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The California Missions
The California Missions are a long-lasting legacy of Spanish colonization in the Americans. Built to spread Catholicism among Indigenous communities, they still exist today.
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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 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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Constitutional Compromise
In 1787, the United States government began a series of critical compromises that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, but also ensured African American enslavement for generations to come.
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Checks & Balances
In 1787, the framers of the Constitution met in Philadelphia to create a new form of government. The checks and balances that they wrote into law have distributed power evenly, between three branches of government, ever since.
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The Early Legislative Branch
Established in 1787, the U.S. Congress created its constitutional foundation and developed legislative processes to enact laws that reflect America's evolving needs.
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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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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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Independence Day
The Fourth of July marks the transformation of the 13 colonies into a free and independent United States.
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Constitution Day
On September 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day. A federal holiday, Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, a guiding document that continues to evolve and uphold the rights and freedoms of all U.S....
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The Treaty of Paris
In 1783, the Treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolution. This historic document secured American independence but failed to address important issues that would lead to future divisions.
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Who Was James Madison?
James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution”. In this video for US students grades 3-5, we learn about Madison’s remarkable life, career and legacy.
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James Madison's Legacy
James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” – but he was so much more than that. As author of the Virginia Plan and the Bill of Rights, his political genius proved vital in the founding of our nation.
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Framers of the Constitution
In 1787, during the Constitutional Convention, 55 men were in attendance as the U.S. Constitution was created. But who were they, what values did they share and what factors influenced the decisions they made?
Curated Video
Landmarks - Amber Room
AMBER ROOM WHAT YOU ARE VIEWING IS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A DREAM, THE AMBER ROOM IN CATHERINE’S PALACE IN ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. THE ORIGINAL ROOM MAY BE LOST FOREVER BUT THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF TWO FORMER VICIOUS ADVERSARIES,...
Curated Video
Knowledge & Politics
Seven established researchers provide real-world examples of the relevance of TOK (Theory of Knowledge) concepts in their research. This interdisciplinary TOK Sampler explores the overlap between theory of knowledge and the political...
Curated Video
Smallpox: The First Vaccine
How the contagious and lethal smallpox virus was finally eradicated - 150 years after the first chance to prevent a global outbreak was missed. Biology - Cells And DNA - Learning Points. Smallpox is an acute, contagious disease - one of...
Curated Video
The Woman Who Fought as a Man in the American Revolution
Deborah Sampson is one of the earliest women to enlist in the U.S. Army and disguised herself as a man in order to fight during the American Revolution. Born in 1760, she faced hardships, including being orphaned and working as an...
Weird History
History's Strangest Beauty Trends
It's impossible to meet the incredibly unrealistic and changing beauty standards of our world, and many of us have already spent way too much time trying to pluck, paint, or contour ourselves into stacking up. It may not be a surprise to...
Curated Video
Tamerlane's Invasion and the Rise of the Mughal Empire in India
At the end of the 14th century, Tamerlane the Great led Mongol forces into India, attacking Delhi and leaving devastation in his wake. However, Tamerlane's interest in India was short-lived, as he withdrew after plundering the region,...
PBS
The Evolution of Creepy Dolls
Maybe it’s the unblinking eyes, staring at you, emotionless, day and night. Or, perhaps it’s their small size acting as a cloak of innocence. Or their human-like appearance that makes them seem just slightly too real. However, you want...
Curated Video
The Growth of a Nation
Dr. Forrester explains that the United States became a country in 1783 after seven hard fought years of the American Revolution. The original thirteen colonies became thirteen states. The United States grew to a total of fifty states as...