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Ancient Greek Theater
Greece was home to hundreds of open-air arenas where citizens came together to discuss the important issues of the day. Like Broadway today, they were a place for both entertainment and important social commentary.
Peter Harris: The Catawba Who Fought For Independence
The American Revolution was a war that involved many different people and forced Native Americans to choose sides, like Continental Army hero, Peter Harris.
The Horn Work
It struck fear into the hearts of the British – rising 30-feet high and stretching three blocks long. The most terrifying object in US history – the Horn Work!
Crispus Attucks: Symbol of Resistance
The first person to die in the American Revolution, Crispus Attucks became a symbol of resistance against British rule.
Race to The Moon
This is a timeline of the key events in the Space Race between the USA and the USSR during the Cold War. Beginning in 1947, the US and the Soviet Union began to develop technology in order to explore space, and in 1969, the US lands the first astronaut on the moon.
Reconstruction: Old Nation or New?
Reconstruction was one of the most tumultuous periods in US history. After four years of Civil War, not everyone agreed on the best way forward. The result was 12 years of violence and political strife.
The Cannon: How The Cannon Revolutionised The Way Battles Were Fought
Long range, high calibre weapons – the cannon helped propel the Union to victory. But how did the technological advances that took place during the Civil War change the game?
The Bloodiest Race Riot in US History
It began as a protest against the Conscription Act of 1863 – but quickly descended into the bloodiest race riot in US history. So why did New York’s White working class kill at least 120 people during the New York Draft Riots?
War on the Water: Civil War Navies
The American Civil War wasn’t just fought on land – it took place on rivers and seas too. But the contrast between Union and Confederate navies could not have been more stark.
The Donner Party’s Deadly Detour
Taking a shortcut in the unexplored American West was always a gamble – but for the Reed and Donner families it proved catastrophic.
Stephen H Long: The Man Who Mapped the West
Stephen H. Long mapped much of the unexplored American West – but he made one big mistake that set Western migration back decades.
The Story of American Barbecue
Today, barbecue is a big part of American culture. But did you know that this staple of the great American menu is actually older than the United States itself?
John Wesley Powell: Wild West Explorer
Despite losing an arm in the US Civil War, John Wesley Powell was one of the great explorers of the American West, and made history as the man who mapped the Grand Canyon.
Angel Island: America's Untold Immigration Story
When you think of America's immigration story, you think of Ellis Island New York... right? Think again, because over 2,500 miles away is Angel Island, where immigrants coming into the West Coast were processed for entry to the US, but it was an experience that was anything but welcoming.
John Adams: The President Who Defended the Redcoats
He was a fierce patriot and Founding Father – so why did John Adams defend British soldiers accused of murder following the Boston Massacre of 1770?
Sally Hemings: Surviving Slavery and Sexual Exploitation
Sally Hemings was an enslaved woman who had several children with Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. Her story of agency and eventual emancipation remains an inspiration.
Ellen Ochoa: The First Female Hispanic Astronaut
In 1993, Ellen Ochoa wrote her name in the stars – as the first Hispanic woman to enter orbit. She continues to inspire generations of aspiring astronauts today.
Teaching Ruby Bridges
In the 1960s, Black schoolgirl Ruby Bridges and White teacher Barbara Henry showed America the true power of racial integration in the classroom.
Dolley Madison: The First First Lady
As the host of unrivaled skill, First Lady Dolley Madison brought the US political elite together by throwing the best parties Washington, D.C., had ever seen.
Helen Keller's Watch
Deafblind pioneer Helen Keller campaigned for a better America – with the help of a remarkable watch that she didn’t have to see to read.
Judy Heumann: The Mother of ADA
Teacher Judy Heumann dedicated her life to fighting for disability rights and was one of the architects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), changing U.S. society forever.
Tuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen, otherwise known as the Red Tails, were the first all Black air squadron in U.S. history. Their bravery and skill during the Second World War is legendary.
What Makes The Importance of Being Earnest a Classic?
Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest was first performed in February 1895, just weeks before Wilde's career was destroyed by scandal. With themes of deception and double meaning, it lampoons Victorian ideas of class and morality.
What Makes The War of the Worlds a Classic?
In H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds, a brutal alien army descends on Earth, intent on colonising the planet for its own ends. First published as a novel in 1898, the story tapped into fears that advances in technology would herald a new age of warfare.
Katherine Johnson: Trailblazing NASA Mathematician
At a time when American space exploration was dominated by men, mathematician Katherine Johnson broke through gender and racial barriers to help change our understanding of the cosmos forever.
Mary McLeod Bethune: Fighting for Equality in the Classroom and Beyond
Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator activist, recognized that going to school could be a form of activism. Her groundbreaking work helped change America for the better.
Amending the Constitution
The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times in its history, but what did they change, and how?
The Age of Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs roamed on Earth for around 165 million years and existed for around three distinct periods. A catastrophic event 66 million years ago, which wiped out more than half of life on Earth, including the dinosaurs, is believed to be caused by meteorites crashing into Earth.
Empires of the Americas
This is a timeline of the history of the Empires of the Americas, from 3100 BCE to the fall of the last standing empires in the 16th century.
The Crusades
This is a timeline of the battles and events of The Crusades, from 1095 to 1291. A series of military expeditions in which European Christians sought to retake the Holy Land of Jerusalem from Muslim control.
Renaissance
This is a timeline of the history of the Renaissance, from 1305 to 1543. The Renaissance was a period of cultural, artistic and scientific "rebirth" in 14th century northern Italy, which saw the emergence of new and innovative art, literature, and scientific discoveries that laid the foundation for the modern world.
Exploring the World
This is a timeline of the events in the history of the Age of Exploration from the early 1400s to 1521. During the 15th and 16th centuries, European explorers set sail to discover new lands, great riches and exotic goods, leading to the discovery of trade routes across the world and the first circumnavigation of the globe.
The Cold War
This is a timeline of events in the history of the Cold War, from 1945 to 1991. The Cold War was a period of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union after the end of World War II, as they tried to prevent each other from gaining too much power, with the threat of nuclear weapons looming.
The Cuban Missile Crisis
This is a timeline depicting the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis as they unfolded from 1952 to 1963. When the Soviets installed nuclear missiles on the Caribbean island of Cuba in 1692, a diplomatic standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union began. Tensions rose and the world watched as nuclear war loomed. A deal was finally struck on October 28th, 1962 to end the crisis.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
This is a timeline of the life of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from 1756 to 1791. One of the most celebrated and influential composers in the history of music, Mozart began his musical journey as a young child. Despite his untimely death at the age of 35, he left behind a legacy of over 600 compositions, including some of the most renowned works in Classical music.
Stirling's 400: The Men Who Saved Washington's Army
In 1776, the British intended to end the Revolutionary War in North America swiftly and decisively. But their plans to crush the rebellion in New York were thwarted by a small group of soldiers: Stirling’s 400.
John Burgoyne: Gentleman General
When General John Burgoyne took command of the British Army in Canada in 1777, he was confident of success. He had the command experience and the plan to end the war. So how did his campaign unravel so spectacularly?
Banastre Tarleton: The Bloody Butcher of Waxhaws
Perhaps no fighter on Revolutionary War battlefields created such a name for themselves as Redcoat cavalry officer Banastre Tarleton. His aggressive tactics earned him the devotion of his men, and the burning hatred of the Patriots.
Colonel Tye: Scourge of Patriots
Escaping slavery at a young age, ‘Colonel Tye’ became an extremely effective guerilla commander, fighting for the British. Nobody could stop his Black Brigade - and they didn’t just raid Patriot targets, they also freed many slaves.
Lord North: Britain's Worst Prime Minister?
When Lord North became Prime Minister of Britain in 1770, the protests in the Thirteen Colonies were just a minor inconvenience. But his response to the Boston Tea Party started a war that would ultimately end his career.
Revolutionary Firepower: Muskets & Rifles
On the battlefields of the Revolutionary War, a new weapon conveyed deadly advantages - the rifle. So why did the musket remain the weapon of choice for infantry?
Thomas Hutchinson: Governor of a Rebellious Colony
Did you know that during the Revolutionary War, not all colonists wanted to become independent? Those who chose to remain loyal to the British crown included Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson. But was he a traitor - or simply a public servant doing his job?
Executive Order
What actual powers does the President have? Well, as it turns out – a lot. Including the power to make new orders at the stroke of a pen.
Oath of Office
Promises might just seem like words, but in the legal system and government, they’re crucial. Oath of Office is part of a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
Prohibition: Capitol Hill Secret
While Prohibition made it to illegal to sell, transport or make alcohol in the United States, the top brass in the US Congress were able to stay well-lubricated – thanks to the nefarious work of famed bootlegger, George Cassiday.
Ghost Army
The WWII 23rd Headquarters Special Troops – otherwise known as the Ghost Army – was a top secret tactical deception unit deployed by the US Army during the Second World War to fool the enemy by any means necessary.
Juneteenth Explained
Also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth celebrates the resilience of Black Americans and the historic achievement of abolition itself. But how did it come about?
Molly Pitcher: The Heroine of Monmouth
The story of Molly Pitcher - cannon firing heroine of the Battle of Monmouth - is famous. But is it a myth? Or was there a real Molly Pitcher?
Western Department: Frontier of the Revolution
In the American Revolutionary War, the Western Department was tasked with trying to defend the huge Western frontier of the Colonies. Short of men and supplies, they faced a formidable enemy – the Native American nations of the Ohio territory and beyond.
Ninety-Six: A Town Divided by War
The small town of Ninety-Six, in South Carolina, was the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War in the south. Later in the war the town's military fort came under siege from Nathanael Greene's Patriots. The site can still be visited today.
City Tavern: Bar-room Base for the Revolution
If there’s one building in the United States that could claim to be the birthplace of American democracy, it would have to be the City Tavern, Philadelphia. Built to be a grand meeting place for the movers and shakers of the time, it was the informal center of politics right through the years of the Revolutionary War.
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.
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day takes place every year on the last Monday of May to honor and remember members of the armed forces who fought and died for the United States.
What is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day takes place every year on November 11 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of all those men and women who fought and died for their country, during war and peacetime.
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.
Who was Daniel Webster?
Lawyer, orator and politician, Daniel Webster was one of the United States’ most famous and accomplished people in the 19th century. But what made him so special and how did he help change America?
The Battle of Cowpens: Morgan Vs Tarleton
The Battle of Cowpens was a showdown between two talented field commanders - Continental General Daniel Morgan and British Colonel Banastre Tarleton. With armies of equal size, they both thought they could win. Only one of them was right.
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?
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?
In re Gault: Juvenile Rights
In re Gault was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that ensured juveniles accused of a crime would receive the same Fourteenth Amendment rights as adults. It all stemmed from a teenager making a prank call.
Malitzen: Enslaved Interpreter for Hernan Cortés
The enslaved Native woman who acted as the primary interpreter for Hernan Cortés during his conquest of the Aztec Empire.
Ida B. Wells: Journalist and Anti-Lynching Activist
Investigative journalist Ida B. Wells made it her mission to exposing the horrors of racism in the American South, but it wasn't easy.
Mediterranean World: Inspiring America's Democracy
Discover how 3,000 years ago the Ancient Mediterranean World improved the life of the people through trade and the sharing of customs, knowledge and ideas.
1619: The Legacy of Slavery in America
1619 was a significant year in the history of America for better and for worse. In Jamestown, Virginia the first slaves were imported and sold. Meet Nikole Hannah-Jones; author of New York Times' "1619 Project" who will examine the impact of that year on American History, culture and development.
Madam Queenie: New York's Notorious Crime Boss
America has always been captivated by crime and the sharp-dressed, trigger happy men who dominate the underworld. But one story remains criminally neglected, that of gambling kingpin Stephanie St. Clair, aka Madame Queenie - the Robin Hood of Harlem.
The Windshield Wiper: A Female Innovation
The first mass-produced car in America was basically a lawnmower with leather trim, but it was a start, right? This is the story of Mary Anderson and the Windshield Wiper - an invention that happened by a stroke of fate!
America: Nation of Immigrants
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses..." It's true that the United States has always been a nation of immigrants, but as the debate around border control becomes louder and more polarised, will we be in the future?
GI Jane: What I Loved About Serving in the Army
Selective Service may only apply to young men but more women than ever are entering the US military. Meet Lesley-Ann Crumpton, a former Captain in the US Military Police who will explain more about her life and what inspired her to do her part.
Is Now The Time to Talk About Guns?
Gun control in the United States has been a loaded term for decades. So who is favour of the Second Amendment – and who is fighting back against it?
Chapstick Spy Devices and the Role they Played in Watergate
21st century spies have some serious tech at their disposal but back in the 1970s, things were a little more DIY. This is the story of a spy device disguised as chapstick tubes that played a key part in America’s most infamous burglary, Watergate.
Barbara Jordan: The Black Texan Politician who Broke the Glass Ceiling
At a time when women and people of colour were all but excluded from the US government, one woman stormed the corridors of power and made them her own. This is the story of Barbara Jordan, the African American from the South who defied expectations by being selected to serve in Congress and who became one of the finest legislators in US history.
Claudette Colvin: The Original Rosa Parks
You know the story of David and Goliath, right? Well, America has its own version. Only our hero is 15-year-old African-American, school girl Claudette Colvin and in 1955, she took on the State of Alabama for real. The original Rosa Parks!
Get Schooled! How the Electoral College Works
It's a system that's unique to the United States of American – but exactly is the electoral college, how does it work and what part does it play in our democracy? Discover more about the group of "electors" who have the final say.
The History of Birth Control
The invention of the Pill in 1967 revolutionised birth control everywhere. But US scientists Gregory Pincus and John Rock weren't the first people to experiment with contraception – civilisations around the world have been doing it for centuries.
Can America's War on Drugs Ever Be Won?
As our understanding of the consequences of drug abuse has improved, so America’s relationship with drugs has changed. From Nixon to Trump, the so-called 'War on Drugs' has cost the US government billions – but will there ever be an end in sight?
Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat
The 16th President of the United States of America is recognisable for many things – his distinctive beard, his height, his black bow tie – but it's the impressive stove hat that he bought in Washington, DC that became his enduring trademark.
Jim Thorpe: Native American Olympic Hero
Football, baseball, basketball player – he was one of America's most talented sportsmen and the first Native American to achieve Olympic Gold glory! So why don't we see Jim Thorpe's name up in lights?
Fighting for LGBTQ Rights: Is the United States Really United?
The 10th Amendment to the Constitution allows each state to set its own laws. That's meant that in Colorado, LGBTQIA+ rights have often been repressed. Meet the students at William J. Palmer High School who took their school district to court - and won!
The Turtle Submersible: The First Military Submarine
Designed in 1775, the Turtle Submersible was a military submarine that pushed the limits of engineering, in an attempt to defeat the formidable British Navy.
AIDS Memorial Quilt: Raising Awareness a Stitch at a Time
The AIDS Memorial quilt is a community art project that changed the world’s perception of HIV and AIDs.
The Swivel Chair: How Thomas Jefferson Innovated the Office Chair
Thomas Jefferson’s words helped found a nation. But did you know that he also invented the modern day swivel chair?
The Cold War: Keeping Friends Close, but Enemies Closer
Using animals to spy on enemies was an espionage tactic employed by the US during the Cold War - and beyond.
The Equal Rights Amendment: A Woman's Prerogative
The Equal Rights Amendment proposes to protect women and other marginalized genders under the U.S. Constitution - so why hasn't it been ratified?
Women of the American Revolution: The Real Unsung Heroes
During the American Revolutionary War some American women disguised themselves as men in order to join the fight, and played a critical role both on the home front and on the battlefield.
Ulysess S Grant: Profile of a Leader
In 2020, a statue of former US President Ulysses S Grant was toppled by Black Lives Matter protesters. A Civil War hero who helped bring about an end to slavery, he was a controversial figure too.
George W. Bush: After September 11
In the wake of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil in history, President George W. Bush delivers a much anticipated speech to a Joint Session of Congress, outlining America’s reaction to the unprecedented atrocity.
The Golden Age of Illustration
The Golden Age of Illustration flourished at the turn of the 20th Century, when artistic flair collided with new technology.
A Tale of Two Leaders
Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis led Americans in the American Civil War. Both men were born in Kentucky and led opposing sides. But what happened to them both once the war ended?
Mary Carson Breckinbridge
Mary Carson, born into the wealthy Breckinridge family in 1881, changed the face of US midwifery. This is her story.
Tobacco Press
Today we know the risks of smoking tobacco, but over 100 years ago the dangers were less well known, and tobacco became a booming business in Kentucky. It’s success can impart be credited to the Burley tobacco press
How America Prepared for Nuclear War
This is the untold story of how the US prepped citizens for a potential atom-bomb Armageddon.
The Golden Age of Sci-Fi Literature
Coinciding with the Machine Age, the Golden Age of Sci-Fi Literature saw American authors combine factual science with fantastical fiction to take readers into the farthest reaches of the imagination.
Negotiating the Surrender of New Netherland
How two wives saved New Amsterdam from total destruction by English invaders through the power of negotiation.
The United Colonies of America: More Diverse Than You'd Think
Despite their many differences, the North American colonies eventually came together as one country – the United States of America. It’s that acceptance of other cultures, other ideas, other people, that makes us truly American.
The Gilded Age: When America Became a Superpower
Learn about the Gilded Age, a period of immense social and industrial change in US history.
The Anti-Masonic Party
Learn about the Anti-Masonic Party and how it challenged elitism at the highest echelons of US government.
Coast to Coast: America's First Transcontinental Railroad
Before there were viral videos and trending hashtags, the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 was one of the first mass media events in US history. Behind the glitzy headlines of that historic day - there’s a darker story to be told.
Mad Ann Bailey: Heroine of the Kanawha Valley
Historic accounts describe her “wild” appearance. So why did English settler Mad Ann Bailey don men’s clothes to take up the fight against Native American tribes?
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, is rightly recognised as one of the most touching and solemn war memorials in the world. But when plans for the memorial were first unveiled, many Vietnam veterans and US political leaders were outraged.
9/11: Art From Ashes
September 11, 2001 is a day etched into the memories of millions. Art around the world is being used to explore and understand.
Industrial Espionage
Industrial espionage, or the theft of trade secrets, costs the US economy between $188 and $540 billion dollars every year. But Americans have been committing economic crimes for centuries!
