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Essentials: Pivotal Events, War, and Conflict

A series of films exploring some of the most important pivotal events in U.S. history, suitable for Middle and High School.

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Season 1

The Tulsa Massacre

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre saw Greenwood, a prosperous African American community, devastated by racially motivated violence that left hundreds dead and a neighborhood in ruins.

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165. The Tulsa Massacre

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre saw Greenwood, a prosperous African American community, devastated by racially motivated violence that left hundreds dead and a neighborhood in ruins.

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The Influenza Pandemic of 1918

The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919 claimed millions of lives across the globe. Known at the time as 'Spanish Flu', the first documented outbreak occurred at Camp Funston, Kansas.

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164. The Influenza Pandemic of 1918

The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919 claimed millions of lives across the globe. Known at the time as 'Spanish Flu', the first documented outbreak occurred at Camp Funston, Kansas.

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The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

In 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in Manhattan went up in flames, killing 146 workers. The tragedy marked a pivotal moment in the fight for labor rights.

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163. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

In 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in Manhattan went up in flames, killing 146 workers. The tragedy marked a pivotal moment in the fight for labor rights.

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The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was an unprecedented flourishing of African-American culture and creativity in 1920s New York. It fostered a newfound sense of Black pride and identity, which extended far beyond the confines of Harlem.

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161. The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was an unprecedented flourishing of African-American culture and creativity in 1920s New York. It fostered a newfound sense of Black pride and identity, which extended far beyond the confines of Harlem.

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Workers in the Age of Industry

In the summer of 1892, steelworkers in Homestead, Pennsylvania went on strike after plans to cut pay were announced. The violence that followed was a pivotal moment in the struggle for workers’ rights in the United States.

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160. Workers in the Age of Industry

In the summer of 1892, steelworkers in Homestead, Pennsylvania went on strike after plans to cut pay were announced. The violence that followed was a pivotal moment in the struggle for workers’ rights in the United States.

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The Battle of Little Bighorn

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, is one of the most iconic conflicts in U.S. history. A clash for control of Montana’s Black Hills typified the U.S. government’s willingness to displace Indigenous communities.

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157. The Battle of Little Bighorn

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, is one of the most iconic conflicts in U.S. history. A clash for control of Montana’s Black Hills typified the U.S. government’s willingness to displace Indigenous communities.

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The Nez Perce War

The Nez Perce War of 1877, driven by forced relocations and treaty violations, marked a profound conflict between the U.S. government and Indigenous Nez Perce communities.

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156. The Nez Perce War

The Nez Perce War of 1877, driven by forced relocations and treaty violations, marked a profound conflict between the U.S. government and Indigenous Nez Perce communities.

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The Economic Panic of 1873

The Panic of 1873, triggered by railroad bond failures, reshaped the economic, social and political landscape of the United States for generations.

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155. The Economic Panic of 1873

The Panic of 1873, triggered by railroad bond failures, reshaped the economic, social and political landscape of the United States for generations.

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Between the 1870s and 1900s, the United States experienced a period of rapid economic growth. But beneath the shiny veneer of the Gilded Age lurked profound inequality and widespread want.

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154. The Gilded Age

Between the 1870s and 1900s, the United States experienced a period of rapid economic growth. But beneath the shiny veneer of the Gilded Age lurked profound inequality and widespread want.

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The Raid on Harpers Ferry

Abolitionist John Brown viewed the fight against slavery as a holy endeavor that could only be won through violence. His raid on Harpers Ferry was an attempt to spark a mass uprising of enslaved people across the South.

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151. The Raid on Harpers Ferry

Abolitionist John Brown viewed the fight against slavery as a holy endeavor that could only be won through violence. His raid on Harpers Ferry was an attempt to spark a mass uprising of enslaved people across the South.

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The Assassination of President Lincoln

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth was part of a conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. government. Lincoln’s death united the nation in grief and set the stage for a tumultuous Reconstruction era.

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150. The Assassination of President Lincoln

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth was part of a conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. government. Lincoln’s death united the nation in grief and set the stage for a tumultuous Reconstruction era.

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The Impact of the Civil War

On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter, South Carolina, marking the explosive start of the Civil War. The conflict led to short-lived progress and long-term struggles for true racial equality.

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149. The Impact of the Civil War

On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter, South Carolina, marking the explosive start of the Civil War. The conflict led to short-lived progress and long-term struggles for true racial equality.

