LibGuides: American History: Media

Featured Streaming Media

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Growth of a Nation Series From the dawn of the republic to the eve of civil war. Growth of a Nation is an all-new four-program series that chronicles the individuals and events that combined to make 1800–1850 a pivotal era in American history. The series’ twenty-two video segments explore the formation of political parties, Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark expedition, War of 1812, expansion of popular democracy social reform movements, Mexican-American War, and much more. High-definition visuals—period paintings, engravings, primary source documents, early photographs, and graphic animations—cogent narration, dramatic music and striking sound effects combine for a powerful and engaging effect. Growth of a Nation establishes a new benchmark for video programs documenting this transformative period. It is unique in its breadth and quality and provides an invaluable instructional resource for teachers and students alike.
Issues and Controversies in American History Video Clip Collection (65:00) This collection of 25 concise video clips is designed to spark thoughtful, productive dialogue on major turning points in U.S. history. Each clip lays out two opposing viewpoints, framing a complex historical episode as if it were a debatable “issue”—just as citizens of the time might have thought and argued about it.
The Natives and the English (10:54) In which John Green teaches you about relations between the early English colonists and the native people the encountered in the New World. In short, these relations were poor. As soon as they arrived, the English were in conflict with the native people. At Jamestown, Captain John Smith briefly managed to get the colony on pretty solid footing with the local tribes, but it didn't last, and a long series of wars with the natives ensued. This pattern would continue in US history, with settlers pushing into native lands and pushing the inhabitants further west. In this episode, you'll learn about Wahunsunacawh (who the English called Powhatan), his daughter Pocahontas, King Philip's (aka Metacom) War, and the Mystic Massacre. By and large, the history of the Natives and the English was not a happy one, even Thanksgiving wasn't all it's cracked up to be.
Securing the Republic (31:53) In the early years of the republic, partisan political infighting and external threats imperiled America’s experiment in democracy. Jefferson’s first election was called the “revolution of 1800”—while a real war (against an old foe) exploded in 1812. The United States survived and thrived during the era, adding to its territorial coffers and opening the vast unexplored land to the west.