What is Fairtrade?
What is fairtrade? And how does it benefit our society? Let's find out.
Our Solar System
Blast off into space and learn more about our solar system.
Earthquakes or Hurricanes
The Earth has a lot of activity: both under the ground and in its atmosphere. This activity can lead to extreme weather conditions. Let's find out more.
Ancient Egypt
Find out what made the Ancient Egyptian civilisation one of the most interesting and vibrant civilisations in human history.
History Before Humans
History is the story of everything that has happened in the past. Let's journey back in time and take a look at what life was like before humans.
World Climate
Different parts of the world have different climates. Let’s look at what causes them.
Water
Water is essential for life on Earth. Why is it so important and where does it come from? Let's find out.
The American Revolution
The American Revolution was a war between American Patriots and their British rulers. Find out how it began and how it resulted in the foundation of the United States of America.
Inspirational Women of the 20th Century
Let’s meet some of the many women who have left a lasting impression on the past century.
Planet Earth
Planet earth is where we live, the surface is covered in land and sea.
What Is Global Warming?
The temperature on earth is increasing due to human activity.
The Dawn Chorus
Birds sing as the day breaks for all sorts of different reasons, their songs together are called The Dawn Chorus
Weather in Other Countries
The weather in other countries and during other seasons can be very different but people in those places make the most of it.
Let's Go Fly a Kite
Making and flying your own kite can be lots of fun on a windy day, remember to ask an adult for help if you need it
Climate Change: Melting Ice and Rising Seas
Climate change is causing the ice at the North and South Poles to melt and sea levels to rise.
The Tulsa Race Massacre Explained
It was one of the deadliest terror attacks in US history. So why wasn’t the Tulsa Race Massacre properly taught in US schools until 2019?
The European Union
How was the European Union formed and how does it benefit its members?
Ice
Everything you ever wanted to know about ice!
Invasive Species and Unwelcome Guests
Over millions of years, plants and animals have evolved to suit the environment or habitat in which they live.
What was the Edenton tea party?
The Boston Tea Party is remembered as one of the key moments that sparked the American Revolution. But it was lesser known protests like the female-led Edenton tea party that kept the flames burning. David Rubenstein tells the story in a fact-filled history minute.
Why was one of the greatest athletes of all time stripped of his Olympic medals?
Jim Thorpe was a Native-American athlete who achieved Gold glory at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. So why was he stripped of his medals? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
What are the origins of the rainbow flag?
Today, the Rainbow Flag is synonymous with the LGBTQ+ community worldwide, representing acceptance, inclusivity and freedom for people of all sexual and gender identities. But what is its origin story? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
Was the American Revolution a Civil War?
As anti-taxation protests turned to war in the Thirteen Colonies, even moderates ended up being forced to take sides. So was the American Revolution a civil war as well as an independence movement?
Back to Work: The Civilian Conservation Corps
In the 1930s, hundreds of thousands of Americans were recruited across the United States to protect and preserve the country's forests, parks, and fields. The Civilian Conservation Corps, a voluntary work relief program, was way ahead of its time.
Gladys Bentley: Breaking All the Rules
At a time when homosexuality was illegal in the United States, LGBTQ+ artist and pioneer Gladys Bentley broke all the rules to become one of the wealthiest Black performers of her time.
Somerset v. Stewart: Dawn of Abolitionism
James Somerset was an enslaved man who was taken taken to London in the eighteenth century. His friends decided to challenge whether slavery was legal through the English courts - the result changed perceptions of slavery forever.
National Archives and Records Administration
The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency dedicated to the preservation of historic government records. With storage facilities across the United States, NARA's contents give us an insight into our country's history.
Winston Churchill
One of the finest leaders of his generation, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s inspirational speeches – and steadfast self-confidence – helped rouse a nation to war and ultimately save the world from the destructive forces of Fascism.
Joseph Stalin
This is a timeline of the life of Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union. Shaped by revolutionary forces, he rose through the ranks of the Communist Party to become one of the world's most powerful leaders. He led USSR through the horrors of the Second World War, fighting on the side of the Allies in the defeat of Germany.
The Burning of Washington
During the War of 1812, British forces stormed into Washington, D.C. and set fire to the White House and other federal buildings. Rather than dent U.S. morale, the sacking of Washington served to galvanize the population against the British.
The Battle of Fort McHenry
The War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain ultimately ended in stalemate, but in the aftermath of one U.S. victory, a poem was penned that would become the new nation’s national anthem.
War on the Lakes
If the U.S. Navy was to defeat the British during the War of 1812, it would not do so on the open seas. The battles that raged on the Great Lakes, however, would have a huge impact on the outcome of the war.
Angela Davis
Despite being on the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted list, Angela Davis went on to become an international symbol of resistance against social injustice.
Propaganda
Propaganda is information designed to influence people’s opinions and actions, but how do governments use it as a covert action to elicit a response?
Social Security
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?
Isaac Newton
This is a timeline of the life of English mathematician and scientist Isaac Newton, a key figure in the Scientific Revolution in the 16th and 17th centuries. Most famous for his theory of gravity, his work on the laws of motion changed our world forever.
Election of 1824: When the House Chose
In the Presidential Election of 1824, five men from one party were up for the job. It was left to the House of Representatives to figure out a winner – and the aftermath led to the modern two-party system.
Election of 1876: Testing the Constitution
The Presidential Election of 1876 was considered a foregone conclusion, with Democrat Samuel J. Tilden sure to defeat Republican Rutherford B. Hayes, but disputed Southern electoral votes led to an outcome that nobody predicted.
The Pentagon Papers: Explained
The Pentagon Papers revealed how the U.S. government had lied to the public about its involvement in the Vietnam War. Leaked by the New York Times, this opened the door for future whistleblowers to expose the truth.
Susan La Flesche Picotte: The First Female Native American Doctor
At a time when many Native Americans were refused healthcare by racist White doctors, Susan La Flesche Picotte overcame gender discrimination to become the first Indigenous woman in U.S. history to earn a medical degree.
Election of 1912: Third Party
In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt's bold creation of a new political party, the Bull Moose Party, challenged rivals Taft and Wilson, forever altering the political landscape of the United States.
The Microprocessor
From the ingenious invention of integrated circuits to the revolutionary Intel 4004 microprocessor, this remarkable technological wonder, which serves as the brains behind our computers and devices, revolutionised the way we live and interact with technology.
The Computer
From enormous engines – to tiny devices that fit inside phones, the invention of the computers revolutionised almost every part of modern life in some way - our workplaces, our homes and even our social lives.
Afong Moy
Afong Moy is believed to be the first Chinese woman to step foot on U.S. soil and her presence sparked an American fascination with Chinese culture, but her experience in the United States was far from welcoming.
Hubris: Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr's ambition led him from political prominence to infamy. Fueled by hubris, he dueled Hamilton and plotted treason, showcasing the perils of unchecked pride.
Gwendolyn Brooks
The first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, Gwendolyn Brooks wrote about the hardship and struggles of ordinary people.
World War II
Those who take the U.S. Citizenship Test must understand the reasons behind the United States’ involvement in World War II, why the U.S. was initially neutral, and what happened as a result of Imperial Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Susan Clark Holley: Breaking Barriers in Education
Facing racial barriers in 19th-century Iowa, Susan Clark Holley’s legal battle pioneered school desegregation, laying early groundwork for the monumental Brown v. Board of Education case.
The Seventh Amendment
The Seventh Amendment guarantees the right to a trial by jury. But why is that crucial for civil cases?
The Brontë Sisters
In the 19th century, amidst societal expectations for women to stay home, the Brontë Sisters defied norms, pursuing their literary dreams. Their novels unveiled the genuine aspirations of women at the time.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore, carved into South Dakota's Black Hills, features Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. It symbolizes pivotal moments in American history and leadership.
Daily Life in the Colonies
From bustling cities to quiet farms, colonial life was filled with the diverse experiences of European settlers, Indigenous communities, and the enslaved.
Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas transformed her challenging experiences into groundbreaking novels, inspiring young African Americans to raise their voices.
Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson's journey, from her upbringing during the Civil Rights movement to becoming a celebrated children's author, showcases her dedication to creating stories that resonate with diverse experiences, especially for young Black readers.
The Lost Generation
The devastation and disillusionment that resonated through society in the aftermath of World War I had a profound impact on the literary landscape, notably a group of U.S. writers living in Europe, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. These writers are known as the Lost Generation.
Epistolary
Discover the captivating world of epistolary literature, where stories unfold through letters and documents. Explore its rich history, unique storytelling elements, and how it connects readers to characters' inner thoughts and feelings.
Elections in the United States
How do elections actually work?
Peggy Shippen: The It Girl Spy
Peggy Shippen, the Philadelphia It Girl who spied for the British during the American Revolution.
The Gettysburg Address: The Two-Minute Speech That Saved America
It’s got fewer words than the average rap song, and takes less time to read than it does to boil an egg. So how did the Gettysburg Address inspire a global movement for democratic change that’s still shaping our lives today?
Robert E. Lee: The Man Behind the Myth
He’s revered as the greatest Confederate general of them all, the personification of Southern loyalty, tradition and military strength. But there’s a lot more to the so-called ‘Marble Man’ than meets the eye. So, who was the real Robert E Lee?
The Battle of Athens and Gun Control
The story of how the Second Amendment was used in a fight against democracy, during the Battle of Athens, Tennessee.
Civil War Tactics: Shooting as Many as Possible
The Greeks fought in phalanx formation. In medieval times, they preferred the wedge. So what made Civil War armies fight in long, straight lines that left them wide open to attack?
Lives of the Enslaved During the Civil War
How did life change for enslaved people as the American Civil War raged around them?
The New South: After Reconstruction
After the American Civil War, the American South attempted a rebrand. But would it accept the progressive social and political changes of the Reconstruction Era?
Rubber Gloves: The Simple Invention That Revolutionised Medicine
This is a love story behind one of the most important medical inventions ever made - the rubber gloves.
The Surfboard: The Evolution of the Surfboard
This totally rad piece of water sports equipment empowered millions of Americans to ride the waves – but how did the humble surfboard evolve through the years?
What Makes Little Women a Classic?
When Little Women was first released in 1868, it sold 2,000 copies in just two days. A coming-of-age story that defied convention, it has gripped and inspired readers for generations.
Jailhouse Fight for Prisoners' Rights
What rights, if any, do prisoners have under US law? It’s a question that came to a head during the Attica Prison Riots of 1971.
The First Allies of the Revolution
The United States’ first true allies, the Oneida Tribe helped the Patriots to win the American Revolutionary War – but at what cost?
The Secret Balloons that Bombed America
In 1944, Imperial Japan attacked the West Coast of America with hundreds of balloon bombs flown 6,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean. They took the lives of five Oregon school children and their teacher – and remain a threat to this day.
Josefa Segovia: The Only Mexican-American Woman Hanged in California
Was Josefa Segovia – the first and only woman hanged in the state of California – killed for her actions or her race? And what can we learn from her tragic story?
Birth of the Lone Star State
Today, Texas is famous around the world as being the most American state of them all – but it once belonged to Mexico. For almost a decade, it was an independent republic.
The Civil War Battle for Bread
When the women of Richmond, Virginia couldn’t afford to buy bread during the American Civil War, they incited the largest civil disturbance the Confederacy had ever seen.
Horse-Riding Librarians
The Pack Horse Library Initiative saw hundreds of female librarians cross the Appalachian Mountains to deliver books to those in need.
The 442nd: The Most Decorated Regiment of the Second World War
Despite the racism they faced, the bravery and heroism of the Japanese American 442nd Regiment Combat Team made them one of the most decorated units in United States history.
The Explosive Story of Dynamite Hill
When Black residents moved into one neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, White supremacists unleashed a wave of terror against the community.
Pandemic Lockdown of 1918
The Spanish Flu was one of the deadliest pandemics the world has ever seen – so how was one sleepy Colorado town able to escape unscathed?
Changunak Antisarlook: The Reindeer Queen
She was known as the Reindeer Queen – and one of the richest women in Alaska. So how did Changunak Antisarlook use her remarkable wealth to benefit the Inupiat community?
Polly Bemis: Chinese Immigrant Pioneer
Sold into slavery by her parents, Polly Bemis faced discrimination as a Chinese immigant in America – but became something of a pioneer of the West.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's Pursuit of Absolute Equality
This film is about the most important events of Watkins Harper’s early life, highlighting her early achievements as a writer.
Joseph Henry Douglass: Changing America With Music
Classical violinist Joseph Henry Douglass helped empower the Black community through music and education at a time when Southern lawmakers were pushing back against the progress of Reconstruction.
George III: The King Who Lost the Colonies
Before the Revolutionary War took hold, there was hope amongst several American colonists that the British King, George III, would ultimately intervene to stop his government imposing their will on the North American continent. But those American revolutionaries had overestimated both the monarch’s power over parliament and his desire to avoid conflict.
The Secrets of the Zimmermann Telegram
The Zimmermann Telegram, a secret message from Germany to Mexico during the First World War, ended the United States’ neutrality and sealed the fate of the Central Powers.
The Harlem Cultural Festival: Soul Time
The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, also known as Black Woodstock, was a watershed moment for Black culture in America - that history almost forgot.
What Makes The Invisible Man a Classic?
First published as a novel in 1897, HG Wells' The Invisible Man is the story of a scientist corrupted by his own ambition. A gripping story of madness and immorality, its brutal conclusion still has the power to shock today.
What Makes Dracula a Classic?
First published in 1897, Bram Stoker's Dracula is the chilling tale of a bloodthirsty narcissist. Drawing on European folktales and gory accounts of a 15th century ruler, the novel reimagined the age-old vampire myth for a new generation.
What Makes A Doll's House a Classic?
Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House is a feminist drama that challenged social convention - and scandalised 19th century audiences. First performed in Denmark in 1879, its subversive themes still resonate today.
What Makes The Odyssey a Classic?
Homer's The Odyssey is the ancient Greek tale of one man's epic journey home from war. Full of vengeful gods and deadly sea monsters, its influence can be seen in countless books, comics and movies today.
Patsy Mink: Groundbreaking Congresswoman
What do you think of when you picture Title IX? Inequality has plagued America’s youth for generations. Patsy Mink, a then young Japanese-American, vowed to change the system forever.
What Makes The Scarlet Letter a Classic?
First published in 1850, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is a moving novel that explores judgement, shame and redemption in 17th century Massachusetts.
The Scientific Revolution
This is a timeline of the Scientific Revolution, a period of great scientific advancement in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Marked by a rejection of traditional ideas and a questioning of religious beliefs, it led to a new approach to experimentation and significant breakthroughs in fields like biology, astronomy, and physics.
Charles Darwin
This is a timeline of the events in the life and work of English naturalist Charles Darwin, from 1831 to 1882. Darwin's study of the natural world showed how life developed through evolution. His book 'On the Origin of Species' would prove to be one of the most influential scientific works in history.
Sitting Bull
This is a timeline of events in the life of Sitting Bull, from 1831 to 1890. A Sioux warrior chief and holy man, Sitting Bull fought to protect his tribe's land from being taken by the U.S. government and is remembered as one of the greatest Native American warriors in history.
Vincent van Gogh
This is a timeline of events in the life of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, from 1853 - 1890. Known for his vivid and unique oil paintings, Vincent van Gogh found it hard to make a living from his art and struggled with his mental health during his lifetime.
Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King Jr, an influential activist and Christian minister, led the Civil Rights Movement to fight for the rights of African Americans through the 1950s and 60s. He believed in non-violent protest and his work helped to tear down racial segregation and inspire generations of activists seeking Civil Rights and a more equal society.
New Jersey: The Birthplace of Women's Suffrage?
When women finally won the right to vote in 1920, it wasn’t the first time in the nation’s history that they’d been able to cast ballots - for a period after the revolution, women in New Jersey could, and did, vote.
The Hessians: George III's German Mercenaries
The Hessians were one of the most feared armies in 18th Century Europe. This elite group of soldiers from modern-day Germany traveled to America to fight for the British in the Revolutionary War. But more than 3,000 of their number never returned home, ending a century-long Hessian history as troops for hire.
Shays' Rebellion: Revolt Against the Revolution
After the Revolutionary War was won, Daniel Shays led a thousand-strong rebellion of disgruntled farmers who almost plunged the new nation of the United States into civil war in Massachusetts. Their actions, although defeated, led to a reassessment of values that informed the creation of the US Constitution. They called themselves ‘Regulators’ - and, by that moniker, they succeeded.
Lord George Germain: Long Distance Government
Have you ever tried to video call a friend on bad wi-fi? What if you had to direct a war from 3500 miles away - and the communication lag was two months?! That's what Lord George Germain, the British Secretary of State for America had to deal with during the Revolutionary War.
Joseph Plumb Martin: Private Yankee Doodle
What were the day to day struggles faced by the common soldiers of the Continental Army? How did they stay alive? The memoir of Joseph Plumb Martin - or ‘Private Yankee Doodle’, veteran of battles and harsh winters - paints a vivid picture.
Vice President
POTUS gets the big house, the fancy cars, and all the attention. But there’s someone in the background who deserves respect. Let’s give it up for the VP!
Congressional Whip
A Congressional Whip works with the party’s leadership in Congress to make sure everyone follows the agenda and votes together. They’re the muscle – the enforcer in a smart suit.
History of the Hashtag
Everyday, millions of people around the world use hashtags to sift through the Internet’s endless content – but where did this ubiquitous symbol actually come from?
Robber Barons or Captains of Industry?
The Gilded Age was a period of unprecedented industrial and economic growth in the United States – but were the men at the helm captains of industry or robber barons out for their own?
The History of the Rainbow Flag
The rainbow flag is one of the most recognisable symbols in the world, synonymous with tolerance and LGBTQ+ rights. But how was it created?
Robert Morris: Financier of the Revolution
Robert Morris was a shipping tycoon, financier and Founding Father who was crucial to the Continental war effort. But was he genuinely committed to the cause – or just trying to make a quick buck?
Francis Marion: The Swamp Fox
In 1780, when the British took Charleston, it looked as if the rest of South Carolina might end up in Loyalist hands. But a band of Patriot partisans, operating out of the Pee Dee River swamp areas, kept humiliating the British with repeated surprise attacks. Their leader? Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox.
