Great Big Story
The Remarkable Journey of Robert Smalls, From Slavery to Statesman
Uncover the inspiring story of Robert Smalls, who escaped slavery via a daring sea mission and later became a significant political figure.
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The Plymouth Colony and Colonial Life in the 1600s
Dr. Forrester tells the story of the Plymouth Colony and how difficult life must have been for the early settlers like the Pilgrims and the Puritans.
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William Penn
Dr. Forrester tells story of William Penn, the father of the city of Philadelphia and the founder of the state of Pennsylvania.
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European Immigration and Ellis Island
Dr. Forrester talks about the variety of immigrants who have come to America and the various reasons they came. She then talks about the immigration center at Ellis Island.
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Harriet Tubman
Dr. Forrester talks about heroism which leads her to the story of a truly heroic woman, Harriet Tubman.
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What is the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty is more than just a statue – it’s a collection of powerful symbols that represent the United States, its history and the ideals that it holds dear.
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Protests at the White House
There is a rich history of protests and demonstrations at the White House and Lafayette Park, from the suffragists' silent pickets to a peace vigil that has spanned across decades.
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Building The White House
The White House stands as a symbol of freedom, but the story behind its construction reveals some important contradictions.
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Life in the Colonies: Women
In the Thirteen Colonies, women had limited rights and freedoms. Their lives, influenced by marriage, status, and coverture laws varied greatly, reflecting the evolving society of the time.
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What is The Liberty Bell?
From its creation in 1701 to its role in American independence and beyond, the Liberty Bell embodies the United States’ enduring values of liberty, equality, democracy, and freedom for all.
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What is the U.S. Flag?
Tracing its evolution from the Grand Union Flag to today's 50-star design, the U.S. flag represents the nation's journey, embodying values of liberty, equality, democracy, and freedom for all.
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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?
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What is the English Bill of Rights?
The English Bill of Rights curbed the power and influence of the English monarchy and gave more power to their subjects. It’s the basis for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.
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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?
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Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier: Free Speech in School
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the right to free speech. But when student journalists in Missouri wrote a series of articles on teen sex and divorce in 1983, their school appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court for the...
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What is Common Sense?
It’s one of the most important documents in US history, but how did Thomas Paine’s 47-page pamphlet, Common Sense, turn the tide of the American Revolutionary War?
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What is the Magna Carta?
It was written over 1,000 years ago, and commissioned by an English King – so what makes the Magna Carta one of the most important documents in US history?
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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.
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Mottos and Symbols
A motto is a saying that stands for what a person, an organization or a country believes in. The United States of America has had two mottos. Let’s learn what they are and what they mean.
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What is Constitution Day?
Constitution Day takes place every year on September 17. It celebrates the written document that outlines the rights and freedoms of U.S. citizens.
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What is the 4th of July?
Independence Day takes place every year on the 4th of July. It celebrates the day that the Founders of the United States declared their independence from Great Britain.
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The Pledge of Allegiance
All across the United States, its citizens regularly stand, with hands on heart, to make the Pledge of Allegiance. But what is it, what does it mean and why is it so important?
Great Big Story
Diveheart, Transforming Lives Through Scuba Therapy for the Disabled
Explore the profound impact of Diveheart, an organization founded by Jim Elliott that uses scuba diving as therapy to empower individuals with disabilities, offering them a unique sense of freedom and pain relief.
Great Big Story
This Man Escaped the Iron Curtain by Zip Line
Join Daniel Paul on an extraordinary journey from the oppressive grip of Czechoslovakia's Communist regime to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. In this captivating narrative, Daniel recounts his daring escape alongside physicist Robert...