Revolutionary and Early American History: Visual Resources

This program weaves together the past and the present, with explorations of the complexity of individual rights versus the common good and with historical explanations of individual bills.

Videos using extensive period and contemporary images to illustrate the history and content of the United States Constitution and subsequent amendments.

From their self-imposed exile in Holland to their perilous crossing of the Atlantic, to their first year in the new world, Desperate Crossing is the definitive story of how the Pilgrims came to live and prosper in an unfamiliar land.

Docudrama recreating the ratification debates on the U.S. Constitution as if they were being covered by today's television news. Highlights the New York convention in July, 1788.

Volume 1 begins with a look at two of the many crises faced by George Washington during his term as America's first president. At a time when any conflict had the potential to dissolve the fragile union, Washington surrounded himself with brilliant men who were bound by their undying devotion to America, but who were often bitterly divided about how best to serve their common cause. Volume 2 explores the ideological conflict that existed between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton and highlights Washington's farewell address. Volume 3 portrays the bitterly contested presidential election of 1796 and the difficult administration of John Adams. Volume 4 concludes with the poignant tale of the reconciliation between Adams and Jefferson, and the story of the famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.

They were the most legendary and respected politicians, statesmen and warriors of history's first republic since the days of ancient Rome. They were also traitors and smugglers, rabble rousers and hot-heads, unfaithful husbands and prodigious drinkers. Our "Founding Fathers" were, in fact, human beings. Gain a fascinating glimpse behind the images on the marble busts and faces on our dollar bills and pocket change.

Relying heavily on the correspondence between the second president, John Adams, and his wife, Abigail Adams, this joint biography sheds light on the characters of two people who played crictical roles in the history of the United States and on the tumultuous times through which they lived. He was a participant in the Continental Congress and a wartime emissary to France as well as becoming the second President of the United States during its fledging years. Mrs. Adams was an eyewitness reporter during the Siege of Boston.

While our new nation was suffering attacks from both within and without, John Adams had a vision of a nation of liberty and justice for all. He guided his peers--General George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson--in setting the values and agenda for a glorious, free America. Adams and his wife Abigail refined these ambitious democratic ideals, and their partnership became one of the most moving love stories in American history.

A history of life of Gilbert Lafayette, and his crucial role in the establishment of American democracy.

Liberty! is an exuberant documentary about the American Revolution and our fight for freedom. This critically acclaimed six-hour series chronicles the events leading up to the declaration of war, and the lasting effects these events had on shaping our country today.

Key events leading up to the creation of the Constitution are put into historical perspective with discussion about individuals, political philosophies, and controversial social issues.

An exploration into America's Independence War. Using interviews with scholars, first-person narratives and historic documents, the series travels back to the passionate, violent and sometimes tragically funny events of the 1770s.

Only 30 years after gaining independence, the upstart country of the United States found itself once again battling Great Britain. Pitted against the world's most powerful nation, victory seemed unlikely. But Andrew Jackson's brilliant leadership, a lone sniper, and one of the most lopsided victories in military history turned the tide of the war.