The Battle of Red Bank: Von Donop's Downfall
In October 1777, two small undermanned forts on the Delaware River were all that were stopping the British from gaining complete control of the area around Philadelphia. But while the British attack had strength in numbers and a Royal Navy backup, it was led by the impulsive Colonel von Donop, a man determined to regain his honor at all costs…
What is Medal of Honor Day?
Medal of Honor Day takes place every year on the 25th of March. It celebrates brave U.S. military service people who went above and beyond to protect our way of life.
Regimental Flags: Symbols of Pride
For soldiers on the battlefields of the Revolutionary War, the regimental flag was essential, both as a way of keeping their bearings in the chaos of the fight and a way of projecting their identity.
Oriskany: End of the Iroquois Confederacy
The Battle of Oriskany was one of the most bloody of the entire Revolutionary War. It was fought between Patriot militia and members of the Iroquois Confederacy who had been forced to take sides. It was a bitter encounter, from which there were no winners.
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?
What are the Different Forms of Government?
Every country on Earth is run by some form of government – but there are many different kinds, from autocracies and oligarchies to direct and representative democracies.
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 right to censor the content – and won.
How did a statue help win the fight for independence?
It was erected in New York as a symbol of English King George III’s grip on the North American colonies. So how did a metal statue help American Patriots win the Revolutionary War? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
How did a tennis match change the world?
In the 1970s, tennis player Billie Jean King threw down the gauntlet for gender equality in an epic tennis match against self-proclaimed chauvinist Bobby Riggs, hailed as the Battle of the Sexes. So how did one tennis match change the world? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
How did the United States buy Alaska?
Now a picture perfect US state, Alaska was once owned by Russia. So how did the United States buy this huge tract of land in the 1800s? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
What did kitchens have to do with the Cold War?
In the midst of the Cold War, things got heated, when, in 1959, US Vice President Richard Nixon engaged in a very public spat with Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev. So how did a kitchen bring two world leaders to loggerheads? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
First Pets of the White House
A succession of presidents and their families have kept animals at the White House, some more unusual than others, including sheep, a raccoon, a snake, and of course, cats and dogs.
Princeton: Washington's Key Victory
After winning the Battle of Trenton, George Washington was determined to keep the initiative. He marched his troops through the night towards Princeton, where he faced the British army once again, and won one of the key victories of the Revolutionary War.
Puppy Diplomacy and the Cold War
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?
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.
The Haymarket Affair
One of the worst miscarriages of justice in U.S. history, the Haymarket Affair, a labor action in support of an eight-hour working day, led to the unlawful executions of four Chicago residents.
The Battle of the Chesapeake
The Battle of the Chesapeake was a fiercely fought sea battle between the British and French Navies. At stake wasn’t just control of the Chesapeake Bay, but the fate of the British Southern Campaign and the entire Revolutionary War.
Department of the Interior
Many government departments have a focused mission, but the Department of the Interior is known as the "Department of Everything Else." So what are its responsibilities and how does it keep our country in check?
White Propaganda
Often deployed by governments during times of crisis, white propaganda has a known source and simple slogans, and uses strong visuals to rally public opinion.
Propaganda Today
In the digital age, it’s never been easier for governments to influence our opinions and actions using propaganda. So what does propaganda actually look like in the 21st century – and how effective is it?
American Privateers: Pirates or Protectors?
At the time of the Revolutionary War, naval warfare wasn’t just the preserve of governments. Private businesses could also send armed vessels out to sea. It was a risky business, but American privateers inflicted millions of dollars of loss on British supply lines – making some very rich in the process.
The 1920s
This is a timeline of the Roaring Twenties - a decade of unrivaled optimism and plenty, as many Americans – flush with cash – luxuriated in new sights, sounds and ways of life. But all came to an end as the economic boom turned to bust.
The 1930s
This is a timeline of the 1930s, a decade marked by immense challenges and hardships, from the Great Depression to World War II. The 1930s had a huge impact on nations and families as millions struggled to adapt to changing circumstances. It ended with the world to the brink of destruction.
World War I: Part Two
This is a timeline of events during the second half of World War I, from 1916 to 1919. From the devastating Battle of the Somme to the introduction of U-boats and the eventual signing of the Treaty of Versailles, this period witnesses significant battles, shifting alliances, and the profound impact of the war on nations and their people.
Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce is one of the largest, most powerful of U.S. government agencies. Its mission? To “create the conditions for economic growth and opportunities for all communities.”
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.
Rebecca Lee Crumpler
This is a timeline of the life of the first African American woman to qualify as a doctor, Rebecca Lee Crumpler. Crumpler dedicated her life to treating women and children who lived in poverty, and her book, Medical Discourses, helped others to care for themselves.
John Logie Baird
This is a timeline of Scottish engineer and inventor John Logie Baird’s life, from 1888 to 1946. From his early experiments in transmitting moving images to the development of color and three-dimensional television, Baird's groundbreaking innovations revolutionized the entertainment and technology landscape, shaping our world today.
The Soviet Union
This is a timeline of the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, from 1905 to 1991. From the revolution in 1917 to the dissolution in 1991, the Soviet Union emerged as the world's first communist state under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin and later Joseph Stalin, but internal struggles, economic challenges, and demands for independence led to its eventual disbandment.
Election of 1948: The Underdog
The suspenseful 1948 presidential election exposed the consequences of flawed polls, as Truman's astonishing victory upended expectations and forever changed how pollsters make predictions.
The Airplane
From the invention of the airplane by the Wright brothers to the advancements in jet engines and space exploration, aviation reshaped the world, revolutionising global connectivity and bringing people closer together.
The Elevator
From steam-powered lifts to Elisha Graves Otis' groundbreaking safety hoist in the 1850s, the invention of electric elevators revolutionized vertical mobility, giving rise to soaring skyscrapers and reshaping city skylines.
Navigational Novelties
From ancient cave carvings to modern satellite technology, the remarkable progression of navigation tools revolutionised exploration, enabling sailors to navigate uncharted waters and unlock the secrets of the world.
The Telephone
From Alexander Graham Bell's invention to the evolution of mobile phones and smartphones, invention of the telephone had a revolutionary impact on communication worldwide, connecting people across long distances and becoming the most widely used communication device on Earth.
The Television
It’s the marvellous machine that brings the world into your living room. From fuzzy pictures to high-definition images, watching television has kept us informed and entertained for decades.
The Camera
Today, taking photographs has never been easier. But it took a lot of hardwork and experimentation to get to where we are today. Let’s explore how the camera has evolved through time.
Injustice: Roger Taney
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney's unjust majority opinion in Dred Scott v. Sandford shockingly declared Black individuals weren't citizens, solidifying slavery's grip and pushing the nation closer to Civil War.
Prudence: Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson's prudence in orchestrating the Louisiana Purchase, despite constitutional concerns, doubled the size of the U.S., securing its position on the global stage.
Octavia Butler
First popularized as a genre of literature in the 1920s, for decades science fiction was dominated by white male authors. That is until Octavia Butler, an African American woman, rewrote the script.
Letitia Carson: Defiant Pioneer
In the mid-19th century, only around 3% of those who traveled West on the Oregon Trail were Black. Among them was Letitia Carson, the only Black woman in Oregon to successfully receive land through the Homestead Act.
Tituba: The First Accused Witch
The Salem Witch Trials are one of the most infamous tragedies in American history, yet most people do not know the story of the enslaved woman at the heart of the hysteria, the first accused witch, Tituba.
Harriet R. Gold Boudinot: Interracial Marriage in Early America
The interracial marriage of Harriet R. Gold and Elias Boudinot transcended racial taboos of the 1800s, leaving a lasting impact on both the Cherokee and Cornwall communities.
Ona Judge: Self-Emancipated from the Presidential Mansion
Born into slavery on George Washington's plantation, Ona Judge's daring escape highlights the ideological contradictions of personal liberty in early America.
Texas v. Johnson
What happens when the right to free speech, clashes with symbols of freedom? This is the story of Texas v. Johnson, when the Supreme Court ruled on whether burning the US flag was constitutional.
Griswold v. Connecticut
When gynaecologist Estelle Griswold opened a birth control clinic in Connecticut, she was convicted of a crime. Convinced the law banning birth control was unconstitutional, she took the case to the Supreme Court.
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.
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.
The White House
The White House is more than just a residence for the President. Explore the building’s remarkable history and learn how it became a symbol of the United States.
What is Presidents' Day?
Every year, on the third Monday of February, Americans celebrate Presidents’ Day. A federal holiday that originally began as a birthday celebration for George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Madeleine L'Engle
For Madeleine L’Engle, the starry night sky sparked profound questions about life, the universe, and her place in it. Inspired by science and spirituality, her extraordinary works of fiction have captured the hearts and minds of millions.
Barbara McClintock: Scientific Persistence Pays Off
Barbara McClintock used corn to make pioneering discoveries in genetics, despite facing gender bias and initial skepticism from the scientific community.
Clara Brown: Pioneering Philanthropist
Clara Brown made history as a founding settler of Central City Colorado. After gaining her freedom from slavery, she became a philanthropic force for good.
Walter Dean Myers
Author of more than 100 books for young readers, Walter Dean Myers overcame many struggles in his personal life to write stories that represented the Black experience and the struggles of young Americans.
W.W.Jacobs
Author W.W. Jacobs crafted a unique blend of Gothic horror and dark comedy in his writings, most notably in 'The Monkey’s Paw', to inspire horror icons like Stephen King and Alfred Hitchcock.
Life in the Colonies: African Enslavement
Africans brought to the Thirteen Colonies faced hardships and resisted slavery in their quest for freedom.
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.
Art as Activism: Statements of Democracy
Art is a powerful democratic tool because it can inspire emotion and empower people to take direct action to achieve a social or political goal.
Age of Revolution: When Enough is Enough
In the late 1700s, three major revolutions changed the course of history in the name of freedom and equality. The Age of Revolutions bore witness to this change.
Stonewall Uprising: The Fight Against Oppression
The LGBTQ+ community took a stand in 1960s America. Discriminated against because of their sexuality and gender identity, they campaigned for a fairer, freer society in a time of social and political upheaval in America.
What is the Significance of 1619?
The year 2026 marks the bicentennial of a landmark year in US history – when the first European women and enslaved people arrived on North American soil, and US democracy was born.
Marie van Brittan Brown: Creating CCTV in Queens
How did a hardworking nurse from New York City invent the world's first home security system? When a burglar tried to break into her apartment in the 1960s, this kickass crimefighter went where no-one had gone before.
Frances Oldham Kelsey: Standing Up to Big Pharma
Meet Frances Oldham Kelsey - a true American hero! Frances was a pharmacologist working for the FDA who stood up to the big drug companies and ultimately saved thousands of American lives in the process.
Could Veganism Save The World?
Veganism is sweeping the global. So why are more and more people deciding to cut all animal products from their diets – and why could doing so help to save the Earth?
William Jennings Bryan: Flag of an Empire Speech
Former U.S. Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan spoke in Indianapolis back in 1900 on the opposition of Imperialism within America. The speech has since been entitled Flag of an Empire.
We Call BS! Why Guns Are Big News
Millions of Americans value their Second Amendment right to own and carry arms. However, after 17 students and staff were shot dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School back in Florida in 2018 - students became the voice in the fight for gun law change. Meet Harvard University lecturer and author Caroline Light who explains why the gun control debate in America is louder than ever before.
The Ruby Laser: A World First
Lasers aren't just for sci-fi fans. We use them to scan barcodes in shopping malls, conduct surgeries, even remove tattoos! All thanks to the very first, the Ruby Laser.
The Founding Fathers: Who Were They Really?
The Founding Fathers were American patriots who helped create a nation, but there are some things you might not know about them...
The War of Independence: The Minorities who Fought for Freedom
The American Revolutionary War defined our Country, with Black and Native American soldiers playing a key role.
Ronald Reagan: Tear Down This Wall
On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan delivers a speech to the people of West Berlin, calling upon the Soviet Union to tear down the wall that divides the city.
Protest Music of the Vietnam War
In protest against the Vietnam War - one of the most divisive conflicts in US history - American musicians wrote and performed hundreds of songs calling for peace and criticising the US government’s handling of the war.
Musical Theatre: From Athens to Broadway
Musical Theater originated in Ancient Greece, but in the late 19th century the artform took America by storm.
Ball Culture of New York City
Ball Culture can be traced as far back as the 1860s in New York City, where LGBTQ+ people began to create safe spaces where they could express and celebrate their identities freely.
Graffiti: Street Art or Vandalism?
Do you see Graffiti or Street Art? Explore the "pioneering era" of graffiti that took place during the years 1969 through 1974, as well as its enduring appeal today.
The NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Thurgood Marshall represented the country's first civil and human rights law firm. Known as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, they raised money, amassed lawyers, and launched lawsuits throughout the country to fight segregation.
The Rosenbergs: First Civilians Executed for Espionage
Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were the first US citizens to be convicted and executed for sharing government secrets during peacetime. Were they innocent?
Mary Church Terrell: Championing Suffrage and Civil Rights
Mary Church Terrell was a lifelong activist who advocated for suffrage and equal rights.
The Shelleys and the Right to Fair Housing
JD and Ethel Shelley fought against restrictive covenants for the basic right to choose their own home. These agreements prevent homes being sold to people of certain races.
Language of the Revolution
Did you know that hipsters were a thing back in the 18th century and were known as Macaroni? Our ancestors liked to get creative with language: especially in the world of politics.
America's First President: Setting Precedents
Did you know that George Washington didn’t want to become the first US President? Despite his reluctance, he set many precedents which remain pillars of the office today.
Wartime Elections
What is the effect of war on elections? Benjamin Franklin famously wrote: “Nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”, but he forgot one thing – Presidential elections!
The Supreme Court: Gatekeeper of the Constitution
Ever wonder why a new appointment to the Supreme Court is such big news? Of the three branches that make up the Federal Government, it’s arguably the judiciary – the courts system – that has the greatest impact upon our lives.
All Men are Created Equal? The Founding Fathers' Views on Slavery
What did the Founding Fathers really think of slavery? And how did that impact the laws they created?
When Russia Sold Alaska
In 1959, the United States officially welcomed Alaska into the family as the 49th state. But did you know that 100 years earlier, Alaska was actually part of Russian America?
Stetson Kennedy: Unmasking The Ku Klux Klan
Folklorist and social crusader, Stetson Kennedy, helped unmask the KKK, one of the deadliest hate groups in US history.
Invoking The 25th Amendment
What happens when the President is no longer able to perform their duties? That’s when the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution comes into play.
Roberto Clemente: True Baseball Hero
Puerto Rican All-Star Roberto Clemente hit 240 home runs and was W a two-time World Series champion. He won the coveted Golden Glove twelve years in a row, but life in America was anything but easy.
Modern Medicine
Learn about the bizarre and often dangerous medical treatments used in America up until the 20th century.
Mount Rushmore
It’s one of the most recognisable landmarks in the United States – but what’s the untold story behind Mount Rushmore National Monument?
Opening the Oval with David Rubenstein: Presidential Power in Wartime
In this episode, David Rubenstein explores Presidential Power in Wartime with historian Michael Beschloss and documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
Epidemics
They’re diseases that affect people living in a single country or region – but what impact have historic epidemics had on US society?
Abstract Expressionism
By showing people that art can be used to express what we feel, rather than what we see, Abstract Expressionism changed how we define what art is.
Indigenous North American Tattoos
To Indigenous Americans, tattoos aren’t just decorative, they’re also sacred, rich in artistry and meaning, and of huge social, cultural and religious significance.
Carving a Pumpkin
Carving a pumpkin for Haloween takes, planning, skill and the right tools for the job
Filtering Water
Drinking clean water is important for health and wellbeing, it's sometimes necessary to use a filtration system to filter dirty water into clean
Manhattan Project Human Experiments
When scientists at the top secret 'Manhattan project' wanted to discover how radioactive bomb materials could affect the human body – they secretly injected terminally ill patients with uranium to find out.
From Farm to Fork
We enjoy thousands of foods and flavours every day and almost all of them come from a farm. Learn more about the journey from farm to fork.
Norway
Journey with us to Norway, where we learn all about this amazing country.
Minding Our Planet
If no one bothered to care for our environment, our world would be a very different place. Let's look at some small changes that can make a big difference to our world.
Space Race
Who will be the first to send a human into space? Who will be the first to walk in space? And, most importantly, who will be the first to walk on the moon?
Landmarks and Places that Stand Out
Here are a selection of world-famous landmarks, natural and some man made.
Extreme Weather and Climate Change
Is the world slowly getting warmer and warmer? Climates are changing – and extreme weather is more common than you think!
North America
It is the third largest continent, after Asia and Africa. But how much do you know about North America?
Wired to Wireless – Morse Code
Today, the telephone has become central to our lives. It has changed the way we communicate. But where did it all begin?
Martin Luther King Junior
Let's take a look at Martin Luther King Junior’s tireless work in the peaceful fight for justice.
Musical Instruments
There are many different and amazing types of musical instruments which are suited to different types of music from classical to digital
Irish Charities
Irish charities do a lot of good work in the community with the homeless, elderly, animals, children and other people in need
The Human Lifecycle
The human lifecycle is from birth to death and covers everything in-between
Day and Night in Antarctica
Antarctica is a fascinating cold continent inhabited by seals, penguins and other wild life at the South Pole
The Emergency Services
The Emergency services are the Coast Guard, the Fire Brigade, The RNLI Lifeboat Service and The Ambulance Service.
All About Bees
Bees are yellow and black insects which have two wings and six legs who fly from flower to flower collecting pollen to make honey
Farming: Past and Present
People have been farming for thousands of years, the process has changed a lot over the years
Working at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is a busy place where lots of people work at different important jobs.
Making Land out of Water
How is land formed on water? Let's find out.
French Revolution
Let's take a trip back in time and learn all about the French revolution.
The Maori
The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Vasco Da Gama
Vasco da Gama was born in the 1460s in Sines on the south-west of Portugal. Find out all about his life and achievements.
Zoot Suit Riots
Did you know that in LA, it’s illegal to wear Zoot suits? A fashion crime that dates back to the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943.
Jovita Idar: Voice of the People
Imagine throwing shade at a politician online and police showed up to arrest you! It would be un-American, right? In this video, we'll explain the story of Jovita Idar, a Mexican-American journalist who refused to be silenced!
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.
