Wonderscape
Benjamin Franklin: A Key Figure in American Independence
This video delves into Benjamin Franklin's pivotal role in the American Revolution. It outlines his efforts in England to represent colonial interests, his escape from treason charges, and his influential work as an American ambassador...
Curated Video
Viva La France
Dr. Forrester discusses the influences of American ideals and their influence on the French Revolution.
Curated Video
The Department of the Treasury
The Department of the Treasury, inspired by its first secretary, Alexander Hamilton, is responsible for managing the production of money and maintaining the crucial systems underpinning the financial infrastructure of the United States.
Curated Video
The Culper Spy Ring
With the Patriots at risk of defeat by the British during the American Revolution, Continental Army Commander George Washington relied on the Culper Spy Ring for timely and accurate information about the enemy's intentions.
Curated Video
The Burning of the White House
When British troops set the White House alight during the War of 1812, White House staff rallied to save its contents, including a priceless work of art that survives to this day.
Curated Video
James Lafayette: Revolutionary Spy
Born enslaved, James Lafayette became one of the most important Patriot spies of the American Revolution, helping to gather vital information on the British Army. His work helped the United States secure independence.
PBS
Why Do We Have Political Parties?
John Adams warned us. George Washington begged us not to. Despite numerous warnings, here we are on the cusp of the 2020 election with two major parties locked in a perpetual struggle for power. Today Danielle looks at the emergence of...
Curated Video
Mysterious Mountain Man
Author and independent scholar Matthew Stewart recounts his puzzlement when first confronted with Ethan Allen’s 477-page philosophical tract.
Curated Video
The Deist Revolutionary Payoff
Author and independent scholar Matthew Stewart describes how rationalist notions from Epicurus down through Spinoza and Locke strongly influenced the American Revolution.
Curated Video
The American Model
Author and independent scholar Matthew Stewart describes how the success of the American Revolution broadcasts a universal message.
Curated Video
Revolutionary Importance
Author and independent scholar Matthew Stewart highlights two different aspects of the American Revolution: the struggle for national independence and the quest to establish a new form of government.
Curated Video
Revolution or Civil War?
Historian David Armitage (Harvard) describes how the terms "revolution" and "civil war" are often far less clear cut than we might imagine.
Curated Video
Investigating States
Historian David Armitage (Harvard) details the evolution of his interest in the overlap of history and politics.
Curated Video
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence identifies the purpose and significance of the Declaration of Independence by reviewing the causes of the American Revolution.
Curated Video
Life for Women after the Revolutionary War
Life for Women after the Revolutionary War identifies significant groups that played a role in the American Revolution by examining how life changed for women after the Revolutionary War.
Curated Video
Who Founded the Republican Party?
In the United States’ two-party system, the Republican Party competes with the Democratic Party for political power. But when was it formed and how has it changed over the years?
Curated Video
Who Founded the Democratic Party?
It’s the oldest political party in the United States, but how was the Democratic Party formed and what contributions has it made to U.S. society since?
Curated Video
What are Unalienable Rights?
What are unalienable rights and why are they so important? In this video, we explore why Thomas Jefferson included them for the first time in the Declaration of Independence.
Curated Video
Why did the Colonies Declare Independence?
In the late 1770s, U.S. patriots banded together to declare independence from Great Britain. But why did they want their independence and what kind of country did they want the United States to be?
Curated Video
Branches of Government
The federal government of the United States of America is split into three separate and distinct branches. But what do the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary do and why are they necessary?
Curated Video
Who was George Washington?
The story of George Washington’s life and legacy as father of our country.
Curated Video
Who was Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin wasn't just a founder of the United States, he was also a writer, inventor, scientist, statesman, and a huge celebrity in the thirteen colonies.
John D Ruddy
American Revolution (Remastered Edition) - Manny Man Does History
This remastered edition of the American Revolution has a steadier pace and widescreen conversion.
One Minute History
006 Thomas Jefferson - One Minute History
Thomas Jefferson is born on a plantation near Charlottesville, VA. After inheriting the property, he clears the mountaintop and names it Monticello, or ‘little mountain’. In law school, Thomas is elected to the VA House of Burgesses and...