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The American Anti-Slavery Society was the country's first major national abolitionist organization. Founded in 1833, it raised awareness of the atrocities of slavery - but as time went on, factions emerged within the group.

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147. Abolitionism

The American Anti-Slavery Society was the country's first major national abolitionist organization. Founded in 1833, it raised awareness of the atrocities of slavery - but as time went on, factions emerged within the group.

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Nat Turner’s Rebellion

Nat Turner’s Rebellion was the deadliest slave uprising in U.S. history. By shattering the illusory peace of the Southern states, it led to restrictive new laws that codified slavery across the U.S.

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146. Nat Turner’s Rebellion

Nat Turner’s Rebellion was the deadliest slave uprising in U.S. history. By shattering the illusory peace of the Southern states, it led to restrictive new laws that codified slavery across the U.S.

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The Texas Revolution

The Texas Revolution of 1835-36 saw American settlers rise up against the Mexican government to achieve their independence. The Republic of Texas stood as an independent nation for almost a decade.

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145. The Texas Revolution

The Texas Revolution of 1835-36 saw American settlers rise up against the Mexican government to achieve their independence. The Republic of Texas stood as an independent nation for almost a decade.

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Bleeding Kansas

In the 1850s, the newly established territory of Kansas descended into chaos – as pro and anti-slavery activists attempted to influence its admittance to the Union. Bleeding Kansas was a precursor to the Civil War.

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144. Bleeding Kansas

In the 1850s, the newly established territory of Kansas descended into chaos – as pro and anti-slavery activists attempted to influence its admittance to the Union. Bleeding Kansas was a precursor to the Civil War.

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The End of the Revolutionary War

What did the United States look like after the Revolution? Discover how economic, governmental and social challenges in the post-war period led to lasting reforms that fulfilled the promise of independence.

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130. The End of the Revolutionary War

What did the United States look like after the Revolution? Discover how economic, governmental and social challenges in the post-war period led to lasting reforms that fulfilled the promise of independence.

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Causes of the War of 1812

The War of 1812 pitted the fledgling United States against Great Britain in a second war of independence. But what factors influenced Congress’ contentious decision to declare war in the first place?

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123. Causes of the War of 1812

The War of 1812 pitted the fledgling United States against Great Britain in a second war of independence. But what factors influenced Congress’ contentious decision to declare war in the first place?

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The Seven Years' War

Fought between 1756 and 1763, the Seven Years' War was the first truly global conflict. In this video, learn about how the war reshaped power dynamics between Great Britain and France.

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117. The Seven Years' War

Fought between 1756 and 1763, the Seven Years' War was the first truly global conflict. In this video, learn about how the war reshaped power dynamics between Great Britain and France.

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Europe and the American Revolution

The American Revolution wasn’t just a fight between American colonists and Great Britain. France, Spain, and the Netherlands backed the rebels through financial and military assistance.

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115. Europe and the American Revolution

The American Revolution wasn’t just a fight between American colonists and Great Britain. France, Spain, and the Netherlands backed the rebels through financial and military assistance.

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Shays' Rebellion

In the summer of 1786, the first major armed uprising in the newly formed United States began. Shays' Rebellion was a conflict over debt and taxes that would shake the foundations of the U.S. government.

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114. Shays' Rebellion

In the summer of 1786, the first major armed uprising in the newly formed United States began. Shays' Rebellion was a conflict over debt and taxes that would shake the foundations of the U.S. government.

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The Battle of New Orleans

The Battle of New Orleans was the final major conflict of the War of 1812. It ended in an unlikely victory for the U.S over Great Britain, helping to foster a newfound sense of national pride.

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113. The Battle of New Orleans

The Battle of New Orleans was the final major conflict of the War of 1812. It ended in an unlikely victory for the U.S over Great Britain, helping to foster a newfound sense of national pride.

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The controversial XYZ Affair escalated tensions between the U.S. and France in the 1700s, leading to naval confrontations at sea and a crisis of democracy in the United States.

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112. The XYZ Affair

The controversial XYZ Affair escalated tensions between the U.S. and France in the 1700s, leading to naval confrontations at sea and a crisis of democracy in the United States.

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The Panic of 1819

The Panic of 1819, triggered by land speculation, reduced exports and a cutback in credit, led to America's first major financial crisis and reshaped its economic policies.

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111. The Panic of 1819

The Panic of 1819, triggered by land speculation, reduced exports and a cutback in credit, led to America's first major financial crisis and reshaped its economic policies.