Democratic Symbols
In ancient Athens, symbols were used to promote religious and democratic ideals and beliefs. Thousands of years later these symbols helped to define the United States.
The Road to Athenian Democracy
What forms of government preceded democracy and how did this pave the way for the ancient Athenians to invent democracy?
What is The Constitution?
How has the U.S. Constitution endured when it was created over 200 years ago? Why is it still the supreme law of the land today?
Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion
Nat Turner - known as the prophet in his enslaved community, led a violent uprising that changed everything.
The Camera: How The Camera Exposed The Reality of The Civil War
The camera changed how many Americans saw the Civil War – and exposed millions to the horrors of conflict for the very first time.
Black Cowboys of the West
The stereotypical image of a White cowboy dominates popular culture – but in the 19th century, a quarter of ranch hands were Black!
Wanted: The Infamous Reno Gang
Over a two-year period in the 1860s, infamous train robbers the Reno Gang stole the equivalent of $9 million dollars, until an act of vigilantism stopped them in their tracks.
Elizabeth Keckly: From Slavery to the White House
She was enslaved at birth – but became the first lady’s favorite dressmaker and the author of a sensational memoir that shocked the nation. So who was Elizabeth Keckly?
Blazing a Trail for Women's Votes
We often think of the American West as a lawless, uncivilized place. But in the 19th century, it was ahead of its time – as the only part of America where women could vote.
Castle Bravo: The Largest Nuclear Explosion in US History
In 1954, the US Government conducted a series of secret nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands. The idyllic coral island Bikini Atoll became the epicentre of the largest nuclear test disaster in US history. The affects of radiation exposure and environmental destruction are still being felt by the Marshallese people today.
The Invisible Plight of Poor Southern Whites
For many poor White families in the Antebellum South, slavery did not pay – so why did the ruling elite erase their narrative from the history books?
When the Youth of Birmingham Changed History
In 1963, school children from Birmingham, Alabama skipped class to demonstrate for racial equality. Met with police violence, they helped to bring about significant change. The Birmingham Children's Crusade, as it was known, has gone down in history as a turning point in the fight for Civil Rights.
Plague and Prejudice: The Black Death in California
As the world grapples with new pandemics, what can we learn from the US’s mixed response to the Bubonic Plague, which arrived in San Francisco in 1900?
Lewis and Clark: the Making of an Expedition
Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery opened the American West up to expansion and settlement – but it all rested on the expert planning and preparation.
The Mysterious Death of Edgar Allen Poe
Famous American author Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting death may have been a result of cooping, a violent form of voter fraud practiced in the 19th century.
Sacagawea: Intrepid Indigenous Explorer
Native American interpreter Sacagawea was the only woman on Lewis and Clark’s expedition into the West. She played a vital role, but was subsequently forgotten.
Victoria Woodhull: Fighting for Women's Rights
At a time when women were expected to know their place, activist and businessperson Victoria Woodhull blazed a trail as a fierce advocate for women's suffrage and empowerment.
Lozen: Fearless Apache Warrior
At a time when Apache men and women followed specific gender roles, Lozen defied convention – to become one of the finest warriors in the tribe's history.
Harriet Tubman: Civil War Spy
She’s known as a savior of the enslaved – but few know that during the American Civil War, Harriet Tubman was an exceptionally capable Union Army spy.
Marian Anderson: The Opera Singer Who Challenged Segregation
When Black singer Marian Anderson was barred from performing in Washington by the Daughters of the Revolution – her Lincoln Memorial performance made her an icon of the Civil Rights Movement.
Charity and Sylvia: A Federal Era Love Story
Sylvia Drake and Charity Bryant overcame many challenges to become pioneers of LGBTQ+ visibility in the United States.
Frederick Douglass' Composite Nation
Abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass believed that the U.S. could become the greatest nation in history – if it accepted the defining principles set out in his speech, Composite Nation.
Wong Kim Ark's Fight for Birthright Citizenship
By taking on the US government and winning, Wong Kim Ark ensured that the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution granted citizenship to every American by birth, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Lunch Counter Stools
In 1960, four Black students staged a sit-in in Greensboro, North Carolina to protest against racial segregation in the United States. The stools they sat on are the most visited artifacts at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.
The Lavender Scare
The Cold War persecution known as the Lavender Scare barred members of the LGBTQ+ community from working for the federal government for decades.
What Makes Silas Marner a Classic?
First published in 1860, but set decades earlier, George Eliot's Silas Marner took its first readers back to a pre-industrial world. A story that celebrates human connection, it explores how caring for a child changes one man's life forever.
Exodus of Cuba's Children
Operation Pedro Pan saw more than 14,000 children escape Communist Cuba for a new life in the United States. But for many, their troubles were only just starting.
Dirty Thirties
The Dirty Thirties refers to the worst man-made ecological crisis in US history – when irresponsible farming habits, drought and storms led to "black blizzards" that took the lives of thousands and left many homeless.
Little Bighorn: Custer's Last Stand
The Battle of Little Bighorn, or Custer’s Last Stand, was a famous victory for the Native Americans in defense of their land. What are we to make of alleged lone survivor Frank Finkel’s story?
Greenbrier Resort: The Secret Nuclear Bunker
The Greenbrier Bunker was constructed to protect Congress from nuclear annihilation. It’s one of America’s longest-kept secrets.
Harvey Milk: Leading the Way
Harvey Milk, America’s first openly gay elected official, was assassinated in 1978. His pioneering campaign for LGBTQ+ rights paved the way for more members of the community to serve in government.
What Makes Moby Dick a Classic?
First published in 1851, Herman Melville's Moby Dick sold just a few thousand copies in its author's lifetime. A thrilling novel about man's obsessive quest to conquer nature, its environmental themes still resonate today.
Anna May Wong: The First Chinese-American Hollywood Star
Anna May Wong, Hollywood’s first Chinese-American leading lady, broke through racial barriers to change the face of cinema forever.
Emma Goldman: Radical Activist
Anarchist Emma Goldman, once named the most dangerous woman in America by the FBI, left behind a complicated legacy. But who was this young radical and what did she believe in?
Dorothy Bolden: Unionizing Domestic Workers
Civil rights activist Dorothy Bolden made it her mission to empower America’s working class. Her activism empowered domestic workers across the nation – and created noticeable change in the workplace for thousands of Black women.
Prehistory
This timeline takes us on a whistle-stop journey of life on our planet. We travel from the Big Bang, 13.8 billion years ago, to the time of the dinosaurs - and on to the evolution of the first humans and the creation of the first written records, around 5000 years ago. It's a time known as prehistory.
Mesopotamia
This is a timeline of the history of Mesopotamia from 6000 BCE to 539 BCE. Described as the cradle of civilization, the Mesopotamians invented organised religion, royalty, armies and law.
Early North America
This is a timeline of the history of the first people to arrive in North America in around 25,000 BCE and how their civilisations developed over thousands of years.
The Mongol Empire
This is a timeline of the Mongol Empire. Founded by the invincible Genghis Khan, it was the largest land empire in history, spanning across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Genghis Khan led his army of horsemen to many victories, ultimately uniting the nomadic tribes to form the Mongol Empire, and later conquering China to establish the Yuan Dynasty.
The Reformation
The Reformation was a 16th and 17th century movement challenging the Catholic Church in Europe. Led by Martin Luther, it sparked the rise of Protestantism and led to religious conflicts across Europe. It ended with a series of treaties in 1648, however the consequences of the reformation were devastating for the population of Europe.
Alexander the Great
This is a timeline of the life of Alexander the Great, one of the most successful military generals in ancient history. He became king of Macedon at the age of 20 and went on to create the largest empire ever assembled at that point in history, which included parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and stretched from Greece to northern India.
Julius Caesar
This is a timeline of events in the life of Julius Caesar, a powerful general and ambitious politician of the Roman Republic. He was known for his military conquests and declared himself 'Dictator for life' before his brutal murder in 44 BCE.
Joan of Arc
This is a timeline of events in the life of Joan of Arc, from 1412 to 1431. A deeply religious women, she believed God wanted her to lead the French army against the English during the Hundred Years' War. She was burned at the stake for heresy and witchcraft.
The Burning of the Gaspee: The Spark That Lit the Revolution
The burning of the Gaspee was a violent incident between Rhode Island smugglers and the Royal Navy in 1772, which sparked the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution.
John Laurens: Defender of Freedom
A look at the brief but bright life of John Laurens – close friend of Alexander Hamilton, true believer in the Continental cause, and passionate advocate for the ending of slavery.
Cannons: The Patriots' Not So Secret Weapon
In the Revolutionary War, no side could dominate the battlefield without expert use of cannons. While the Continentals began the conflict with only a few outdated relics, by the time of the Siege of Yorktown, they had built a formidable and professional artillery corps.
The Battle of Valcour Island
In 1776, Benedict Arnold and a small force of Continentals under his command were engaged in a desperate shipbuilding race with the British at Lake Champlain – with the outcome of the war hanging in the balance.
Patrick Ferguson: The British Bulldog
Major Patrick ‘Bulldog’ Ferguson was one of the most fierce, and fiercely hated, British commanders of the Revolutionary War. But when he tried to subdue Patriot activity in the Appalachian mountains, he took a step too far…
Battle of Iron Works Hill: Von Donop's Perilous Party
When the British army defeated the Patriots at Iron Works Hill, Colonel Von Donop and his men celebrated with a wild party. The Continental Army took advantage of their absence and marched on Trenton to win a vital victory.
Thomas Gage: The Two-Faced Governor?
Thomas Gage was the British Commander charged with keeping the peace in the colonies. Did he face an impossible task - or did he fail spectacularly in his mission?
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State is one of the most powerful politicians in America – but where does their power come from and what are their roles and responsibilities?
The Secret Service
They’re the shadowy agents who keep the President safe – but what is the Secret Service and why was it formed?
The Presidential Veto
One of the most powerful tools the President of the United States has is the veto - but what is it and how has it evolved over time?
President's Cabinet
The President’s Cabinet is made up of the most important people in the Executive Branch of government. But who are they and what are their roles?
The Story of the CIA
CIA agents make it their business to be intelligent. They may know more about you than you think. But what do you know about the CIA?
The FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigations is a fact-finding, crime-fighting national security machine. But how did it come about – and what do FBI agents actually do?
Department of Justice
Established in 1870, the Department of Justice not only provides legal advice to the US government, it also ensures the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.
Edith Galt: The First Lady Who Took Control
Historically a ceremonial position, the role of First Lady at one point mainly involved hosting events at the White House. But when President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919, his wife, Edith, covertly took on many of his duties as President of the United States.
The Teapot Dome Scandal, Untold
The Teapot Dome Scandal in the 1920s stunned the American public by exposing the large-scale greed of some US politicians, and empowered Congress to launch investigations - reaffirming that no one is above the law.
Martha Gellhorn: The War Correspondent who Covered D-Day
One of the United States’ finest war correspondents, Martha Gellhorn battled sexism and misogyny to report on the D-Day landings during the Second World War.
Hawaiian Leis and the Selma to Montgomery March
The Selma to Montgomery March was one of the most important actions of the Civil Rights Movement – but what were the connections between Black Americans and Hawaiians and why did the leaders wear Hawaiian necklaces?
The Watergate Tapes
Installed in selected rooms at the White House on the President’s orders, this is the story of how a state-of-the-art recording system ultimately led to Richard Nixon’s downfall.
The Botched Invasion: Bay of Pigs
One of the Cold War’s only violent actions, the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961 proved to be a humiliating defeat for the U.S. government.
Army Camps: Home Away From Home
Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War spent most of their time in camps - settlements which popped up wherever the fortunes of war took the troops. But what was life really like in these surprisingly large, mobile villages?
Battle of Bennington: Victory in the North
In 1777, a huge British expedition was making its way South from Canada. John Burgoyne, sent a thousand men to Bennington, Vermont, on a foraging mission. They met John Stark's Patriot militia - and suffered a damaging defeat, setting up the calamity at Saratoga.
Army Wives: Unsung Heroines of the Revolution
Did you know that women were present in most Army units during the Revolutionary War? They faced the dangers of battle and the hardships of camp life alongside men. After the war, women’s contributions were largely forgotten. But from the lowest ranks to the top brass, they played a huge role in the Revolution.
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?
What is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
MLK Day takes place every year on the third Monday of January. It's a time to celebrate the life and work of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who brought Americans together in the name of racial equality.
What is Patriot Day?
Patriot Day takes place every year on September 11 to honor and remember the first responders, and those who lost their lives, on 9/11.
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?
Battle of Stony Point: Midnight Attack
In 1779, the Hudson River was Continental territory, except for the crossing at Stony Point, which had been taken by the British. George Washington devised a daring plan to recapture it.
Washington's Swords: Revolutionary Blades
George Washington's swords might have witnessed more key moments of American history than any other, through his time as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Staten Island: Loyalist Enclave
Staten Island served as a British base for nearly all of the Revolutionary War. It was the perfect staging post for troops, and a good base from which to attack New Jersey. The island’s population was also staunchly Loyalist, which didn’t make them popular with their neighbors.
Marbury v. Madison: What is Judicial Review?
The U.S. Supreme Court decides if laws made in the United States violate the Constitution or not. It’s called judicial review and it’s a power that was granted to the Supreme Court by the Supreme Court itself – thanks to a landmark case in 1803, Marbury v. Madison.
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.
What are the mysteries of the Washington Monument?
Towering above the National Mall is the Washington Monument. But what are the secrets behind the building of this 100,000 ton testament to the life and achievements of George Washington? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
The Board of War: Running the Revolution
Keeping an army running smoothly during the Revolutionary War a colossal task. So Congress founded the Board of War to do just that and it played a vital role in defeating the British.
Tammany Hall: Controlling New York Politics
It is the historic New York building that is synonymous with greed, crime and corruption, but what is the true story behind Tammany Hall?
Who was Deep Throat?
Codenamed Deep Throat, FBI chief William Mark Felt, Sr., displayed immense courage to expose abuses of power at the heart of government during the infamous Watergate investigation.
Department of Homeland Security
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.
The Federal Election Commission
How do you know that the politicians you vote for will represent your interests in office – and not those of powerful corporations? Well, there’s a law for that, and an independent regulatory agency: the Federal Election Commission.
NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aka NASA, has been at the forefront of science, technology, and space exploration since 1958. Its work remains an inspiration to millions of people around the world.
What Caused the War of 1812?
The War of 1812 was a major conflict between the United States and Great Britain for control of the Northern Frontier. Often described as the second war of independence, in reality it was caused in large part by the ineffective foreign policies of two U.S. Presidents.
U.S.S. Constitution
With a fleet of just 22 warships, it was never going to be easy for the U.S. Navy to defeat the mighty British Royal Navy during the War of 1812. The enemy didn’t expect its secret weapon – the U.S.S. Constitution.
Bella Abzug: Pioneering Feminist Icon
At a time when the U.S. House of Representatives was dominated by men, pioneering feminist Bella Abzug became a law-making force to be reckoned with.
Gray Propaganda
A weapon of covert action wielded by governments around the world, gray propaganda straddles the fine line between fact and fiction, letting its secret sources instigate chaos without liability.
Was the Revolution a World War?
The Revolutionary War was not just a battle of the Georges - Washington vs King George III, it was also a war between nations. When France, Spain and the Dutch Republic joined the war, as allies of the new United States, the conflict became global.
Let's Go To Alabama
In the Southeast region of the United States is the state of Alabama. It’s famous for cotton, the struggle for Civil Rights and space travel. Let’s find out more.
World War I: Part One
This is a timeline of the first half of World War I, from 1882 to 1916, as alliances form, assassinations spark conflicts, and trench warfare becomes the norm. From the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the brutal warfare on the Western Front, this war becomes a deadly struggle that shapes the course of history.
The Federal Reserve
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.
The Steam Engine
The steam engine was the driving force behind the machines that powered the Industrial Revolution. But it took some experimentation to get it just right. Let’s take a look at how it works and how it changed the world.
The Steam Locomotive
Far faster and stronger than horsepower, steam locomotives triggered a transportation revolution that sped people and goods across the globe. Buckle up as we learn more about how it was created and how it changed the world.
The Printing Press
Invented by German publisher Johannes Gutenberg in 1450, the Printing Press triggered a reading revolution that put new ideas and information in the hands of ordinary people, not just the wealthy few.
Olaudah Equiano
This is a timeline of abolitionist Olaudah Equiano who was kidnapped and enslaved as a child. Buying his freedom aged 21, he dedicated his life to abolishing slavery and his famous autobiography heavily influenced public support advocating the end of slavery.
Emmeline Pankhurst
This is a timeline of Emmeline Pankhurst’s life, from her birth in 1858 to her death in 1928. A suffragette and leader of the Women's Social and Political Union, she fought tirelessly for women's right to vote, leaving a lasting impact on the pursuit of gender equality.
The Vietnam War
This is a timeline of the causes and outcomes of the Vietnam War, which lasted from 1945 to 1975. From the declaration of independence by Ho Chi Minh and the division of Vietnam to the US involvement and the eventual fall of Saigon, the war left a devastating impact on the country and its people.
The US Frontier
This is a timeline of US expansion from 1739 to 1869, as explorers, settlers, and fortune seekers pushed westward in search of land and riches. From the first European expedition to the Rocky Mountains to the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the westward expansion shaped the history and interactions with Native American communities.
Election of 1860: A Nation, Torn
The Presidential Election of 1860 proved the most divisive in U.S. history, with the election of Abraham Lincoln triggering the secession of Southern states. But how did it play out at the polls?
The Helicopter
It took many attempts to get a helicopter into the air, but once it got there, air travel was transformed forever. Let’s explore the evolution of the flying machine that left planes in the dust.
The Caravel
The caravel was a new kind of sailing ship that harnessed the power of the wind to dominate the seas. From its invention by Prince Henry of Portugal to Christopher Columbus' historic voyage across the Atlantic, invention of caravel revolutionised exploration, opened up new horizons, and forever changed the course of world history.
The Wheel
One of the most significant inventions ever conceived - the wheel - revolutionised the world through its profound impact on travel, trade, and machinery. Originating from rudimentary stone wheels to the emergence of sleeker and swifter designs, it remains an unstoppable force that propels our modern world forward.
The Telegraph
Tapping out the world’s first long-distance electrical messages, the telegraph emerged as a groundbreaking invention that sparked a communication revolution and forever transformed global connectivity.
