In The Iroquois Legacy, explore the complex relationship between Native Americans and European settlers. Long before the U.S. Constitution, the Iroquois created their own constitution and political system, influencing Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Despite this influence, the Iroquois faced difficult relationships with European settlers, including conflicts over land and the eventual destruction of their alliance during the American Revolution. Many Iroquois were forced to flee to Canada, where their descendants still live today.
The article "Benjamin Franklin’s Bright Ideas: From Lightning Rods to Bifocals" from BBC's HistoryExtra highlights Franklin’s curious mind and lifelong passion for learning. It explains how he used science and creativity to develop useful inventions like the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and even an unspillable soup bowl, while also uncovering the electric nature of lightning with his famous kite experiment.
Experience powerful stories of Native American life — ancient, historical, and modern — in this inspiring playlist from the BBC. Featuring authentic video clips from BBC News reports and acclaimed BBC documentaries, students will experience a vivid, first-hand look at the voices, traditions, and challenges of Indigenous peoples across North America.
They’ll explore the Iroquois Constitution, a foundational document that influenced democracy itself; discover the remarkable cliffside cities at Mesa Verde; and learn how Native communities are leading buffalo restoration efforts that bring both ecological and cultural renewal. Students will also see the beauty of traditional arts like hoop dance and gain perspective on the political and community issues shaping Native life today.
These stories offer an unforgettable window into Indigenous identity, resilience, and connection to the land — helping students better understand both the past and the living cultures that continue to shape our world.
The article "Benjamin Franklin: The Revolutionary Genius Who Shaped America’s Future" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the many roles of Benjamin Franklin. A Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat, Franklin was pivotal in securing the French-American alliance during the American Revolution. Known for his inventions like the lightning rod and bifocals, he also played a key part in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
In The Iroquois Legacy, explore the complex relationship between Native Americans and European settlers. Long before the U.S. Constitution, the Iroquois created their own constitution and political system, influencing Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Despite this influence, the Iroquois faced difficult relationships with European settlers, including conflicts over land and the eventual destruction of their alliance during the American Revolution. Many Iroquois were forced to flee to Canada, where their descendants still live today.
The article "Benjamin Franklin’s Bright Ideas: From Lightning Rods to Bifocals" from BBC's HistoryExtra highlights Franklin’s curious mind and lifelong passion for learning. It explains how he used science and creativity to develop useful inventions like the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and even an unspillable soup bowl, while also uncovering the electric nature of lightning with his famous kite experiment.
Experience powerful stories of Native American life — ancient, historical, and modern — in this inspiring playlist from the BBC. Featuring authentic video clips from BBC News reports and acclaimed BBC documentaries, students will experience a vivid, first-hand look at the voices, traditions, and challenges of Indigenous peoples across North America.
They’ll explore the Iroquois Constitution, a foundational document that influenced democracy itself; discover the remarkable cliffside cities at Mesa Verde; and learn how Native communities are leading buffalo restoration efforts that bring both ecological and cultural renewal. Students will also see the beauty of traditional arts like hoop dance and gain perspective on the political and community issues shaping Native life today.
These stories offer an unforgettable window into Indigenous identity, resilience, and connection to the land — helping students better understand both the past and the living cultures that continue to shape our world.
The article "Benjamin Franklin: The Revolutionary Genius Who Shaped America’s Future" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the many roles of Benjamin Franklin. A Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat, Franklin was pivotal in securing the French-American alliance during the American Revolution. Known for his inventions like the lightning rod and bifocals, he also played a key part in drafting the Declaration of Independence.