Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary War
The Revolutionary War was America the start of America's
struggle for independence from British Rule. This three minute video presents this event. For older students. Has a read along script running on the bottom of the screen. A word wall is needed with this video as there are many difficult words. Best for elementary students as an overview.
George Washington and the Continental Army
In 1775 the Continental Army was born. This video explains the group of farmers and shop keepers who grew into army that defeated the British under the leadership of George Washington.
The "XYZ Affair" that Adams had to Face
This video is accompanied by text. "The signing of Jay’s Treaty, which settled violations of the Treaty of Paris and averted the threat of war with England, induced angry reactions from both American and European politicians. Democratic-Republicans believed the treaty was a humiliating surrender to the British. French leaders, meanwhile, viewed it as a step toward forming a union with their enemy, a flagrant breach of the Franco-American Treaty of 1778. However, an unexpected consequence of th
Biography: John And Abagail Adams: Love And Liberty
John Adams was the driving force at the first pivotal meetings of the American Continental Congress in Philadelphia. His passion and eloquence convinced the Colonists to fight for their independence from the British, and a new nation was born.
Andrew Jackson's First Term
This two minute video is about his President Jackson's first term. It trace the life of Andrew Jackson, from a young boy orphaned at 14, to plantation owner to military hero to president of the United States. You'll discover how Jackson redefined the role of the American president and American politics were redefined through his aggressive use of executive power. Very good introduction.
Star-Spangled Banner : In This Day in History
In this This Day in History video, the 9/13/1814 writing of the Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key is recounted. It was inspired by the British bombing of Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. A fast paced video with little depth, but might be interesting to students if these videos are played on a daily basis.
War of 1812 History Film w/ USS Constitution (Old Ironsides)
Poor audio quality aside, this film uses various drawings to depict the major battles of the War of 1812. Film depicts the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) defeat of the British frigate HMS Guerriere, the USS Consitution defeat of HMS Java, the surrender of USS Chesapeake, the sailing of USS Essex through Pacific waters, and other battles that took place on the Great Lakes. Also included in the film is information on Francis Scott Key writing “The Star Spangled Banner” while watching the bat
The History of the War of 1812
The War of 1812 is a 20 minute video that explains the war
between the United States of America and the British Empire (particularly Great Britain and British North America), lasted from 1812 to 1815. It was fought chiefly on the Atlantic Ocean and on the land, coasts and waterways of North America. Good use of maps. Shows the steps made to evade war before incidents and political actions made it inevitable despite the nations poor preparation.
Woodrow Wilson Inaugural Address
Thomas Woodrow Wilson is named President of the United States in 1913. The inaugural address of the President at the White House in Washington DC. Dignitaries and officials arrive in cloaks and hats for the ceremony. Guests include outgoing President William Howard Taft, British ambassador Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, German ambassador to the US Count Von Bernstorff, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Joseph Gurney Cannon, Chief Justice of the US Charles Evans Hughes, US Secretary of State Wil
Copernicus and Galileo
Copernicus was ridiculed by his peers and Galileo was found guilty of heresy by the Catholic church for their views that the Sun (not the Earth) was the center of the Solar System. The video has a fascinating account of Galileo's observations of Venus. Run time 05:06.
Jamestown Settlement Overview
Teacher-Created Video: The first British Colonists to settle in the New World were in Jamestown, Virginia. Learn more about how the first colonists made their way to Virginia and made their settlement. Please note: the pronunciation of the area is incorrect- it is pronounced Row-in-oak NOT Row-in-oakie.
Age of Exploration: Voyages of Columbus
While Portuguese explorers were sailing east to find
Asia, Christopher Columbus set out for Asia by heading west. This video shows good images and explains why Columbus was sponsored by the Spanish monarchy. This is the first in a series of three that all need to be shown to get a more complete picture of what Columbus accomplished.
Means of Transport and their Descriptions
A cartoon video showing means of transportation. The name of the transport is accompanied by a short description of their main use. British pronunciation and spelling are used. For example, aeroplane for airplane. (5:24)
Hawaii Flag and Anthem Hawaii was once an independent kingdom. (1810 - 1893) The flag was designed at the request of King Kamehameha I. It has eight stripes of white, red and blue that represent the eight main islands. The flag of Great Britain is emblazoned in the upper left corner to honor Hawaii's friendship with the British. The combination of the stripes of the United States flag and the Union Jack of Great Britain is said to have pleased the merchant
New York Flag and Anthem The New York flag is emblazoned on a dark blue field is the state coat of arms. The goddess Liberty holds a pole with a Liberty Cap on top. Liberty stands for freedom. At her feet is a discarded crown, representing freedom from England at the end of the revolutionary war. On the right is the goddess, Justice. She wears a blindfold and carries the scales of justice, meaning that everyone receives equal treatment under the law. The stat
South Carolina Flag and Anthem The South Carolina flag history: Asked by the Revolutionary Council of Safety in the fall of 1775 to design a flag for the use of South Carolina troops, Col. William Moultrie chose a blue which matched the color of their uniforms and a crescent which reproduced the silver emblem worn on the front of their caps. The palmetto tree was added later to represent Moultrie's heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan's Island a
West Virginia State Flag and State Song
The flag has a deep blue field contains the seal of Virginia with the Latin motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis" - "Thus Always to Tyrants". Adopted in 1776. The two figures are acting out the meaning of the motto. Both are dressed as warriors. The woman, Virtue, represents Virginia. The man holding a scourge and chain shows that he is a tyrant
China From Past to Present: The Qing Dynasty
During the European period of colonization, China was
ruled by the Qing (or Manchu) dynasty and Hong Kong became a British
colony. This is a good video, but needs a map for students to follow the expansion and distances.
Story-Time With Mercer Mayer: Professor Wormbog In Search For The Zipperump-A-Zoo
Mercer Mayer, author and illustrator of this book, introduces the video, exits the acreen and reappears dressed as Professor Wormbog's "brother, " who reads the story to the audience in a "British" accent. Professor Wormbog has a vast collection of beasties from A to Y but he is missing Z for Zipperump-a-zoo. Now he must find one. Folk guitar picking (by the author's son, Ben Mayer) accompanies video of the author reading the rhymed story, and includes screen shots of the book's illustrati