The Rocket
From ancient Chinese fireworks to the visionary breakthroughs of scientists like Robert Goddard and Wernher von Braun, the remarkable evolution of rockets had an extraordinary impact on space exploration and propelled humanity towards the stars.
Yuri Kochiyama: Unyielding Voice for Justice
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, thousands of Japanese-Americans were interned on U.S. soil. Determined to right this wrong, Yuri Kochiyama testified to Congress and helped those affected win $20,000 in compensation.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary: Antislavery Activist
The first Black newspaper editor in the history of the United States, Mary Ann Shadd Cary spoke out to champion the cause of freedom in an era when the voices of African Americans were rarely heard.
Responsibility: Clara Barton
Clara Barton's unwavering responsibility led her from establishing free schools to founding the American Red Cross, exemplifying how individual dedication can fortify a nation.
Integrity: Schechter Brothers
In the 1930s, Jewish butchers the Schechter brothers showed integrity when they fought what they felt were unjust regulations, in order to uphold their faith and customer trust.
Responsibility: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Supreme Commander of Allied Forces during the Second World War, Dwight D. Eisenhower had a duty to serve for the common good. On the eve of D-Day, the responsibility fell on his shoulders to wait – or to strike.
Sandra Cisneros
A trailblazer in more ways than one, Sandra Cisneros was the first Mexican-American woman to be published by a mainstream publisher. Her work brought Hispanic culture to a wider audience of readers.
Shirley Jackson
A master of the macabre, Shirley Jackson explores the creepy underbelly of domestic life, with a sharp focus on the challenges that women face.
Kateri Tekakwitha: First North American Indigenous Saint
Kateri Tekakwitha's journey from a Mohawk village to Catholic sainthood reflects the intertwined tales of faith and colonization in 17th century America.
The Sixth Amendment
The Sixth Amendment was designed to protect individuals accused or convicted of a crime. But how does it work in today's society?
New Jersey v. TLO
When 14-year-old student 'TLO' was searched at school and convicted of drugs offences, she claimed the search was unconstitutional, and took her case to the Supreme Court.
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
When a school newspaper was censored for containing articles about teenage pregnancy, student journalists sued their school district for violating their First Amendment rights.
Anne Frank
Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who wrote a diary about her life in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Her powerful story reflects resilience, hope, and the tragic impact of the Holocaust.
The Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle, symbolizing strength and freedom, reflects the spirit of the United States. Chosen as the country’s national bird in 1782, this powerful animal is unique to North America.
Differences Between the Colonies
The 13 colonies were all part of the British Empire, but they had many differences, from colonists' views on religious freedom to how they educated their children.
Tommy Orange
Tommy Orange, a groundbreaking Indigenous American author, illuminates urban Indigenous experiences with a unique narrative.
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Author of groundbreaking novels like “Esperanza Rising" and "Echo," Pam Muñoz Ryan has made literature more representative by expertly mining her own rich Mexican American heritage.
Mildred Cohn: Trailblazing Biochemist
Mildred Cohn shattered gender and religious barriers to revolutionize biochemistry, developing techniques with far-reaching applications in medicine and agriculture.
Transcendentalism
Transcendentalism is a spiritual, philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the United States in the 19th century. With its emphasis on individualism and the inherent goodness of all people, discover how it impacted civil rights movements via works by Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau and others.
Presidents' Day
From George Washington's birthday to a day honoring all U.S. Presidents, learn how Presidents' Day became a national holiday and it's significance today.
Lorenda Holmes: Loyalist Spy and American Sufferer
Loyalist spy in New York who did everything she could to undermine the American war efforts during the Revolution.
Women's Activism and Social Change
For centuries, women have used activism in the United States to voice their concerns about society and secure their rights as citizens. Activism is an important part of any democracy as it’s the way ordinary people shape nations.
Emma Tenayuca: Latina Labor Activist
Latina labor leader, Emma Tenayuca, led a major food-industry strike in her early 20s and was eventually ostracized for her political beliefs.
Designing the Constitution: Learning from our Ancestors
How the Founding Fathers used the experiences of other democratic societies to inform the US Constitution.
Bob Fletcher: WWII Samaritan for Japanese-American Farmers
Good deeds – they happen all the time. Those little acts of kindness that make the world a better place but unless they go viral, they can go unnoticed. Which is why it’s time to celebrate Bob Fletcher: the greatest good Samaritan you've never heard of!
Is America Doing Enough To Go Green?
With global greenhouse gas emissions at record levels, and the future of Earth at stake, what are Americans doing to safeguard the planet for future generations? And what more can be done?
The Cotton Gin: An Infamous Invention
It mechanised cotton production by separating cotton from seeds – but increased the demand for slave labor. Discover how the cotton gin changed 18th century American society.
Are You Being Spied On?
Should the US government be allowed to spy on its citizens to protect society as a whole? There are arguments for and against – but the Big Brother state isn't a conspiracy theory, it's real!
What Makes A State A State?
At first there were 13 – now there are 50! But what gives each US state the power to control its own laws and when does federal law take over?
“You're Fired!” How To Get Rid Of The President
Impeachment is the process of removing the President from office. But what does it really take to get fired as Commander-in-Chief?
Betsy Ross Flag: The Flag that Made and Divided America
In 1777, The Betsy Ross Flag was adopted by the thirteen colonies fighting for freedom as the United States’ first official flag. But not everyone in America was free.
The Hanger Limb Prosthetic Leg
When James Edward Hanger lost a leg in the American Civil War, he returned home to Virginia and designed the world's first articulated prosthetic that could bend like a real leg.
The Raised Fist Afro Comb: Defining a Statement
Designed in 1972, the raised fist Afro Comb combines function with meaning to create a grooming tool that symbolises African-American history, culture and pride.
Spanish Flu Face Mask: A Century's Crusade Against a Pandemic
The Spanish Influenza was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history - and the first time it was mandated to wear a face mask in public in the United States.
The Salem Witch Trials: What Really Happened?
The Salem Witch trials are one of the most infamous episodes in US history, but what really happened in Salem?
The Pilgrims: The Brutal Truth
Think you know all about the Pilgrims? Think again! This is the untold story of the Puritan settlers who sought a new life in the New World.
Victoria Woodhull: The First Woman To Run for President
Victoria Woodhull ran for President of the United States before most American women were even allowed to vote.
The Battle of Middle Creek
The Battle of Middle Creek took place in Floyd County on January 10, 1862, but why was it so important to the legacy of the American Civil War and the history of the USA?
Bluegrass Music
Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains was the birthplace of Bluegrass Music and Bill Monroe who became the Godfather of the Bluegrass
Stepping Forward: The Fight for College Integration
For Autherine Lucy and Pollie Anne Myers, trying to get an education was an act of courage in itself.
POWs in World War II
This is the untold story of the US servicemen and women held as prisoners of war.
Students and the Struggle for School Integration
The story of Barbara Johns and her fellow students fight for school integration resulting in the successful case - Brown v. Board of Education.
Harriet Robinson Scott: A Personal Fight for Emancipation with National Ramifications
The story of the enslaved woman who challenged slavery in the highest court in the United States.
Antonia Pantoja: Grassroots Organizer and Activist
The story of Latina activist Antonia Pantoja, who fought for bilingual education programs.
America's Two-Party System
The United States is essentially a two-party system, unlike other democracies around the world where people can vote for political parties representing many different interests. Is that a good or a bad thing?
Marsha P. Johnson: Transgender Activist
The story of transgender activist, Marsha P. Johnson, who dedicated her life to LGBTQ+ rights.
The Citizen Soldier
With the first shots of the American Revolution, they downed tools and ran to help in the fight for independence. This is the story of the ordinary people who helped found a nation.
Opening the Oval with David Rubenstein: Presidential Leadership
In this episode, David Rubenstein explores Presidential Leadership with historian Douglas Brinkley and journalist Jia Lynn Yang.
Anna May Wong: Hollywood's First Asian American Movie Star
At a time when racist laws and shameful stereotyping limited the careers of ethnic minority actors, Anna May Wong broke down doors to become the first Chinese American movie star in history!
Vietnam Veterans
Shunned by society and ignored by the government. This is the untold story of the Vietnam veterans left to endure the mental and physical scars they’d suffered alone.
The Great Video Game Crash
Today, the global gaming industry is worth a staggering $100 billion dollars, but back in the 1980s, the industry almost went bust when US-based gaming giant Atari got a little too big for its boots.
Ethel Payne: First Lady of the Black Press
As the First Lady of the Black Press, Ethel Payne wielded her first amendment right to ask the tough questions and hold those in power to account.
Rachel Carson's Fight for the Environment
Marine biologist and writer Rachel Carson demanded that the US government take responsibility to protect people and the planet. Her book Silent Spring was a turning point in the modern environmental movement.
Staying Safe with Electricity
Understanding electricity and staying safe with it is important in the home, at school and in the workplace.
Day and Night
The movement of the earth spining around the sun creates day and night where you are
The Origin of Earth Day Explained
On April 22, 1970, the US went climate crazy – as 20 million Americans took part in the very first Earth Day.
10 Facts About Italy
Here are 10 amazing facts about Italy that you may not know.
Feast and Festivals: Halloween
It's the spookiest holiday of the year and celebrated throughout the world, but how did it begin?
Life in Ancient Japan
Discover all about the first settlers in Japan and what life was like during this period.
The History of Agriculture
Who was responsible for the three F's of Farming and what impact did this have on agriculture?
Ancient Greece
Take a trip back in time to Ancient Greece and learn about life in Athens and Sparta.
Mapping World History
Maps can be a very interesting way of looking at history and the changes that happened over time. There are many reasons why these changes happen.
Our Place in Space
Travel through space and learn more about our solar system.
The World’s Seas & Oceans
Let's take a closer look at the world's seas and oceans.
Romulus and Remus
The story of Romulus and Remus is one of the most famous in Roman mythology.
Lighting a Paraffin Lamp
Lighting a paraffin lamp is an old fashioned way to bring some light into the darkness
The Sun in Space
The Sun is a star made of gas at the centre of our solar system
Rubbish
The rubbish that we throw away often makes its way into the sea – but by reducing, reusing and recycling our rubbish, we can help to protect all sorts of plant and animal life.
Sea Pollution
Plastics, chemicals and other waste is making it's way into our rivers and oceans causing pollution
Planet Life
Planet Earth is home to a huge and diverse range of life
The First Moon Landing
Neil Armstrong and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin were the first people to walk on the moon but they didn't get there alone.
Moore Street
Moore Street is a historic and traditional market in Dublin
The History of Writing
Humans have been writing for thousands of years, the shape and method people used has changed many ways over the years
Making Bales
Making bales of hay is an important part of farming and it involves all sorts of interesting processes and machines
Catching a Flight at the Airport
The Airport is where people go to catch a flight on an aeroplane.
The Hot Air Balloon
Hot air balloons have a fascinating history and important place in the history of flight.
Berlin
Learn all about Germany's capital, Berlin.
Erosion
Every day, the surface of the Earth is worn away by natural forces such as the weather and waves.
World Heritage Sites
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) identifies landmarks or areas around the world that have cultural, historical or scientific significance. Here are a just a few.
Natural Disasters
Let's learn more about natural disasters and how they occur.
The Miss America Protest of 1968
In 1968 – the Miss America beauty pageant became the focus of an audacious protest that helped move feminism forward.
Voting in Ancient Athens
The United States is a representative democracy where people vote for politicians to govern on their behalf – but voting in the direct democracy of ancient Athens was a very different process.
Alexander Hamilton: The Forgotten Founder
Alexander Hamilton, his contributions to American history and why he sits on the ten dollar bill!
Women in Ancient Athens
The lives and rights of women in Greece, from a modern perspective, seem severely limited; yet, they played important roles in society.
The Quill Pen
How the quill pen helped to promote literacy in North America and played a part in the founding of the nation.
Floating Hospital Ships
The history of hospital ships and how they have helped save lives throughout the ages.
Black Soldiers and the Fight for Citizenship
For those enslaved, it was the perpetrator of countless horrors. So why did almost 200,000 African-Americans put their lives on the line to preserve the United States?
Did a Book Spark the Civil War?
It was published nine years before a shot was fired. And was written by a woman. How did Uncle Tom’s Cabin fan the flames of the American Civil War?
Choosing Sides: Native Americans and the Civil War
What about the Native Americans who found themselves stuck in the middle of the Civil War – why did they fight for both sides?
Paying for the Civil War
It cost the equivalent of billions of dollars in today’s money, and left the US government crippled with debt. But how, exactly, did America pay for the Civil War?
Civil War Amendments
Did you know that the US Constitution's most important amendments took place over just 5 years? So what happened between 1865 and 1870 – and how did it change America?
Dred Scott: Suing for Freedom
Dred Scott went to the US Supreme Court to sue for his freedom. The Court ruled that Black people were “inferior beings” with no Constitutional rights. This decision helped spark the American Civil War.
The Telegraph: The Civil War Text Machine
Military leaders didn’t just rely on carrier pigeons and messengers on horseback to share information during the American Civil War – they texted each other using telegrams!
The Medical Kit: How Innovation Transformed Medical Care on the Civil War Frontline
They empowered US Army medics to save countless lives – but how did the humble medical kit evolve with the American Civil War?
The Enslaved Household of Thomas Jefferson
This is the story of Ursula, Edith and Frances – three teenagers who Thomas Jefferson brought to the White House to train as his enslaved personal chefs.
Civil War Innovation & Technology
It was the most destructive conflict in US history – but the American Civil War also saw the emergence of new technologies and innovations born from a will to win.
Civil War Hospitals
The medical hospitals established during the American Civil War helped save thousands of lives – and change how the US military cares for troops to this day.
Women of the Civil War
Women weren’t just spectators of the American Civil War – they played a vital role in the home, the workplace, the battlefield and beyond.
Maria Tallchief: America's First Prima Ballerina
In a world dominated by mainly caucasian dancers, Native American Maria Tallchief overcame discrimination to become the United States’ first prima ballerina.
The Fire that Sparked a Workplace Revolution
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Tragedy took the lives of 146 workers – and exposed a shocking lack of workplace health and safety laws in New York State.
Animal War Heroes
Animals aren’t just cute – during times of war, they’ve proven to be immensely useful. Some have even been awarded with prestigious medals for helping to save lives.
Shootout at the OK Corral
The shootout at the OK Corral is one of the most famous episodes in US history – but the true story is very different from the movies.
Teddy Roosevelt: One of the Toughest Presidents
When you think of American tough guys, who springs to mind? Probably not the President. But two-term Commander-in-Chief Teddy Roosevelt was hard as nails.
María Ruiz de Burton: Chicano Activist Writer
Latina author María Ruiz de Burton raised the plight of Mexicans in America with two satirical and revealing books at a time when female authors were few and far between.
The Untold Unbreakable Code
Native American Code Talkers used their own indigenous dialects to bamboozle enemy code breakers and help Allied forces to win two World Wars.
David Pharaoh Asserts Indigenous Rights
Montaukett leader David Pharaoh fought for indigenous land rights – and established a lasting legacy as the founder of America’s first Montaukett school.
When Washington Walked Away from Power
Having led his Continental Army to victory over the British, many expected General George Washington to follow the model of European monarchs and dictators by declaring himself the ruler of a new nation: the United States. What he did instead, cemented his place as a different kind of leader, a genuine public servant, and true revolutionary.
The Missed Opportunities of William Howe
Away from specific battles, Sir William Howe vs George Washington proved to be one of the defining clashes of the Revolutionary War. Howe was a British commander determined to capture the urban strongholds of North America. But he ended up being drawn into a deadly game of cat & mouse by his American counterpart, the future first President.
The Bayonet: The Weapon that Was Turned on the Red Coats
When it came to the psychology of war, 18th century Britain had a secret weapon: the bayonet. This brutal weapon was synonymous with British troops. Its reputation alone was terrifying enough to send colonial soldiers running for cover. The Continental army’s generals soon realized the only way to beat the bayonet, was to embrace its use.
Fort Ticonderoga: Key to the Continent
At first glance, Fort Ticonderoga is little more than a large fort in upstate New York. But its strategic importance has seen this star-shaped structure become a highly sort-after, and much fought for garrison – earning it the nickname “the key to the continent”.
What Makes The Wonderful Wizard of Oz a Classic?
Published at the dawn of the 20th Century, L Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was far from a traditional children's story. A feminist fairytale with a radical message, it struck a chord with readers across the United States.
Building the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a vital trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its fascinating story goes back hundreds of years.
The Conway Cabal: Washington's Enemies Within
We know George Washington as the nation’s greatest political, and military leader. But during the changing fortunes of war, he faced challenges from within his own ranks, as some sought to replace him.
What Makes Gulliver's Travels a Classic?
Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels is the story of one man's adventures in fantastical lands. First published in 1726, it's a book that asks a timeless question: can a perfect society ever be achieved?
What Makes The Jungle Book a Classic?
The stories in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book are set deep in the Indian jungle, in a dangerous world without parents - and with few rules. First published as a collection in 1894, the book's themes of belonging and identity are still relevant today.
China's Golden Age
This is a timeline of the history of China’s Golden Age from 618 to 1279. The Tang and Song dynasties were periods of significant economic and cultural progress that lasted for more than 600 years and together are considered as China's Golden Age.
The Vikings
This is a timeline of the history of the Vikings, from 793 to 1066. Fierce warriors and raiders, the Viking people they left their homelands in Denmark, Sweden and Norway to invade new territories across Europe.
African Kingdoms
This is a timeline of the rise and fall of Africa's once powerful kingdoms. Built on trade in resources such as gold, ivory, and salt, as well as enslaved people, these kingdoms were ultimately conquered by European nations in the Scramble for Africa in the 19th century, with only Liberia and Ethiopia remaining independent.
The Birth of the United States
This is a timeline of the American Revolution, depicting events from the first sparks of revolt in 1770, to the first presidency in 1789. This was a period of intense conflict between the colonists of the Thirteen Colonies, and their British rulers, which ultimately led to the creation of a new nation: the United States of America.
The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant change in human history that began in Britain in the 1700s and lasted for two centuries. It was marked by the rise of machines and manufacturing, which transformed the way people lived and worked, and led to the widespread adoption of new technologies and innovations.
