Instructional Video2:45
Makematic

The Indian Removal Act of 1830

K - 8th
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced relocation of Indigenous Peoples from the fertile East to the arid West, marking a tragic chapter in U.S. history with the harrowing Trail of Tears.
Instructional Video2:19
Makematic

The Monroe Doctrine

K - 8th
In 1823, President James Monroe redefined U.S. foreign policy with a three-paragraph addition to his State of the Union address. The Monroe Doctrine ultimately led to a new era of U.S. imperialism.
Instructional Video2:10
Makematic

Money

K - 8th
Money helps people, businesses and countries to buy what they want and need. In this video, learn about how money is used, and why it is important.
Instructional Video2:18
Makematic

The Gadsden Purchase

K - 8th
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.
Instructional Video2:34
Makematic

Causes of the Spanish-American War

K - 8th
Between 1895 and 1898, as Cuban revolutionaries fought for independence, a number of social, economic and political factors drove the United States and Spain to the brink of war.
Instructional Video2:55
Makematic

Lewis and Clark

K - 8th
In the early 1800s, Meriweather Lewis and William Clark charted the vast Louisiana Territory, providing the first maps and detailed documentation of its geography, plants, animals, and Indigenous populations.
Instructional Video2:11
Makematic

The Supreme Court

K - 8th
The Supreme Court is the most powerful court in the United States. In this video, learn about the history of the court, and what it represents to the country.
Instructional Video2:00
Makematic

The Capitol

K - 8th
The Capitol is a symbol of the United States government and the people. In this video, learn about the history of the building, and why it is important.
Instructional Video1:59
Makematic

Honesty

K - 8th
Honesty is a civic virtue that helps make communities fairer and safer for everyone. In this video, learn about how you can show honesty in your community.
Instructional Video2:09
Makematic

Levels of Government

K - 8th
In the United States, federal, state, and local governments work together to run the country. Find out the responsibilities of each level of government.
Instructional Video2:24
Makematic

Extablishing the Three Branches of Government

K - 8th
In 1787, the founders agreed to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new system of government. The Constitution divided power between the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary, each with its own roles and responsibilities.
Instructional Video2:19
Makematic

The XYZ Affair

K - 8th
The controversial XYZ Affair escalated tensions between the U.S. and France in the 1700s, leading to naval confrontations at sea and a crisis of democracy in the United States.
Instructional Video1:58
Makematic

Indigenous Peoples' Day

K - 8th
Indigenous Peoples' Day pays tribute to America's original inhabitants, honoring their rich cultures, languages, and significant contributions to the nation.
Instructional Video2:30
Makematic

The Mexican-American War

K - 8th
The Mexican-American War saw the U.S. and Mexico fight over Texas between 1846 and 1848, leading to significant territorial changes and setting the stage for future conflicts.
Instructional Video2:28
Makematic

Secession and Confederacy

K - 8th
In 1860, tensions over slavery pushed the United States to the brink of collapse, leading to secession of 11 states and the creation of the Confederacy.
Instructional Video2:38
Makematic

The Impact of the Civil War

K - 8th
On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter, South Carolina, marking the explosive start of the Civil War. The conflict led to short-lived progress and long-term struggles for true racial equality.
Instructional Video2:11
Makematic

Harriet Beecher Stowe

K - 8th
At a time when more than 3 million African Americans were enslaved in the United States, Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a groundbreaking book that galvanized the public to call for their freedom.
Instructional Video2:10
Makematic

The Liberty Bell

K - 8th
In the United States, the Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom. In this video, learn about the history of the bell, and why it is still important today.
Instructional Video2:21
Curated Video

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

9th - Higher Ed
The top ranking officer of the US federal judiciary, the Chief Justice presides over the US Supreme Court. But how did the role come into being and what are his or her roles and responsibilities?
Instructional Video2:24
Curated Video

The Federal Trade Commission

9th - Higher Ed
The Federal Trade Commission is an independent agency dedicated to limiting the power of big business, protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair competition. It’s the reason you can buy what you want, when you want it – providing you...
Instructional Video2:16
Curated Video

The Federal Reserve

9th - Higher Ed
Born from a series of financial crises in the 20th century, the Federal Reserve, or Fed, controls monetary policy in the United States to ensure economic growth through maximum employment and fair pricing.
Instructional Video2:23
Curated Video

Social Security

9th - Higher Ed
When times get tough, Social Security provides a vital financial lifeline for U.S. citizens in need. But how did this revolutionary legislation come into being and what benefits does it provide?
Instructional Video2:18
Curated Video

Puppy Diplomacy and the Cold War

9th - Higher Ed
In 1961, a gift from Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to President John F. Kennedy, the adorable pooch Pushinka, brought the men closer together. Did puppy diplomacy prevent an all out nuclear war?
Instructional Video2:11
Curated Video

Department of Homeland Security

9th - Higher Ed
Established in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security might be the youngest of all the federal government’s departments, but its work to safeguard “the American people, our homeland, and our values” couldn't be more important.