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Revolutionary Riders

In 1775, American patriots rode out on horseback to spread the word that British troops were on the move. By mobilizing militiamen to rise up and fight, these brave messengers roused the colonies into rebellion.

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102. Revolutionary Riders

In 1775, American patriots rode out on horseback to spread the word that British troops were on the move. By mobilizing militiamen to rise up and fight, these brave messengers roused the colonies into rebellion.

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The Sons and Daughters of Liberty

In 1765, two secretive groups formed in Boston, Massachusetts to resist rising British taxes. The Sons and Daughters of Liberty forced the repeal of the Stamp Act and lit the spark of colonial independence.

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99. The Sons and Daughters of Liberty

In 1765, two secretive groups formed in Boston, Massachusetts to resist rising British taxes. The Sons and Daughters of Liberty forced the repeal of the Stamp Act and lit the spark of colonial independence.

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Burning of Washington

In 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces attacked Washington D.C., burning the White House and the Capitol, an act that galvanized American resilience.

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98. Burning of Washington

In 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces attacked Washington D.C., burning the White House and the Capitol, an act that galvanized American resilience.

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The Expedition of Lewis & Clark

In the early 1800s, explorers Lewis and Clark set out to chart the American West. The Corps of Discovery kick-started decades of Western expansion, at significant cost to Indigenous communities.

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97. The Expedition of Lewis & Clark

In the early 1800s, explorers Lewis and Clark set out to chart the American West. The Corps of Discovery kick-started decades of Western expansion, at significant cost to Indigenous communities.

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The First Great Awakening

The First Great Awakening revived Christianity across the American colonies, introducing a new era of religious practice and community involvement.

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71. The First Great Awakening

The First Great Awakening revived Christianity across the American colonies, introducing a new era of religious practice and community involvement.

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In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain. Again. So how did the defense of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry help to end the war, and instill an enduring sense of national pride among Americans?

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66. Fort McHenry

In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain. Again. So how did the defense of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry help to end the war, and instill an enduring sense of national pride among Americans?

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Bacon's Rebellion

Bacon's Rebellion, a violent conflict between Virginia's poor working class and wealthy elite, had far-reaching consequences in North America.

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65. Bacon's Rebellion

Bacon's Rebellion, a violent conflict between Virginia's poor working class and wealthy elite, had far-reaching consequences in North America.

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Metacom's Resistance: King Philip's War

After decades of peace between New England settlers and the Wampanoag, tensions over land and sovereignty erupted into conflict. King Philip’s War, named after a Wampanoag chief, would shift the balance of power decisively to the settlers.

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64. Metacom's Resistance: King Philip's War

After decades of peace between New England settlers and the Wampanoag, tensions over land and sovereignty erupted into conflict. King Philip’s War, named after a Wampanoag chief, would shift the balance of power decisively to the settlers.

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The Stono Rebellion

Prior to the American Revolution, the Stono Rebellion of 1739 was the largest uprising of enslaved people in the thirteen colonies.

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37. The Stono Rebellion

Prior to the American Revolution, the Stono Rebellion of 1739 was the largest uprising of enslaved people in the thirteen colonies.

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Boston Tea Party

In 1773, colonists dumped 92,000 pounds of tea into Boston Harbor to protest unfair British laws. The Boston Tea Party, as it came to be known, set the stage for the American Revolution.

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36. Boston Tea Party

In 1773, colonists dumped 92,000 pounds of tea into Boston Harbor to protest unfair British laws. The Boston Tea Party, as it came to be known, set the stage for the American Revolution.

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Enslaved African Americans in the Revolution

At the time of the American Revolution, enslaved Africans made up a fifth of the population of the Thirteen Colonies. Though they were initially barred from taking part in the war, eventually thousands did. But what part did they play and what legacy did they leave?

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20. Enslaved African Americans in the Revolution

At the time of the American Revolution, enslaved Africans made up a fifth of the population of the Thirteen Colonies. Though they were initially barred from taking part in the war, eventually thousands did. But what part did they play and what legacy did they leave?

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Lexington & Concord

The Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first of the American Revolutionary War, famous for the “shot heard ‘round the world”. But how did it start, what happened during the battle and what impact did it have?

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19. Lexington & Concord

The Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first of the American Revolutionary War, famous for the “shot heard ‘round the world”. But how did it start, what happened during the battle and what impact did it have?

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