LibGuides: American History 1763-1820, Revolution & New Nation: Media

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The Articles of Confederation (01:51) Did you know that before the Constitution - there was another governing system in the US? The Articles of Confederation.
The Bill of Rights (23:44) Brief animations introduce key issues in this look back at the Bill of Rights. A host weaves together past and present, while civics experts explore the complexity of the issue of individual rights versus common good. Related topics include hate speech, school newspapers, random drug testing, gun control, and terrorism. Historical segments discuss Colonial Militias, the Intolerable Acts, Freedom of Worship, the Rights of Accused Persons, and the origins of the individual rights concept. A Cambridge Educational Production.
The Declaration of Independence (02:28) 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.
First Invasion: The War of 1812 (90:00) Only three decades after winning its independence, the young United States found itself once again battling Great Britain. In this A&E Special, President James Madison declares war on the world’s most powerful nation, a decision that at first appears disastrous—and for good reason. A&E.
Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery - Part 1 The first installment in Ken Burns’ documentary profile of the Lewis and Clark expedition details the creation of the Corps of Discovery and the mission’s initial phase, as well as its arrival at the Mississippi River, the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and other momentous stages of the journey. Distributed by PBS Distribution.
Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery - Part 2 The second installment in Ken Burns’ documentary profile of the Lewis and Clark expedition details the mission’s continued challenges in the Rocky Mountains and its interactions with the Nez Perce tribe, as well as its arrival at the Pacific Ocean and the establishment of Fort Clatsop. Distributed by PBS Distribution.
The Making of the Constitution (27:30) This is a compelling account of the events leading up to the creation of the Constitution. Conforming to civics and history curriculums, the program puts key events into historical perspective by examining the pressures faced by Loyalists, Patriots, and average colonists. Richly textured with historical art, compelling video footage, and insightful commentary, it explores a fascinating mix of individuals, political philosophers, and social issues of the day. Dramatized sections provide insights into what actually went on at Independence Hall while the document was being written. A Cambridge Educational Production.
Rebels: America—The Story of Us (60:00) The story of the American nation begins with the founding of the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies, interactions with Native American peoples, the hardships and dangers that faced the colonists, the origins of the slave trade and a slave-dependent economy, and the tensions that developed between Britain and her New World territories as the colonies grew stronger and more self-sufficient. A&E. Part of the series America: The Story of Us.
Shays’ Rebellion: America’s First Civil War (45:00) In 1786, a Revolutionary War veteran named Daniel Shays, disenchanted by crushing debt and taxes, led an uprising against the government. This program examines Shays’ Rebellion, as it came to be called, and the chaotic post-war era that inspired it. General George Washington’s return to public life to fill the nation’s power vacuum is addressed as well. A&E. A part of the series 10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America.
Thomas Jefferson - Part 1 (1:26:56) A young Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia wilderness is transformed by the fire of the Enlightenment into his country’s most articulate voice for human liberty. Torn between serene family life at Monticello and his passion for politics, Jefferson suffers heartrending personal loss, even as he gives voice to a new era of democratic government. He then journeys to Paris as U.S. Minister to France for George Washington and supports the rising French Revolution. That is the story recounted in this classic program on the pre-presidential years of the imperishable Thomas Jefferson. Distributed by PBS Distribution.
Thomas Jefferson: Part 2 (1:29:09) Picking up with the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, this classic program completes the story of a visionary who advanced the cause of freedom everywhere and changed the course of human events: Returning from France, Jefferson strives to preserve the new, fragile American government and helps create the Democratic-Republican Party to temper the policies of the Federalists. As third president of the United States, he doubles the size of the county with the Louisiana Purchase but faces controversy and scandal, finally retiring to his beloved Monticello. His last years are spent founding the University of Virginia and reestablishing his friendship with John Adams. Distributed by PBS Distribution.
The War Of Independence: The Minorities Who Fought For Freedom, But Weren'T Granted (02:02) Think you know all about the American War of Independence? Think again! This is the untold story of the African and Native Americans who fought in the war that defined our country.
Westward: America—The Story of Us (60:00) The drama of America’s unstoppable growth continues with wagon trains and cattle barons headed westward, confronting Native American Indians as well as the interests of the Spanish and French. Resulting increases in Westward migration and the discovery of gold and other natural resources are covered in this program, along with the rise of the steamboat and a new era of commerce and industry. A&E.
The Words That Built America Full Video (48:09) The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution and The Bill of Rights represent much more than the words used by America’s Founding Fathers to define a fragile, nascent country. They’re the living, breathing realization of America’s democratic ideal, the bedrock of a society that its people have built over nearly two-and-a-half centuries, and they provide a blueprint that is, was and will be a template for democracy around the world. To celebrate these iconic documents on our nation’s birthday, HBO presents a 45-minute special, directed by Alexandra Pelosi and narrated by David McCullough (John Adams), in which dozens of Americans – from actors and media personalities, to politicians, lawmakers and presidents, to schoolchildren whose future is being shaped by our shared past – read the three founding documents that define our outlook on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

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The Bill of Rights : A Living Document Brief animations introduce key issues. Civics experts explore the complexity of individual rights versus the "common good" in discussions about hate speech, school newspapers, random drug testing, gun control, and terrorism. Historical segments explain Colonial Militias, the Intolerable Acts, freedom of worship, the rights of accused persons, and the origins of the idea of individual rights. Argues that the Bill of Rights is a vital living document and that all citizens share the responsibility to understand, protect, and uphold it. With on-screen class discussion questions.
The Making of the Constitution This is a compelling account of the events leading up to the creation of the Constitution. Conforming to civics and history curriculums, the program puts key events into historical perspective by examining the pressures faced by Loyalists, Patriots, and average colonists. Richly textured with historical art, compelling video footage, and insightful commentary, it explores a fascinating mix of individuals, political philosophers, and social issues of the day. Dramatized sections provide insights into what actually went on at Independence Hall while the document was being written. A Cambridge Educational Production. (27 minutes)