America Explained
Reconstruction: Old Nation or New?
Reconstruction was one of the most tumultuous periods in US history. After four years of Civil War, not everyone agreed on the best way forward. The result was 12 years of violence and political strife.
Civil War Tactics: Clever or Foolish?
The Romans fought in phalanx formation. In medieval times, they preferred the wedge. So what made Civil War armies fight in long, straight lines that left them wide open to attack?
Breaking Down the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the US Constitution. It guarantees all Americans basic freedoms – but those freedoms have always been under attack.
Museum of Artifacts That Made America
History of the Surfboard
This totally rad piece of water sports equipment empowered millions of Americans to ride the waves – but but who invented the surfboard and how did the surfboard evolve through the years?
The Invention of Rubber Gloves
This is a love story behind one of the most important medical inventions ever made – the rubber glove – by William Stewart Halstead
The Tobacco Press: Revolutionising Farmers’ Gold
Today we know the risks of smoking tobacco, but over 100 years ago the dangers were less so, and tobacco became a booming business in Kentucky. Its success can in part be credited to the Burley tobacco press.
Hidden Figures
Rachel Carson’s Fight for the Environment
At a time when few people were aware of the damage being done to our environment, marine biologist and writer Rachel Carson demanded that the US government take responsibility to protect people – and the planet.
Patsy Mink: Changing the Rules
The first Asian American woman ever to be elected to Congress, Patsy Mink dedicated her life to participating in the democratic process and improving the lives of others.
Ethel Payne: First Lady of the Black Press
How Ethel Payne wielded her first amendment right to ask the tough questions and hold those in power to account.
Women and the American Story
Toypurina: The Indigenous Female Freedom Fighter
The story of a Tongva woman named Toypurina who led a rebellion against a Spanish mission in Alta California.
Mary Church Terrell: Bringing Suffrage & Equality Center Stage
Mary Church Terrell was a lifelong activist who advocated for suffrage and equal rights.
Harriet Robinson Scott: How Filing for Freedom Triggered the Civil War
The story of Harriet Robinson Scott who challenged slavery in the highest court in the United States.
Art That Changed America
Indigenous North American Tattoos
To Indigenous North Americans, tattoos aren’t just decorative, they’re also sacred, rich in artistry and meaning, and of huge social, cultural and religious significance.
How Art Saved Yellowstone National Park
The first dedicated National Park anywhere in the world, Yellowstone attracts millions of visitors every year. It was saved for posterity by the work of two pioneering artists.
9/11: Art From Ashes
September 11, 2001 is a day etched into the memories of millions. Art around the world is being used to explore and understand.
Things You Didn’t Know
Epidemics in America: Learning from the Past
They’re diseases that affect people living in a single country or region – but what impact have historic epidemics had on US society?
Mount Rushmore: Carving History and Controversy
It’s one of the most recognisable landmarks in the United States – but what’s the untold story behind Mount Rushmore National Monument?
Bizarre Treatments: When Medicine Did More Harm than Good
Learn about the bizarre and often dangerous medical treatments used in America up until the 20th century.
Academy of American Democracy
Voting in Ancient Athens
The United States is a representative democracy where people vote for politicians to govern on their behalf – but voting in the direct democracy of ancient Athens was a very different process.
Race in Ancient Greece
We often think of ancient Greek society as White, but it was a lot more diverse than we give it credit for.
Elections in the United States
How do elections actually work in the United States?
Speeches That Changed America
George W Bush: Speech After September 11
President George W. Bush delivers a much anticipated speech to a Joint Session of Congress, outlining America’s reaction to the unprecedented atrocity.
Patrick Henry – Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
Patrick Henry delivers a speech on the rights of the colonies before the Second Virginia Assembly. His words ‘give me liberty or give me death’ would become the war cry of the revolution.
Shirley Chisholm – Equal Rights for Women Speech
Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Woman elected to Congress, addresses the US House of Representatives to argue in support of a controversial women’s rights bill; the Equal Rights Amendment.
Ronald Reagan – Tear Down This Wall
On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan delivers a speech to the people of West Berlin, calling upon the Soviet Union to tear down the wall that divides the city.
Lyndon B Johnson – The Great Society Speech
36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson delivers his famous speech “The Great Society”. See if you can hear any parallels to modern-day America?
William Jennings Bryan – Flag of an Empire Speech
Former U.S. Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan deliver an impassioned speech regarding Imperialism