The Storming of the Bastille
This is a timeline of the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris during a summer of unrest in France in July 1789 - and how the events that followed led to revolution and the end of an era.
The Voyage of RMS Titanic
This is a timeline of the tragic events of the RMS Titanic's maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York in April 1912. Its fateful collision with an iceberg led to the loss of more than 1,500 lives.
Christopher Columbus
This is a timeline of the life of the Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus. An admiral, and navigator, he set sail westwards from Spain in 1492 with the aim of arriving in the Far East, but instead, landed in the Americas, then unknown to Europeans. Seen as a hero and pioneer by some, by others he is seen as someone whose arrival brought suffering to people living in the Americas.
William Shakespeare
This is a timeline of the life of William Shakespeare, the Elizabethan playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and wrote around 37 plays and 154 poems during his lifetime, many of which have become literary classics and have shaped the way we use the English language today.
Mahatma Gandhi
This is a timeline of events in the life of Mahatma Gandhi from his birth in 1869 to his death in 1948. A leader of the Indian independence movement, Gandhi was a revolutionary who inspired non-violent resistance to British colonial rule.
Che Guevara
This is a timeline of events in the life of revolutionary leader, Che Guevara, from 1928 to 1967. He is remembered for his role in the Cuban Revolution and his strong opposition to U.S influence in developing nations.
Germantown: Victory from a Chaotic Defeat
George Washington’s attack on Germantown, in October 1777, resulted in failure. But how did it change the course of the war?
Thayendanega: Native American Warrior, AKA Joseph Brant
Warrior, scholar and diplomat, Joseph Brant was a powerful leader of the Mohawk Nation. Forced to choose sides at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, he fought for the future of his people until his death.
Cornwallis: A Great British General
Who was Charles Cornwallis, Britain’s commander of the Southern Armies in the Revolutionary War? A respected and long serving general, his doomed attempts to win hearts and minds in the Southern colonies led directly to the British defeat at Yorktown.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko: Engineer of the Revolution
Tadeusz Kosciusko was a Polish nobleman; an architect, engineer and idealist who’s genius for fortification was a major asset to the Continentals during the Revolutionary War.
Speaker of the House
As the head of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House is one of the most important roles in the United States government.
State of the Union Address
The annual State of the Union Address is the only speech that the President delivers in person to the public and all three branches of government at the same time.
The Notorious RBG
One of the most recognizable justices on the U.S. Supreme Court - Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her career fighting for women’s and civil rights, helping to change the United States of America for the better.
The Day the River Caught Fire
When Time magazine published details of a river fire in downtown Cleveland in 1969, the outcry was so loud and widespread, the U.S. government was forced into action.
Charles Curtis: Native American Vice President, Untold
In 1929, Charles Curtis – a member of the Kaw Nation – made history by becoming the first Vice President of color in the U.S. Yet he left behind a complicated legacy that some claim had a lasting negative impact on Native Americans.
Sandra Day O’Connor: “Don’t Take the Bait”
The first female justice in the U.S. Supreme Court’s 191-year history, Sandra Day O’Connor succeeded in a man’s world by never letting sexism stand in her way.
The Untold Know Nothings
In the mid 19th century a new political party, the Know Nothings, set the stage for xenophobia and nationalism to take root in American politics.
The Showdown: MacArthur v. Truman
History is packed with epic rivalries, but when U.S. President Harry S. Truman went up against Five Star General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War – there was only going to be one winner.
The Blowouts
In 1968, thousands of Latino students walked out of school in Los Angeles to protest against racial inequality in the classroom. Their collective action, known as the Blowouts, was a defining moment of the Chicano Movement.
Black Soldiers of the Revolutionary War
It’s a little known fact that many black soldiers fought and died on both sides of the conflict in the Revolutionary War. They joined up for many different reasons - some from belief in the cause, some to earn a wage, some to win their freedom.
Phillis Wheatley: Pioneering Black Poet
Phillis Wheatley, a young enslaved woman, became one of the most celebrated poets in the Amercian colonies. Her writings on faith, slavery and freedom were published around the world and inspire audiences to this day.
John Paul Jones: America's First Sailor
Denounced as a pirate by the British and a hero by the Patriots, how did John Paul Jones, a Scottish sailor, become a Continental naval legend - and founder of the United States Navy?
Morristown: Ice-cold Winter Encampment
Valley Forge may be the winter encampment that is most remembered as testing Patriot troops to the limits of their endurance – but the winters spent at Morristown in New Jersey were in many ways worse. Find out how the Continental Army still managed to come out fighting in the springtime.
Who was George Washington?
The story of George Washington’s life and legacy as father of our country.
What is the Mayflower Compact?
A short agreement by the Pilgrims and other colonists on board the Mayflower set in motion a system of government that inspired our country’s founding documents.
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?
Miranda v. Arizona: What are your Miranda Rights?
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” Miranda rights are an essential part of any lawful arrest, thanks to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that changed the course of policing.
Korematsu v. United States: Was Internment Legal?
Korematsu v. United States was a controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision made in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It established that the U.S. government could intern Japanese Americans during WWII as a result of Executive Order 9066.
Plessy v. Ferguson: Separate but Equal
Plessy v. Ferguson was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that established the legal doctrine of “separate but equal”. It was a ruling that enabled many states to enact racial segregation laws for decades to come.
What invisible enemy did George Washington help defeat?
The American Revolution wasn’t just a fight against the British but also a much smaller and more deadly foe: smallpox. So how did Continental Army Commander George Washington help defeat it? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
How did silence make a statement in 1917?
We typically think of protests as loud events with chants, speeches and songs. But sometimes silence can be just as powerful. So how did a silent protest in New York aid the fight for Civil Rights? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
How did one woman's beauty empire change America?
In the early 20th century, most hair products on the market were designed for caucasian hair. So how did one Black female entrepreneur, Madam C.J. Walker show America how business could be done? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
What was one of America's first fairy tales?
Fairy tales are children’s stories set in magical places that teach us about the world. So how did L. Frank's Baum's children's story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, come to be considered the United States’ first fairytale? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
Who was the first woman to run for president?
How did prominent 19th century suffragette Victoria Woodhull break the glass ceiling by becoming the first female to run for President? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
What was the Chinese Exclusion Act?
During the 1800s, thousands of Chinese immigrants moved to the United States in search of a better way of life. They contributed greatly to US expansion. So how did a controversial law stop them in their tracks? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
What were the Zoot Suit Riots?
At the height of the Second World War, racial tensions in the United States exploded in LA. So what were the Zoot Suit Riots and how did they impact society? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
Why is the Pentagon a pentagon?
It’s the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. But why is the Pentagon shaped like a pentagon? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
Why did America build three secret cities?
Located in plain sight but with a secret mission. Why did the US government build three brand new cities in the 1940s? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
Iron Ore: Revolutionary Metal
In the Revolutionary War, equipping an army required huge amounts of iron, for everything from bayonets and cannonballs to cooking pots. That made the Colonial iron industry a high priority for the Patriots – and a target for the British.
Revolutionary Weather
During the American Revolutionary War, the weather wasn’t just a background to events. It was a force that often overturned well laid plans and ultimately shaped the course of the war.
Forced Removal to Mexico: Repatriation Drives
During the Great Depression, the U.S. government detained and deported almost 2 million Mexican American citizens and people of Mexican descent, in an initiative known as the Repatriation Drives.
Building the Erie Canal: Explained
The earliest major industrial project in the United States’ history, the Erie Canal connected East to West by water and enabled a new era of commerce, trade, and movement.
Hoovervilles: Shantytowns of the Great Depression
As the Great Depression worsened in the 1930s, thousands of Americans lost their jobs and eventually their homes. Shantytowns dubbed “Hoovervilles” named after unsympathetic President Herbert Hoover, spread across the U.S.
Native American Boarding Schools: Forced Separation of Families
For over a hundred years, the U.S. government used education as a tool to assimilate Native American children into American society - by systematically erasing their history, culture, and language.
The Great American Songbook
The Great American Songbook, a collection of jazz standards and show tunes created by talented songwriters in early 20th century New York, provided solace and joy during difficult times in U.S. history.
Caretakers and Confidants: Presidential Valets
Presidential valets have been a mainstay at the White House since its earliest days. They not only perform vital tasks for the President, but act as confidantes and companions in the most trying of circumstances.
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.
Teddy Roosevelt's Square Deal
In the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt's progressive legislation, dubbed the Square Deal, aimed to limit the power of corporations, protect consumers, and conserve natural resources. The Square Deal drastically changed the United States – and still impacts our lives today.
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.
Governing The New Republic
The idea of Civic Virtue was central to the Founders' vision for the new republic. It meant that leaders would truly be servants of the people, putting their own interests aside for the good of the nation. But was it an ideal that could be lived up to? A question that’s just as relevant today as it was in 1776.
Fife and Drum: Instruments of the Revolution
For armies in the 1700s, the fife and drum were far more than just ceremonial - they were key to battlefield communication, regimental pride, and identity.
Michinomiya Hirohito
This is a timeline of the remarkable life of Michinomiya Hirohito, Japan's longest-serving Emperor. Born into privilege, and thrust into power aged just 25, his decision to surrender in 1945 marked the end of World War II.
Louis Pasteur
This is a timeline of one of the most important scientists in the history of microbiology. Pasteur’s relentless pursuit of knowledge, and groundbreaking research into the causes of disease, helped change our world forever.
The Treaty of Ghent
After almost three years of bitter conflict, the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain came to an end with the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent, but was the war a waste of time and resources?
The Battle of New Orleans
After three years of bitter fighting between the United States and Great Britain, the War of 1812 concluded with the Treaty of Ghent. At least, it should have, because one final battle was about to be fought: the Battle of New Orleans.
Shirley Chisholm: Confronting the Political Machine
As the first Black woman elected to Congress, Shirley Chisholm made history in her lifelong struggle to empower minorities and change the United States.
French Revolution
This is a timeline of the French Revolution and its aftermath, from 1789 to 1799. It saw ordinary working people rise up against corrupt rulers in the name of liberty, equality and fraternity. After one-thousand years of royal rule, a new republic was formed – but how long would it last?
Library of Congress
Home to millions of books and manuscripts, the Library of Congress is a hub of culture and knowledge, pioneering digital accessibility while safeguarding America's rich history.
Emily Dickinson
This is a timeline of the life of one of the United States’ most innovative and unique poets, Emily Dickinson. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, she was a private and introverted woman. Her extraordinary poetry was only published following her death.
Mary Seacole
This is a timeline of the life of Jamaica-born nurse Mary Seacole. Dedicating her life to caring for the sick, she was known as “Mother Seacole” by those she tended during the Crimean War.
Marie Curie
This is a timeline of scientist Marie Curie’s remarkable life and career, from 1867 to 1934. At a time when women faced numerous barriers, Marie Curie defied the odds and revolutionized science with her pioneering research on radioactivity, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
The Korean War
This is a timeline of the Korean War, a conflict that erupted in the 1950s between North and South Korea. The war saw the involvement of international powers, including the United States, China, and the Soviet Union, and resulted in a stalemate and the division of the Korean peninsula into two separate countries.
Wilma Mankiller
Wilma Mankiller, a Native American activist who became the first female chief of her tribe, dedicated her life to the Cherokee Nation and the expansion of Indigenous rights.
The Electric Motor
From the groundbreaking discoveries of Hans Ørsted and the visionary contributions of Nikola Tesla, invention of the electric motor transformed the world, propelling us into an era of powerful machines, sustainable transportation, and the electrification of our daily lives.
The Radio
From the discovery of radio waves by Heinrich Hertz to the groundbreaking moment when Reginald Fessenden made the first voice radio broadcast, radio transformed communication, entertainment, and even played a crucial role in historical events like the Titanic disaster.
The Car
This is the story of the four-wheeled wonder, tracing its inception as a steam-powered marvel in 1769 to the groundbreaking innovations that redefined transportation.
The Phonograph
The phonograph – the first machine ever to record and playback sound - revolutionised the way we experience music, paving the way for revolutionary formats like compact cassettes, CDs and the convenience of digital music.
Immoderation: Huey Long
Huey Long's rise from rural Louisiana to U.S. Senator was marked by immoderation, as promises turned to power grabs and corruption, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Courage: Elizabeth Eckford
Elizabeth Eckford's lone walk to Little Rock High School, amid fierce protests, became a symbol of courage in the fight against racial segregation.
Richard Wright
At a time when Jim Crow laws made racial segregation legal across much of the United States, author Richard Wright gave voice to a struggle – as the first African American author to achieve widespread critical and commercial success.
Declaration of Independence
For those taking the U.S. Citizenship test, knowing and understanding the importance of the Declaration of Independence is essential.
Mark Twain
Known as the Father of American Literature, Mark Twain used satire and a sharp wit to explore and reveal the realities of US society in the 19th century. In doing so he developed an all-new “American style” of writing.
Amanda Gorman
The youngest inaugural poet in history, Amanda Gorman introduced a new generation to the lyrical power of poetry and became a modern-day icon in the process.
Natural Rights
The principle of 'Natural Rights' is a cornerstone to the US system of government, but where did it come from? And what does it mean today?
DC v. Heller
When a new gun law banned Police Officer Dick Heller from keeping a loaded weapon at home, he took the case to the Supreme Court, claiming his 'right to bear arms' was being infringed upon.
Types of People in the Colonies
Colonial America housed many diverse inhabitants—from the enslaved to the gentry—each contributing to society in different ways.
Julia Alvarez
Julia Alvarez's remarkable contributions to Hispanic literature explore immigrant experiences, cultural identity, and resistance against injustice.
Laurie Halse Anderson
For author Laurie Halse Anderson, a survivor of trauma, putting pen to paper allowed her to make sense of the world. Discover how the acclaimed Young Adult author has connected with readers across the globe.
Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde, a trailblazing Black feminist, poet, and essayist, passionately explored intersectionality, identity, and activism, leaving an enduring impact on literature and social justice.
Charles Willson Peale: Artist of the Revolution
Charles Willson Peale was not just a painter; he was also a soldier, politician, and educator. His life and work offer us a vivid snapshot of Revolutionary America and its heroes.
Realism
Realism is a genre of writing that explores the real world, in all its gritty glory. Defined by authors like Gustav Flaubert, Edith Wharton and Alice Walker, realist writers often expose societal flaws, offering insights into the real-life struggles and the triumphs of ordinary people.
Life in the Colonies: Indigenous Communities
The arrival of Europeans and creation of the 13 colonies led to immense challenges and profound changes for Indigenous peoples.
Life in the Colonies: Work
The Thirteen Colonies were built by a diverse workforce including skilled laborers, indentured servants, enslaved people, and criminals, in stark contrast to modern labor practices.
Presidential Transportation
U.S. Presidential transportation has evolved over time, from George Washington's horse-drawn carriage to the modern "Air Force One" and "The Beast."
Elizabeth Freeman: Abolition Pioneer
Elizabeth Freeman played a critical role in the fight to end slavery in the United States.
Thomas(ine) Hall: Gender Non-conforming in Colonial Virginia
Thomas(ine) Hall was a 17th century intersex person who ran afoul of a small community in colonial Virginia.
Zitkala-Ša: Advocate for the Rights of Native People
Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, aka Zitkala-Sa, fought against the US government as it forced Native Americans to assimilate into Anglo-American culture.
DJ Kool Herc's Turntables: Hip Hop Extraordinaire
In 1970s New York, 16-year-old Jamaican immigrant Clive Campbell (aka DJ Kool Herc) used his trusty turntables to loop funk records and bring the beat. In the process he helped create one of America's true art forms: hip hop.
Never Again Action: Young Jews Against ICE
In June 2019, reports of immigrant children detained in cages on the US-Mexico border stunned America. Meet the extraordinary, Jewish people working in peaceful protest to demand change from the ICE.
Lyndon B. Johnson: The Great Society Speech
In 1964, 36th U.S. President, Lyndon B. Johnson commanded the heart of the nation while delivering his "The Great Society" speech. Can you hear any parallels to modern-day America?
Your Country Needs You! The Selective Service System
In peaceful times, the US Armed Forces are well stocked with brave men and women who voluntarily sign up to serve. But in the event of a third catastrophic global conflict, it is possible for the US government to rapidly recruit from the civilian population, thanks to the Selective Service System.
Who has the Right to Vote in the United States?
Puerto Ricans pays taxes but can't vote in Presidential Elections. While in Chicago, between 2006 and 2016, 199 dead voted from beyond the grave! So how does voting law really work in the United States?
Hotboxing History: Is The United States Really United?
Have you ever wondered why cannabis is legal in some states but not others? It all goes back to the US Constitution – and another disagreement between the Founding Fathers.
The Skidi Star Chart: Native American Horoscope Par Excellence
A map of the heavens, the stunning Skidi Star Chart acted as a clock, a calendar, a compass – and shaped the cultural and spiritual lives of its creators, the Pawnee Tribe.
Hot Air Balloons: The Secret Civil War Weapon
Military Hot Air Balloons were pioneered during the American Civil War for both surveillance and reconnaissance.
Civil Rights Movement: The Fight for Equality
The fight for Civil Rights in America has been fought by many groups of diverse peoples, all striving for equality.
Newton Knight: Fighting the Confederacy
Newton Knight was a Confederate soldier in the American Civil War who went AWOL to form a guerrilla force of fellow deserters and escaped slaves, who fought against the Confederacy.
Mercy Otis Warren: Blowing the Whistle on British Rule
Mercy Otis Warren was a poet, playwright and ‘whistleblower’ who used her words to throw some serious shade on British Colonial rule.
Patrick Henry: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
With the country on the brink of war, lawyer and patriot Patrick Henry delivers a speech on the rights of the colonies before the Second Virginia Assembly. His words ‘give me liberty or give me death’ would become the war cry of the revolution.
Shirley Chisholm: Equal Rights for Women
In 1969 Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Woman elected to Congress spoke to the US House of Representatives to argue in support of a controversial women’s rights bill; the Equal Rights Amendment.
The White House
The White House is perhaps the most iconic work of architecture in America - learn how it's design and style represents power, democracy and liberty.
War of the Worlds: The Hoax of a Century
The infamous 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast was a 'fake' news report of a devastating alien invasion advancing on New York City - that changed broadcasting forever.
Chicano Art Movement
The Chicano Art Movement was an explosion of Mexican-American culture that established a unique artistic identity in the United States - and raised up a new political voice.
