12 of 41 results for "American history"
Student Article
Who Really Built the White House? The Hidden Story Behind America’s Presidential Home
The article "Who Really Built the White House? The Hidden Story Behind America’s Presidential Home" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the creation of the White House, from George Washington’s vision to James Hoban’s design. It highlights how enslaved people and immigrant craftsmen built the home, revealing the untold history behind one of America’s most iconic buildings.
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How the American Civil War Really Started

In How the American Civil War Really Started, historian Lucy Worsley investigates what America was like before the Civil War. It began as a clash between the 19 Northern states, which had abolished slavery, and 11 Southern states, where the economy was built on slave labor. New states were emerging in the West and both Northern and Southern states feared for their own economies. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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The History of the Lincoln Memorial

In The History of the Lincoln Memorial, historian Lucy Worsley investigates how the Northern Union Forces defeated the Southern Confederates in the Civil War. She visits the Lincoln Memorial and learns that the 36 columns represent the 36 states that were in the Union after the war. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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Levittown and the American Dream

In Levittown and the American Dream, historian Lucy Worsley discovers how people in the 1950s began to live the American Dream, buying affordable housing in the suburbs. We learn firsthand from Pat Heagan, what it was like to move from an apartment in the city to a house in the suburbs. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

Blog Post
Lights, Camera, Inquiry! 6 Smart Ways to Use Video in Social Studies
From sparking curiosity to building background knowledge, here are simple ways to make video an active learning tool in your history classroom.
Student Article
The Boston Tea Party: The Protest That Sparked Revolution
The article "The Boston Tea Party: The Protest That Sparked Revolution" from BBC's HistoryExtra explains the critical event in December 1773 when colonists protested British taxation by dumping 46 tons of tea into Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party marked a significant turning point in American history, galvanizing further rebellion that eventually led to the American Revolution.
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Disagreements on the Declaration of Independence

In Disagreements on the Declaration of Independence, historian Lucy Worsley researches the ambiguity of the first drafts of the agreement. It had to satisfy people from 13 states, with opposing views on divisive subjects such as slavery and religion. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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How the French Supported the Birth of the United States

In How the French Supported the Birth of the United States, historian Lucy Worsley learns how Americans turned to the French king, Louis XVI for help. France saw Britain as an enemy and was happy to support the fight for Independence. They sent their navy to America and helped to win the war. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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The Whole Truth About George Washington

In The Whole Truth About George Washington, historian Lucy Worsley learns that not only did Washington enslave people, he also mistreated them. In 1780, the Pennsylvania Gradual Abolition Act stated that enslaved people had the right to petition for their freedom after six months. George Washington would take enslaved people out of the state and return so that the Act did not apply. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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Who Helped Win the Revolutionary Way — Farmers or Soldiers?

In Who Helped Win the Revolutionary Way — Farmers or Soldiers?, historian Lucy Worsley investigates whether local militia or trained soldiers helped win the War of Independence and why the army disbanded when the war was won. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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Molly Pitcher — Fact or Fiction?

In Molly Pitcher — Fact or Fiction?, historian Lucy Worsley finds out about the story of Molly Pitcher, a woman who avenged the death of her husband on the battlefield in 1778. It is still a mystery whether the story is true or not. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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What Does the Statue of Liberty Stand For?

In What Does the Statue of Liberty Stand For?, historian Lucy Worsley investigates the origins and meanings of the Statue of Liberty. When it was unveiled in 1886, women protested that women did not have liberty; neither was there liberty and equality for African Americans. Emma Lazarus wrote a poem, The New Colossus, which not only raised money for the statue but gave her a new purpose: to welcome immigrants from the rest of the world. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.