator and symbol...
Great Big Story
Robert Heft's Flag, A High School Project That Redefined an Icon
Discover the inspiring story of how a high school student's class project became the official 50-star American flag.
Curated Video
Symbols to Remind Us
Mr. Griot explains American symbols and their meanings, focusing especially on the lyrics to the National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.
Curated Video
4th of July Project: How To Make An American Flag Banner
Independence Day is almost here! How do you plan to celebrate? If you're looking for a creative way to share your patriotism with others, check out this DIY project from Jessie. In this video, Jessie shows you How To Make An American...
PBS
Why Did We Plant a Flag on the Moon?
Why did Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin plant a flag on the moon? Moreover, why do astronauts and space agencies from across the world continually send their nations' flags to space? Today, Danielle traces the history and symbolism of...
Mr. Beat
Do You Have to Say the Pledge of Allegiance? | West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette
In episode 19 of Supreme Court Briefs, a bunch of Jehovah's Witnesses don't salute the American flag nor say the Pledge of Allegiance, and almost everybody else freaks out about it.
Mr. Beat
Can You Burn An American Flag? | Texas v. Johnson
In episode 7 of Supreme Court Briefs, a dude named Johnson burns the American flag and the whole country seems to freak out. Does the First Amendment protect flag burning?
Curated Video
From Boredom to Evil?
Psychologist Philip Zimbardo (Stanford) describes how a prime situational catalyst for dangerously abusive behavior is boredom of those in power positions.
Hip Hughes History
The Know Nothings Explained
An explainer on the short lived xenophobic and nativist political party, The Know Nothing Party a;so known as the American Party.
Curated Video
Can You See the Moon Landing Site with A Telescope?
Yes, it is theoretically possible to use telescopes to see if the moon landings were real, but practically no. It would take an incredibly powerful telescope to see signs of moon landings on the lunar surface, and even the best...
Mr. Beat
Texas v. Johnson
Dallas, Texas August 22, 1984 Protesters marched through the streets, destroyed property, spray-painted walls, broke windows, and threw dirty diapers and beer cans just outside of the Republican National Convention. Someone stole an...
Mr. Beat
West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette
Germany The 1930s The Nazis arrest thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses across the country who refuse to salute the Nazi flag. Why didn't they salute the Nazi flag? Well, for starters, it's against their religion to salute a flag, as they...
The March of Time
MOT 1945: BATTLE OF IWO JIMA: RAISING FLAG ON MOUNT SURIBACHI
ICONIC WS 5 United States Marines & 1 Navy corpsman raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, American flag flying.
The March of Time
1945: OCCUPIED WAKE ISLAND: VS United States Major Colonel Walter Baylor (unconfirmed) arriving on Wake Island, various Japanese soldiers standing at attention, U.S. soldiers raising American flag, Japanese soldiers saluting. WWII surrender
MOT 1945: OCCUPIED WAKE ISLAND: VS United States Major Colonel Walter Baylor (unconfirmed) arriving on Wake Island, various Japanese soldiers standing at attention, U.S. soldiers raising American flag, Japanese soldiers saluting. WWII...
Religion for Breakfast
The American Flag is a Religious Symbol
Is a secular ritual comparable to a religious ritual? Can we equate national symbols like flags and parades to religious symbols? This video argues: "yes." The American flag functions like a sacred symbol in American public life. The NFL...
The March of Time
MOT 1945: BATTLE OF IWO JIMA: UNITED STATES GENERALS
MS US General Holland McTyeire Smith (aka 'Howlin' Mad') (L), Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner, & General of the Army Douglas MacArthur (R) standing on deck of ship talking / LA WS Flags flying on ship, including US flag / VS Troop Chaplain...
The March of Time
MOT: Pictures of Greece; the end of Nazi occupation - part 16 of 20
MOT 1944: Victory parade through Athens, crowds watching from street and balconies.
The March of Time
MOT: Pictures of Greece; the end of Nazi occupation - part 15 of 20
MOT 1944: Victory parade through Athens, crowds watching from street and balconies.
Religion for Breakfast
Americans Are Religious About America
American Civil Religion Episode 1: "Americans Are Religious About America." This episode is an introduction to American Civil Religion. It launches a 5-part series on the topic. Basically, American Civil Religion is when Americans are...
Curated Video
Betsy Ross Flag: The Flag that Made and Divided America
In 1777, The Betsy Ross Flag was adopted by the thirteen colonies fighting for freedom as the United States’ first official flag. But not everyone in America was free.
Weird History
How Neil Armstrongs Moonwalk Changed History
Neil Armstrong made history on July 20, 1969, by becoming the first man on the moon, but he didn't brag about his experiences on Apollo 11. Facts surrounding the historic mission are more well-known than the story of the man who took...
Mazz Media
American Symbols of Freedom
Children recite the Pledge of Allegiance, but do they know why? Students recognize the American flag, but do they understand the history behind it? In this program, students will enjoy exploring the origins, stories, and meaning of our...