The Harlan County Coal Wars
Harlan County coal miners in the 1930s went on a labour strike protesting about the conditions. Coal companies and the local police forces put them under. It broke out into civil unrest and Unions were established.
The Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance was an explosion of African American culture and creativity that began in 1920s New York.
Catalina Trico: New Netherland's Founding Mother
Catalina Trico was a young trailblazer and the first European mother in what would become New York State.
Reasons The North Went to War
Think you know all about the American Civil War? Think again! This is the untold story of why the North took up arms against the South.
Toypurina: Rebelling Against the Mission System
Toypurina, a Tongva woman who led a rebellion against a Spanish mission in Alta California.
The Bill of Rights: What is it and What Rights does it Guarantee?
The right to stand up for what we believe in is as American as apple pie and is protected under US law by the Bill of Rights: a list of ten amendments to the US Constitution that almost never existed.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was the first ever document to cement equality into the founding principles of a nation. It helped to bring the colonies together during a national crisis, but it was by no means perfect.
The Ten Crucial Days that Changed the American Revolutionary War
Did you know that little over a year into the American Revolutionary War, the US army had been reduced to just 3,000 men? But over ten crucial days, all of that changed thanks to one man: George Washington.
The Continental Congress
The Continental Congress was short-lived, but the role that it played in helping America to become an independent democracy can never be forgotten.
The Articles of Confederation
Did you know that before the Constitution, there was another governing system in the US? The Articles of Confederation.
The US Constitution
We all know what the US Constitution is – but do you know its origins story? Let’s delve into history and discover more about the most document in US history.
Opening the Oval with David Rubenstein: The Road to Women's Suffrage
In this episode, David Rubenstein explores the road to women's suffrage with journalists Elaine Weiss and the late Cokie Roberts.
Yellowstone: The First National Park
The first dedicated National Park anywhere in the world, Yellowstone attracts 318 million visitors every year. It was saved for posterity by the work of two pioneering artists.
The Great Depression
The Great Depression was one of the worst economic disasters America has ever experienced. But it’s also a period that produced some of the great innovations in US history.
Cult of Domesticity
The Cult of Domesticity was a school of thought that women should be confined to the home and aspire to be model wives and mothers. But it wasn’t just men who thought that way, many women did too!
Federal Art Project
Thanks to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ambitious New Deal plan, American artists were able to keep working during the Great Depression. The work they produced remains a key part of the American landscape.
Autumn
Autumn
The Story of Rain
The water cycle is one of the important systems which affects everything on earth
People Who Travel to Help Others
Many different jobs involve travelling to help others, Healthcare Visitor, Veterinarian and Ambulance driver are some important ones
Types of Rocks
They might all look the same, but rocks are always. These changes happen slowly over millions of years. But why is that? And how are they formed?
Recycling
What are three R's of recycling and why are they so important?
The Bronze Age
What was the Bronze Age and when did it begin? Let's find out.
Unusual Environments
Planet Earth is an amazing place. It’s home to lots of unusual environments. Let’s take a look!
Brazil
Welcome to Brazil – the fifth biggest country in the world.
The Inca Civilisation
The Inca civilisation was one of largest civilisation in the world! But how much do you know about it?
La Belle France
Take a trip through France and learn all about this beautiful country.
Habitats
Take a look at some examples of habitats that can be found around the world.
The History of Music Players
Recording and playing back music has changed in many interesting ways through the years
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines convert wind into electricity
Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. He lived an extraordinary life of danger, passion and advances in the field of aeronautics
All About Electricity
Electricity can be a fantastic help but it can also be very dangerous
Life in the Past : Baking in an Old Irish Kitchen
In times gone by people used to bake their bread on an open fire
Pollinators
Bees fly from flower to flower taking and dropping pollen as they go
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is name for the variety of life on earth
Turf Cutting: Past and Present
People have been cutting peat for heating for many years and the process has changes a lot over the years
Farming Potatoes in the Past
Potato farming has been going on in Ireland for many years, in the past it was done by hand and now it is a mechanised process.
The Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilber were the first to fly a motor operated plane.
The Irish Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is responsible for maritime emergencies.
The Chinese Massacre Explained
The Chinese Massacre of 1871 was the deadliest lynching in U.S. history – wiping out 10% of LA’s immigrant Chinese population in the space of just a few hours.
World War 1
How did World War 1 begin? Who were the Allies and what countries made up the Central Powers? Let's find out.
Building The White House
The White House stands as a symbol of freedom, but the story behind its construction reveals some important contradictions.
What is a Citizen? From Ancient Athens to the US
Citizenship allows people to participate in the democratic process, but the road to inclusive citizenship has not been a smooth one.
The Case Shot
Learn about the case shot, as well as other cannon fired projectiles and the key role they played in the American revolutionary war.
Breaking Down the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the US Constitution. It guarantees all Americans basic freedoms – but those freedoms have always been under attack.
Race in Ancient Greece
We often think of ancient Greek society as White, but it was a lot more diverse than we give it credit for.
Peter Francisco: The Virginia Giant
Peter Francisco, known as the Virginia Giant and the Hercules of the Revolution, and the tall tales that cemented his reputation fighting the British in the American Revolution.
Pieces of Eight
Learn the story behind pieces of eight, the Spanish coins that were the precursor to the American dollar and the coin we most associate with pirates!
Whiskey Rebellion
Whiskey fanned the flames of a Pennsylvanian tax uprising that lasted for three years!
Our Solar System.
Our Solar System is the name for our sun and the planets in orbit around it.
Emancipation Proclamation Exposed
The Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most important and misunderstood documents in US history. So, what did it actually proclaim?
Dueling Economies That Fueled the Civil War
Which economy was best for the country's future? The industrial economy of the North? Or the plantation system of the South? The stage was set for a financial fracas that would lead to the deadliest war in US history.
Remembering the Civil War
No two Americans had the same experience of the Civil War – and everyone remembers it differently. Through the stories they told – and the artifacts that survived – various narratives emerged!
Industry & Supply: The Race to Get Civil War Soldiers Frontline Resources
Supplying almost three million soldiers with the food, clothes and resources they needed to fight the Civil War was no easy task. So which side proved most successful?
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates
The Lincoln Douglas Debates of 1858 were some of the most controversial in US history. Having deepened the divide between North and South – they helped bring the nation to war.
The Largest Slave Uprising in Colonial America
The Stono Rebellion of 1739 saw enslaved people rise up using coded sounds that sowed the seeds of jazz, blues and hip hop.
Civil War Battle for the West
One of the most important battles of the Civil War wasn’t fought in the South – it was fought in the West. In March 1862, Union and Confederate forces came face-to-face – at New Mexico’s Glorieta Pass.
Japanese American Prison Camps on U.S. Soil
In 1942, at the height of the Second World War, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorised the incarceration of approximately 110,000 Japanese-Americans in the American West. But was Executive Order 9066 a step too far?
The Enslaved Chef Who Revolutionized American Cuisine
James Hemings was an enslaved man and the first American to learn classic French cuisine. He helped popularise many of the dishes you know and love today.
The Ships Beneath the Streets of San Francisco
San Francisco is famous for many things – but what you probably don’t know is that much of the city is made from ships that sank or were repurposed during the Gold Rush.
Remember the Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo has become the stuff of legend – when 200 brave Texan fighters took a stand against a Mexican force of thousands. But there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Thurgood Marshall: From School Suspension to Supreme Court
Thurgood Marshall, the most successful civil rights lawyer of all time and America’s first Supreme court Justice, was instrumental in the fight for equality in the United States.
Thomas Garrett and the Underground Railroad
By day he worked as an iron merchant – but by night, Thomas Garrett helped thousands escape slavery as a station master on the Underground Railroad.
Martha Moore Ballard: Diary of a Midwife
Written over 25 years, Martha Moore Ballard’s diary gives us a unique perspective into the midwifery profession, and the lives of women in the newly independent United States of America.
How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football
It’s America’s national sport – but when football almost came to a crashing halt following the deaths of 19 players in 1905, US President Theodore Roosevelt made a decisive play.
What is NATO?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is a coalition of democratic capitalist countries from Europe and North America. It remains perhaps the single biggest deterrent against nuclear war today.
Charles Lee: Washington's Most Arrogant General
Before George Washington led America to Independence, and victory over the British, he needed to defeat insubordination within his own ranks. Major General Charles Lee offered him the chance to do just that at the Battle of Monmouth.
Newburgh 1783: The Conspiracy That Threatened American Democracy
Having defeated the British, gaining its independence after eight bloody years of war, the great American experiment was almost taken over by a military coup before it had properly begun. Yet again, it was George Washington who stepped in – not to win a war this time, but to quell a mutiny.
Operation Paperclip
Operation Paperclip saw around 1,600 Nazi scientists recruited by U.S. intelligence to aid American innovation. As a result, none were ever held accountable for their crimes.
What Makes Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde a Classic?
First published in 1886, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jeykll and Mr Hyde struck fear into the heart of Victorian readers. A sinister story of a split personality, its psychological themes still resonate today.
How Puerto Rico Became a U.S. Commonwealth
Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. and is governed by federal law but its people are unable to vote in Presidential elections. Why does this US Commonwealth remain stuck in constitutional limbo?
The Unusual Presidency of William Taft
One-term Presidents are often overlooked – but what makes William Taft’s time in office memorable is the fact that it was defined by a series of unusual firsts.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Constructed after the First World War, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a memorial to all those U.S. service members whose remains were never identified.
Dolores Huerta: "Yes we can!"
The brains behind the political slogan “Yes we can!”, Mexican-American labor leader Dolores Huerta fought for the rights of immigrant workers in the 1960s.
Louis Brandeis: The First Jewish Supreme Court Justice
Louis Brandeis was the first Jewish associate justice to serve on the US Supreme Court. His appointment changed the legal landscape forever.
What Makes The Tempest a Classic?
Completed around 1611, The Tempest is thought to be the last play that William Shakespeare ever wrote. Set on an enchanted island, its themes of power and betrayal have captivated audiences for centuries.
Edith Maude Eaton: Fostering Cultural Understanding Through Writing
In a time when Chinese immigrants in America faced discrimination in all walks of life – simply because of their race – author Edith Maude Eaton channeled the power of the pen to help make positive change.
Pauli Murray: Breaking Barriers of Race and Gender
As a queer Black lawyer, poet and civil rights activist, Pauli Murray understood how our different identities can overlap to create multiple levels of discrimination. Her groundbreaking work in championing equality for all helped change America for the better.
Ancient Egypt
This is a timeline of the history of Ancient Egypt, from 4500 BCE - 30 BCE. The nation was governed by a king called a Pharaoh, believed to represent the gods on Earth. The civilisation lasted for thousands of years and left behind the Great Pyramids which can still be seen in Egypt today.
Ancient Greece
This is a timeline of the history of Ancient Greece, the first great civilization in Europe. During its high point, the Greeks made advancements in science, philosophy, literature and democracy.
Ancient Indian Empires
This is a timeline of the rise and fall of great empires in the Indian subcontinent, from 321 BCE to 499 CE. These empires saw the spread of Buddhism, the growth of Hinduism, the flourishing of art and literature, and significant mathematical and astronomical advancements.
Early Islamic Empires
This is a timeline of the history of the Early Islamic Empires over six centuries, from the year 634 to 1258. New Islamic empires spread from Arabia through Central Asia, North Africa, and Spain, bringing with them the Muslim religion, and advancement in scientific and medical innovation.
Kingdoms of Southeast Asia
This is a timeline of the history of the ancient kingdoms of Southeast Asia, from 207 BCE to 1511. At a crossroads of trade and culture, powerful kingdoms began to emerge in the region. The kingdoms were heavily influenced by religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and later Islam.
Cleopatra
This is a timeline of the life of Queen Cleopatra, the last ruling Pharaoh of ancient Egypt. She is remembered for her strategic alliances with powerful generals of the Roman Empire.
Pocahontas
This is a timeline about the life of Pocahontas, daughter of the chief of the Powhatan tribe, who played a crucial role in the relationship between the Native Americans and the English settlers in 17th century Virginia.
Rosa Parks
This is a timeline of the life of Rosa Parks, a woman who made history with a single act of courage, when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in 1955, a time when the U.S. was racially segregated. Her bravery inspired tens of thousands of African Americans to protest by refusing to take the city’s buses in Montgomery, Alabama.
Independence Hall: The Birthplace of America
Pennsylvania’s State House in Philadelphia, has hosted some of the most important moments in US history. But for a time it threatened to fall into disrepair - until America’s favorite fighting Frenchman gave it a new nickname…
Valley Forge: The Critical Winter
Many of us know the myth of Valley Forge - a freezing encampment which shaped the Patriot spirit during the Revolutionary War. But what was the reality of this settlement - and how many survived the winter?
Nathanael Greene: The Savior of the South
Nathanael Greene, a Quaker from Rhode Island, was George Washington’s right hand man during the Revolutionary War and twice saved the Continental Army from potential disaster.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
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?
Joint Chiefs
When the going gets tough, the president calls on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an advisory council to help make important military decisions.
The Attorney General
The top legal officer in the country, the Attorney General advises the US government on legal matters, including the President. But how did the role come about and what are his or her responsibilities?
Gerald Ford: The Unelected President
Gerald Ford holds a unique place in the history of U.S. politics – as the only American to hold the office of Vice President and President without ever winning a national election. Who was he, and what was his presidency like?
Muckrakers... or Investigative Journalists?
An essential part of any functioning democracy - the press helps to make governments accountable for their actions; but when the first investigative reporters started working in the United States, not everyone saw them as a good thing.
Yarrow Mamout: From Slavery to Financier
African Muslim Yarrow Mamout rose from a life of slavery to become a popular businessman in Washington, D.C. Artist Charles Willson Peale painted his portrait and discovered his incredible story.
Bunker Hill: Proving Ground of the Patriots
During the Battle of Bunker Hill a ragtag group of farmers and tradesman faced the best trained army in the world. But the rebel militia came close to winning this key battle in the Revolutionary War - and the result was a boost to Patriot morale.
The Culper Ring: Spying for the Revolution
The Culper Spy Ring was a network of brave, self-taught spies, who stole information out of New York City, right under the noses of the British - to keep George Washington and the Continental Army informed.
The Attacks on Forts Clinton & Montgomery
In 1777, the British Army attacked Forts Montgomery and Clinton on the Hudson and ensured access up river. But what did they gain from the victory?
Henry Clinton: The General who Lost America
For most of the Revolutionary War, General Henry Clinton was second-in-command of the British army and he had his own ideas about what strategies should be pursued. But when he finally got the top job, nothing turned out as he had hoped.
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?
WWII POW Camps on U.S. Soil
Between 1942 and 1946, the U.S. government constructed around 700 POW camps on U.S. soil, housing around 400,000 captured enemy soldiers. But what were the conditions like there?
Madeleine Albright's Brooches
The U.S.’s first female Secretary of State used her collection of brooches to get her point across when meeting with foreign leaders, a practice that became known as “Pin Diplomacy.”
Benjamin Lincoln: Revolutionary Revenge
Continental General Benjamin Lincoln surrendered his troops at Charleston – one of the worst American defeats in the Revolutionary War. So how, just a year later, was he the one to receive the British sword of surrender at Yorktown?
Charles Willson Peale: Revolutionary Artist
A look at the life and talents of Charles Willson Peale, portrait artist of the American Revolution and Philadelphian Renaissance man.
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.
Guilford Courthouse: Defeat for Both Sides?
At the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, the British Army in the south finally met the Continentals in open battle. Despite being outnumbered, the professional Redcoats showed their mettle, and won the day. But Britain’s ability to impose its will on the South was coming to an end.
What are Economic Systems?
Different economic systems have been developed to meet the needs and wants of the citizens of a country or society. These systems have distinct advantages and downsides for producers, consumers, and governments.
Mapp v. Ohio: Illegal Search and Seizure
Mapp v. Ohio was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that safeguarded the Fourth Amendment right to privacy after a Cleveland woman was wrongly convicted following an illegal search of her home.
Chien-Shiung Wu: The First Lady of Physics
We hear a lot about famous scientists like Marie Curie and Albert Einstein, but have you ever heard of Chien-Shiung Wu and her work on the Manhattan Project?
Coverture
Coverture severely restricted women’s political, financial, and personal rights and was imported to the American colonies as a part of English common law. It affected the lives of all American women and although it has been diminished over time vestiges of it remain even today.
Public Spaces: The Birth of Nations
Public spaces are places for democracy. Open to everyone, and a space where people can gather, they could form a type of government where the people have ultimate power.
Atlantic World: New World, New Possibilities
Paving the way for modern democratic society, the ancient Mediterranean world traded goods and ideas across three continents over thousands of years.
Geography: From Athens to America
Thanks, in part, to its unique geography, Athens is the birthplace of democracy, and one of the most successful city-states in all of Ancient Greece.
Civic Engagement: Power to the People
Democracy was born when the Athenian government transitioned from the “rule of a few” to the “rule of many”, around 3,000 years ago.
Slavery in Democracies: The Greatest Hypocrisy
How could democratic societies claim to support equality while holding humans in bondage? The legacy of slavery tests the democratic ideal that everyone has an equal right to freedom and self-governance.
How The Census Changed America
A nationwide head count of all those who live in the United States, the US Census takes place every ten years. It shows us how society constantly changes – but it also took decades of struggle for every person in America to count.
Alexander Hamilton's Writing Desk: The Laptop Precursor
The average American will send and receive around 3,000 text messages every month. But Founding Father Alexander Hamilton relied on his his trusty portable writing desk to draft countless letters and write some of the most important documents in US history!
Keds: America's First Viral Sneakers
They were the Nike Air of their day – and they helped spark a sneaker revolution! Discover how Keds cornered the market for comfortable footwear in the 1950s and beyond.
Barbara Jordan: Statement on the Articles of Impeachment
In 1974, US House Representative for Texas, Barbara Jordan delivered an impassioned speech on the power and meaning of the U.S. Constitution. Delivered on primetime television to critical acclaim during the coverage of the infamous Watergate scandal.
Colt Patterson: The Gun that Changed America
Killing zombies online is fun, right? But imagine you could only shoot one bullet at a time. You’d be TOAST! This is the story of the American five-shot Colt Paterson: a handgun that changed history.
