9 of 9 results for "American history"
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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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Is the Fourth of July the Wrong Day?

In Is the Fourth of July the Wrong Day?, historian Lucy Worsley learns that John Adams announced in 1776 that July 2 should be the day to celebrate Independence. However, the Declaration of Independence was not finalized until two days later. 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 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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How Lincoln's 1860 Election Sparked the Civil War
The article "How Lincoln's 1860 Election Sparked the Civil War" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores how Abraham Lincoln’s election as U.S. president in 1860 changed the course of American history. It explains the growing conflict over slavery, the breakdown of political parties, and how Lincoln's victory led to the secession of Southern states and the start of the Civil War.
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Legendary Cowboys and Gunslingers Who Defined the Wild West
The article "Legendary Cowboys and Gunslingers Who Defined the Wild West" from BBC's HistoryExtra highlights the lives of 13 influential figures of the Old West, from notorious outlaws like Jesse James and Billy the Kid to celebrated lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok. These individuals shaped the history of the American frontier through their daring adventures, law enforcement, and infamous acts, becoming icons that continue to capture the imagination of the modern world.
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The History of Hot Dogs: How Hot Dogs Came to the U.S.

In The History of Hot Dogs: How Hot Dogs Came to the U.S., presenter Ruth Goodman learns the history of how the hot dog came from Germany to America, and how it got its name. Hint: It has to do with a dog. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Inside the Factory, a series that takes viewers behind the scenes in the factories that make our favorite products.

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Women in the American Revolution: Courageous Contributions on the Road to Independence
The article "Women in the American Revolution: Courageous Contributions on the Road to Independence" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the diverse roles women played during the American Revolution. It highlights figures like Abigail Adams, who advocated for women's rights; Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight; and Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved poet whose writings inspired many.
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Helen Keller: Activist for Equality and Ambassador for Peace

In Helen Keller: Activist for Equality and Ambassador for Peace, host Sanjeev Bhaskar explores Keller’s fights against fascism and class inequality as well as her support for women’s suffrage. Keller’s activism, including founding the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), made her both revered and controversial. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.

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Why We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — and Why Everything Turns Green
The article "Why We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — and Why Everything Turns Green" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the origins of St. Patrick's Day and how it grew from a religious feast to a global celebration. It traces the life of Saint Patrick, the changing symbolism of green, the rise of parades, and the food traditions that Irish immigrants brought to places like the U.S.