Bedtime History
Patrick Henry & The American Revolution
Who was Patrick Henry, and why is he still remembered today? In this video, we explore the life and legacy of Patrick Henry—one of the most famous voices of the American Revolution. Best known for his powerful words, “Give me liberty, or...
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George Washington Crosses the Delaware | Battle of Trenton
It was a freezing night in 1776, and things weren’t looking good for George Washington’s army. In this episode, we’ll learn how Washington led a daring surprise attack by crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas night. His bold move...
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Battle of Yorktown for Kids | Siege of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown in 1781 was the turning point that sealed America’s victory in the Revolutionary War. With General George Washington leading American forces and French allies providing crucial naval and military support, the siege...
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The French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was a bloody struggle between Britain and France for control over North America. It created the conditions for the American Revolution.
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What is History?
What is History and how do we study it? Explore the difference between primary and secondary sources, why it’s important to search for more than one source and why learning about our past can tell us more about our present.
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Common Sense
Published in 1776, Thomas Paine's 47-page pamphlet, "Common Sense", sold hundreds of thousands of copies across the colonies. By employing relatable language and Biblical references, it rallied many to the cause of American independence.
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Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation created the United States' first government. This foundational document paved the way for the development of a more unified and powerful federal system, under the U.S. Constitution.
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The Coercive Acts
Learn how Britain's Coercive Acts, aimed at punishing Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party, encouraged rebellion in the Thirteen Colonies.
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The Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts of 1767-68 imposed heavy taxes on American colonists, sparking widespread protests and setting the stage for the American Revolution.
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The Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts were a series of trade laws passed by the British Parliament in the 1600s. Learn about how they fuelled discontent in the Thirteen Colonies, setting the stage for the American Revolution.
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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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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 Economic Impact of the American Revolution
The American Revolution cost lives, livelihoods and millions of dollars in cold, hard cash. So how did the fledgling United States generate funds, and what impact did the war have on the U.S. economy?
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The First Great Awakening
The First Great Awakening revived Christianity across the American colonies, introducing a new era of religious practice and community involvement.
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Lexington & Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first of the American Revolutionary War, famous for the “shot heard ‘round the world”. But how did it start, what happened during the battle and what impact did it have?
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Leaders of the Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War pitted determined colonists against an experienced British Army. Meet the military leaders who played pivotal roles on both sides.
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Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine's visionary writings, advocating freedom and democracy, were instrumental in shaping the United States' fight for independence. Explore his remarkable journey, from campaigning for higher pay as a tax collector in England,...
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How is History Constructed?
Historians are always finding new information from the past, in primary sources like letters, diaries, and government documents, which can change our understanding of historic events.
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The End of the Revolutionary War
What did the United States look like after the Revolution? Discover how economic, governmental and social challenges in the post-war period led to lasting reforms that fulfilled the promise of independence.
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Europe and the American Revolution
The American Revolution wasn’t just a fight between American colonists and Great Britain. France, Spain, and the Netherlands backed the rebels through financial and military assistance.
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The XYZ Affair
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.
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Boston Massacre
Tensions between colonists and Great Britain exploded with the Boston Massacre of 1770. The deaths of five men, alongside John Adams’ landmark defense of the British soldiers, helped sow the seeds of rebellion across the colonies.
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Revolutionary Riders
In 1775, American patriots rode out on horseback to spread the word that British troops were on the move. By mobilizing militiamen to rise up and fight, these brave messengers roused the colonies into rebellion.
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The Sons and Daughters of Liberty
In 1765, two secretive groups formed in Boston, Massachusetts to resist rising British taxes. The Sons and Daughters of Liberty forced the repeal of the Stamp Act and lit the spark of colonial independence.