Standing Up To ICE: How Young People Are Protesting For A Fairer America
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a government agency that tracks and apprehends illegal aliens. But when its officers caged children on the Mexico border, young people stood up for change.
The Battle of the Sexes
Although half of Americans are female, women make up just 25% of Congress. In fact, women have been treated unfairly in America since day one – but what are the causes of that inequality and what are the effects?
How Prostitution Built The Wild West
Putting the "wild" into Wild West, prostitution was big business in frontier communities – and gave the so-called "soiled doves" who controlled the industry wealth and influence as America grew.
Statue of Liberty: A French Peace Offering
A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty has been welcoming immigrants and visitors to New York Harbour since 1875. But the story behind this gift from a European ally is filled with drama!
Harvard Printing Press: The Founding Father's Secret Weapon
The Harvard Printing Press was the Internet of its day. The first of its kind in the US, it kickstarted the publishing industry and helped everyday Americans to stay informed.
The Negro League Baseball: Shattering Segregation
Like much of American in the early 19th century, sports were segregated. But with the newly established Negro Baseball League, African American baseball players overcame racial segregation to claim the national pastime as their own.
Bayard Rustin: Martin Luther King Jr's 'Out and Proud' Advisor
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was the biggest protest America had ever seen. It culminated in Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. But the man who made it all possible, chief organiser Bayard Rustin, was almost written out of history not because he was black, but because he was gay.
John Rollin Ridge: the Native American Novelist Like No Other
We've had some great American Novelists? You've read some of them in school, right? But one writer you've probably never heard of is John Rollin Ridge, aka Yellow Bird: the first Native American to ever publish a novel about a fictitious Mexican folk hero no less!
Nelly Bly: Breaking Barriers from Asylums to the Skies
We've all got our favourite YouTubers, right? But everyone with a channel has this Pennsylvian lady, Nellie Bly, to thank. You could say she was the world’s first blogger.
Tennis for Two: America's First Video Game
It was pretty basic – but also revolutionary! Find out how American physicist William Higinbotham created Tennis For Two and discover its links to the mysterious Manhattan Project.
Hedy Lamarr: Mother of WiFi
Did you know? The amazing technology behind Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS was the brainchild of Hollywood actor turned visionary inventor Hedy Lamarr - the Mother of Wi-Fi.
The Moscow-Washington Hotline: Avoiding Nuclear War with Russia
In 1962, the Moscow-Washington Hotline was established as a quick and accurate means of communication between two of the world's greatest superpowers. Since then, the technology used to facilitate this line of communication has changed over time.
The Polygraph Machine: Detecting the Truth
In 1921, John Augustus Larson invented a machine to help detectives determine if someone was telling the truth - or lying. He called it - the Polygraph.
The First American Cookbook: Putting America's Cuisine on the Map
In 1796, Amelia Simmons released 'American Cookery', the first cookbook to be published by an American, in the United States.
Linda Brown: The Schoolgirl who Changed America
Linda Brown was just 9-years-old when she was thrust into the national spotlight, as she fought - and won - against racial segregation in the American school system.
The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were written by three of America's Founding Fathers, in an attempt to convince the American people that the Constitution should be ratified.
The Bill of Rights: Cornerstone of US Society?
Written by Founding Father James Madison in 1789, The Bill of Rights makes up the first ten amendments to the US Constitution. Many people still consider the Bill of Rights to be the cornerstone of our society, but not everyone agrees.
The Birth of Photojournalism
At the height of the American Civil War, New York photographer Mathew Brady pioneered the art of Photojournalism - and brought the harsh realities of war home for the very first time.
Garrett Morgan
Kentucky-born Garrett Morgan invented life saving gadgets, but despite facing racial prejudice all his life, Morgan was recognised as one of America’s most prolific and socially conscious inventors
The Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most important documents in US history. Issued at the height of the American Civil War, it granted freedom to enslaved people living in the eleven breakaway states of the Confederacy.
John Brown's Pike
Abolitionist John Brown commissioned a blacksmith to produce hundreds of pikes – deadly spear-like weapons made from iron and wood, for his team of militiamen to raid the armoury and help set enslaved people free. But it ended in failure and Brown became the first US citizen to be executed for treason
Country Music of Kentucky
This is the story of Route 23, known as the Country Music Highway that stretches across Eastern Kentucky, the home of some of America's greatest Country Music stars
Breaking Barriers: Constance Baker Motley
Breaking through the limits placed on women and people of color was all in a day’s work for Constance Baker Motley. She was a civil rights activist, lawyer, judge and state senator.
Sojourner Truth: Fierce Warrior for Social Justice
How an enslaved woman became one of the most important social justice activists in American history.
Fashionable Rebellion: Tignons: From Oppressive Attire to Creative Accoutrement
How free Black women in Spanish Louisiana turned an oppressive headscarf law into a celebration of individuality and culture.
Common Sense: Democracy in Print
We’ve all seen our fair share of American political ads in recent years. But the very first? That could be Common Sense - written by Thomas Paine – an 18th century pamphlet designed to incite rebellion!
The Underground Railroad
A sprawling network of secret routes, pathways and safe houses, the Underground Railroad helped countless enslaved people escape to freedom in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Virginia Hall: Nazi Nemesis
They called her the Limping Lady. The Allied spy who topped the Nazis’ most wanted list. This is the story of Virginia Hall – one of the most decorated special agents of the Second World War.
The Birth of American Democracy
We’re often taught that it was the ancient Greeks who invented our democracy. What they didn't mention is the group of Native Americans who helped showed us the way.
Y2K: Countdown to Catastrophe
Learn about the Y2K bug crisis that led millions to believe at the dawn of the millennium that computers around the world would crash, causing the end of civilization.
Opening the Oval with David Rubenstein: Lincoln and Emancipation
In this episode, David Rubenstein explores the story of Abraham Lincoln and Emancipation with historians H.W. Brands, Eric Foner, David W. Blight, and Drew Gilpin Faust.
Opening the Oval with David Rubenstein: The Role of First Ladies
In this episode, David Rubenstein explores the role of First Ladies in the White House with historian Annette Gordon-Reed and journalists Jonathan Alter and the late Cokie Roberts.
Bright Lights, Gritty City
In the space of just 40 years, the majority of Americans packed their bags for a new life in the city. So what brought on this seismic shift from rural to urban dwelling? And what was the fallout?
Shots Fired! Why Being President is a Deadly Job
Of all the Presidents who have held office since the foundation of the United States, four were gunned down by assassins. This is their story.
George Brittain Lyttle: The Bandit who Couldn't Ride a Horse
History is full of criminal masterminds – people who used cunning and skill to outwit the law. And then there is George Brittain Lyttle, the notorious stagecoach robber who couldn’t ride a horse!
Growing a Seed
Planting seeds and watching them grow is a facinating way to understand the world around us
Where You Live: Ireland
Irealnd is a beautiful country with many amzing sights, situated on the western most edge of Europe
The Havasupai Project Explained
When the Havasupai tribe became the subject of a medical trial in the 1990s, their DNA was covertly used for scientific testing that participants had not consented to. Thirteen years later the secret was discovered and the tribe filed a lawsuit against the researchers.
Patsy Mink: Changing the Rules
The first Asian American woman ever to be elected to Congress, Patsy Mink dedicated her life to participating in the democratic process and improving the lives of others.
Amazon River
Have you ever wondered how and where a river begins?
Transport
Modern transport allows people to travel all over the world. Take a look at some of the different ways in which you can travel.
Climate Change
Our planet is heating up and it is having an impact on climates all around the world. Let's take a look at some of the reasons for this.
Volcanoes
What exactly is a volcano and where in Ireland can you find an extinct one?
Travel and Transport
Track the history of transport and travel from the invention of the wheel through to modern air travel.
Weather
Our ancestors predicted the weather by looking at the sky, and observing how animals behaved. Let's have a look at how things have changed since then, thanks to modern technology.
Trees and Forests
Did you know that trees are the oldest living things on planet Earth?
Outer Space
Have you ever looked at the sky at night and wondered, ‘Is there life on other planets?'
Changing Clothes
Take a look at fashion throughout the centuries.
A Visit to Mexico City
Mexico City is not your typical city. It’s time to explain.
History of Air Travel
Let’s take a flight through aviation history.
Hibernation
Hedgehogs hibernate through the winter and wake again in springtime
The Story of Turf Long Ago
People in Ireland have been cutting turf and burning peat for a long time.
Climate Activists
Climate activists do all sorts of different activities to support the environment
Birds, Animals and Materials on Irish Beaches
There are many interesting kinds of birds, animals and materials on the beaches around Ireland
Natural Disasters.
Natural disasters happen in countries around the world all the time, global warming is causing these disasters to happen more often
The Human Landscape
Learn how our natural landscape has been modified by human activities.
Plate Tectonics
What are plate tectonics and how do they change the surface of the Earth? Let's find out!
Staple Food & Main Crops
The surface of the Earth is covered with different habitats that have been created by their climates and locations.
Japan
Travel to Japan and learn all about this incredible country.
Hidden People of Iceland
Learn all about elves, the hidden people of Iceland.
The Woman Suffrage Procession
The Women’s Suffrage Procession of 1913 changed how Americans protest – by getting bigger, better and more creative than ever before.
What’s hidden at the foot of the Statue of Liberty?
A gift from France to the United States, the Statue of Liberty is bursting with symbolism. But why are there chains at Lady Liberty’s feet? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
Whose portrait went viral in the 1800s?
In the 1800s, abolitionist Frederick Douglass made it his mission to become the most photographed man in America. So how did his image change the country? David Rubenstein investigates in a fact-filled history minute.
Who were the Navajo code talkers of the Second World War?
Most secret codes developed during the Second World War used letters and numbers to convey hidden messages. So how did Navajo code talkers use their language to outwit the Nazis? David Rubenstein answers that question in a fact-filled history minute.
Newtown: A Crushing Defeat for the Iroquois
The Revolutionary War was never a simple story of Patriot vs Redcoat. Older nations with far deeper American roots were also caught up in the war. To secure their future, the nations of the Iroquois Confederacy had to choose a side – and in many ways, their long term fate was decided on the day of the Battle of Newtown.
Foraging: Feeding Soldiers in the Revolution
Foraging was a common practice in the Revolutionary War – with supplies low, it was the only way that many soldiers could stay alive. But a free lunch for the army camp was often a disaster for local farmers. In certain cases, civilians found their possessions being plundered by armies on both sides.
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.
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.
Josephine Baker: Actor, Singer, Spy
Actor and singer Josephine Baker spent her life resisting racial discrimination at home and abroad. During World War II, she bravely used her fame to fight back against the Nazis.
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation ensures the equitable and safe transport of goods and people along our roads, railways, skies, waterways and airspace. So, why did it take so long to come into existence?
The Ethiopian Regiment
In 1775, Virginian slave owners didn’t just have the war to worry about. The Royal Governor of the colony was encouraging their slaves to escape, offering them freedom if they would fight for the British. Many Black men took up the offer, joining a fighting force that became known as the Ethiopian Regiment.
Flatboats: Small Boats, Revolutionary Impact
The Royal Navy outgunned the Continentals during the Revolutionary War. But on the waterways of the Thirteen Colonies, the most important craft was not the warship - it was the humble flat-bottomed boat.
Transportation: Revolutionary Muscle Power
Fighting battles is only one part of waging war. Another, just as important, is moving armies and all their supplies around. In the Revolutionary War, when there were few good roads, and never enough horses, transportation was a constant challenge.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
This is a timeline of the life of American president, Franklin Roosevelt, from 1882 to 1945. His confident Presidential leadership style allowed him to guide the country through one of its most turbulent periods and the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Adolf Hitler
This is a timeline of the life of one of the most divisive leaders in history. Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler’s racist and aggressive policies brought the world to the brink of destruction. His opportunistic rise to power, acts as a warning to us all.
Benito Mussolini
From a strong-willed and impetuous child, to the founder of one of the most violent political parties, Italian Fascist leader Benito Musollini took his country to war – and paid the ultimate price. This is a timeline of his life.
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
In 1953, Edmund Hillary, a beekeeper from New Zealand, and Tenzing Norgay, a guide from the Sherpa community, achieved what was once thought impossible: climbing the highest mountain in the world. This is a timeline of the first successful ascent of Everest.
Nelson Mandela
This is a timeline of the life of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black head of state. A tireless and dedicated activist, committed to bringing Apartheid to an end, made him one of the world’s most beloved leaders.
Black Propaganda
A weapon of covert action wielded by governments around the world, black propaganda straddles the fine line between fact and fiction, letting its secret sources instigate chaos with impunity.
Revolutionary Diplomats: Franklin and Adams
During the Revolutionary War, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were both sent by Congress to Paris – with the vital diplomatic mission of securing French aid in the war. The two Founding Fathers lived together but they were far from ideal housemates.
The Pacific War
This is a timeline of the Pacific War, a significant conflict that took place from 1941 to 1945. It involved the United States and its Allies battling against Japan in the Pacific region, ultimately leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
The Federal Trade Commission
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 have the money.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Founded by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, the Department of Agriculture safeguards farming standards and boosts rural development through a series of progressive programs.
Harriet Tubman
This is a timeline of the life of Harriet Tubman, one of the United States’ bravest and most outspoken abolitionists. During the course of her career, she rescued almost 700 Black men, women and children and went on to champion women’s suffrage.
Greta Thunberg
This is a timeline of the life of Greta Thunberg and her rise as a global climate activist. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg's lone school strike for the climate in 2018 evolved into a worldwide movement, inspiring millions to take action against global warming and demanding immediate change from world leaders.
Aircraft and Aviation
This is a timeline of the evolution of aircraft and aviation, from the early experiments with hot air balloons in 1783 to the advancements of modern-day aviation. From the Wright Brothers' historic flight in 1903 to the development of jet engines, supersonic passenger jets, and unmanned drones, aviation continues to push the boundaries of innovation and shape the way we travel and explore the skies.
Election of 1800: Presidential Tie
The 1800 Presidential Election, which ended in a tie between Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Burr, presented Congress with a dilemma – how to stop a tie from happening again.
Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori: A Prince Enslaved
Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori, a Fula prince and former slave, was determined to free his family. His extraordinary story and character caught America's attention at a complicated time in American history.
Henrietta Lacks' Revolutionary HeLa Cells
The astonishing story of Henrietta Lacks' immortal cells, taken without consent, revolutionized medical research but also exposed ethical dilemmas, leading to crucial changes in consent laws to protect patients' rights in the scientific community.
Ernestine Rose
A pioneering suffragette and free thinker, Ernestine Rose was way ahead of her time. Described as the “first Jewish feminist”, she used her voice to campaign for women’s rights and improve the lives of millions.
Beverly LaHaye
At a time when many women in the United States were campaigning for greater rights, Beverly LaHaye raised her voice for traditional values. An expert activist and founder of Concerned Women for America, today she is admired and reviled in equal measure.
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy: Activist for Transgender Rights
Present at the Stonewall Uprising of 1959, pioneering transgender activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy lived through the HIV/AIDS epidemic to fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and beyond.
Sarah Winnemucca
The first Indigenous woman to publish a memoir, Paiute educator and activist Sarah Winnemucca campaigned tirelessly for the rights of Indigenous Americans.
Dishonor: Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold's once-valiant reputation soured as he betrayed the American Revolution for greed. His name now represents dishonor and the dangers of lost trust.
Colson Whitehead
The first author to win the Pulitzer Prize for two consecutive novels, Colson Whitehead is one of the United States’ most versatile writers.
Lorraine Hansberry
The first African-American woman to have a play staged on Broadway, Lorraine Hansberry was a writer who broke down racial and gender barriers.
Elizabeth Blackwell: Trailblazer for Women in Medicine
The first woman to graduate from a U.S. medical college, Elizabeth Blackwell broke through gender barriers to make history. Her remarkable story of courage and perseverance serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Matilda Hughes: Fighting for Family
Enduring slavery and loss, Matilda Hughes's relentless quest to reunite and rebuild her family showcases the indomitable spirit of love amidst America's darkest chapters.
Pottawatomie v. Earls
In the landmark Supreme Court case Pottawatomie v. Earls, a group of students sued their school district for violating their fourth amendment rights, for making drug tests mandatory for all students participating in extracurricular activities.
The Eighth Amendment
The Eighth Amendment is designed to limit how we decide the punishment of those convicted of a crime. But how has the Supreme Court interpreted 'cruel and unusual punishment'?
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.
Geography of the Colonies
The 13 British colonies were founded from a desire to profit from land and resources. So how did their varied geography shape their growth?
Gary Soto
Gary Soto, a Mexican-American author and poet, captures the essence of youth and Chicano experiences in his stories, blending humor and the magic of everyday life.
Julia Stockton Rush: Love and Family Amid War
Julia Stockton Rush's letters offer a unique glimpse into the lives of women during the American Revolution, capturing a nation's birth from a female perspective.
Joseph Smith: American Prophet
Inspired by the religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening, Joseph Smith founded the most widely-practiced religion founded in the United States, the Mormon faith.
Sequoyah: Inventor of the Cherokee Syllabary
Cherokee blacksmith, soldier, and community leader Sequoyah ensured that his people’s language and culture would be preserved – by developing the Cherokee syllabary.
Existentialism
Dive into the world of Existentialism, where authors like Dostoevsky, Sartre and Camus challenge readers to find personal meaning amidst life's absurdities, blending deep philosophical questions with relatable human struggles.
Victorian Literature
Exploring the diversity of Victorian Literature, we discover how authors like Charles Dickens, the Brontë Sisters and Lewis Carroll captured the ideals and issues of a rapidly industrializing society, weaving tales of innovation, societal norms and adventure in 19th Century England.
Nic Stone
Author Nic Stone tried many jobs before finding passion in writing, when her travels abroad inspired her to write stories and novels that spotlight issues faced by marginalized groups across the globe.
Kate Chopin
Kate Chopin's groundbreaking novels and short stories drew on her experiences of growing up and living in the multicultural South, and boldly explores taboo themes of race, class, and female sexuality in 19th century society.
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day traces its roots from ancient pagan rituals to 17th-century German settlers in Pennsylvania. This February 2nd tradition has evolved into a fun, modern celebration.
Neil Armstrong's Space Suit
The story of the A7L Space Suit worn by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 moon landing.
First Ladies
The role of the First Lady of the United States has changed over the years. These women have shaped the White House as well as the nation.
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