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Essentials: Biography (Middle and High School)

A series of films about important and influential people in the history of the United States, appropriate for grades 6-12.

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Season 1

William Jennings Bryan

Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan shaped early 20th-century U.S. politics with his advocacy for the common man and progressive policies.

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153. William Jennings Bryan

Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan shaped early 20th-century U.S. politics with his advocacy for the common man and progressive policies.

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The Rise of America's Industrial Titans

During the 19th century, leading industrialists like Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller helped transform the U.S. from an agricultural to an industrial powerhouse, but at significant cost to competition and workers’ rights.

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152. The Rise of America's Industrial Titans

During the 19th century, leading industrialists like Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller helped transform the U.S. from an agricultural to an industrial powerhouse, but at significant cost to competition and workers’ rights.

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Leaders of the Civil War

The U.S. Civil War pitted friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor, in a bitter fight for the future of the nation. It also drove the country’s leaders apart. Their struggles are embodied by six men whose fates reflected the nation's continuing struggle for unity and progress.

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148. Leaders of the Civil War

The U.S. Civil War pitted friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor, in a bitter fight for the future of the nation. It also drove the country’s leaders apart. Their struggles are embodied by six men whose fates reflected the nation's continuing struggle for unity and progress.

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George Washington: Leader of a New Nation

George Washington wasn’t just a military general – he was one of his era’s most astute political leaders. From learning his trade in the Virginia House of Burgesses, to establishing the role of President, he embodied the spirit of American democracy.

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139. George Washington: Leader of a New Nation

George Washington wasn’t just a military general – he was one of his era’s most astute political leaders. From learning his trade in the Virginia House of Burgesses, to establishing the role of President, he embodied the spirit of American democracy.

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Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, a Founding Father, and the third President of the United States. But he was also an enslaver whose life was marked by contradictions.

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67. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, a Founding Father, and the third President of the United States. But he was also an enslaver whose life was marked by contradictions.

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Thomas Paine's visionary writings, advocating freedom and democracy, were instrumental in shaping the United States' fight for independence. Explore his remarkable journey, from campaigning for higher pay as a tax collector in England, to inspiring the US and French revolutions.

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53. Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine's visionary writings, advocating freedom and democracy, were instrumental in shaping the United States' fight for independence. Explore his remarkable journey, from campaigning for higher pay as a tax collector in England, to inspiring the US and French revolutions.

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General Washington

What made George Washington such an inspirational military leader? Explore his remarkable journey, from a childhood on his family's Virginia plantation to his role as the Commander of the Continental Army,

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38. General Washington

What made George Washington such an inspirational military leader? Explore his remarkable journey, from a childhood on his family's Virginia plantation to his role as the Commander of the Continental Army,

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Leaders of the Revolutionary War

The American Revolutionary War pitted determined colonists against an experienced British Army. Meet the military leaders who played pivotal roles on both sides.

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22. Leaders of the Revolutionary War

The American Revolutionary War pitted determined colonists against an experienced British Army. Meet the military leaders who played pivotal roles on both sides.

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Explore the life and legacy of John Adams, second President of the United States, and learn how he journeyed from the courtrooms of Boston to the highest office in the land.

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Explore the life and legacy of John Adams, second President of the United States, and learn how he journeyed from the courtrooms of Boston to the highest office in the land.

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James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” – but he was so much more than that. As author of the Virginia Plan and the Bill of Rights, his political genius proved vital in the founding of our nation.

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4. James Madison

James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” – but he was so much more than that. As author of the Virginia Plan and the Bill of Rights, his political genius proved vital in the founding of our nation.

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Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin may be the most famous American politician who never ran for president. In this film, learn about his life and legacy.

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3. Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin may be the most famous American politician who never ran for president. In this film, learn about his life and legacy.

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