In FDR’s Leadership, host Trevor McDonald explores Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic presidency, marked by his leadership during World War II and his role in reshaping the U.S. government. As the only U.S. president elected four times, FDR faced both triumphs and controversies, such as the response to the attack on Pearl Harbor and his struggle with the Supreme Court. 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.
Trace the remarkable journey of Martin Luther King Jr. from his childhood in the segregated South to his rise as one of the most influential leaders in the American Civil Rights Movement. Through peaceful protest, powerful speeches, and unwavering determination, Dr. King inspired millions to challenge injustice and fight for equality.
This Kahoot explores key moments in his life and legacy — including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the lasting impact of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Students will discover how nonviolence, courage, and moral leadership helped reshape history and continue to inspire movements for justice around the world today.
Watch the related BBC videos (below), then invite your students to test their knowledge and deepen their understanding of this iconic leader and the movement he helped lead.
Meet Seven Women Leaders From All Around the World Who Broke Barriers.
They navigated crisis, criticism, and political pressure. They were pioneers, reformers, and power brokers — but they were also complex figures shaped by culture, controversy, and the eras in which they governed. In honor of Women’s History Month, this video playlist explores influential leaders from around the globe through BBC clips featuring Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Michelle Bachelet, and more.
From national parliaments to international financial institutions, these women led in vastly different political systems and cultural landscapes. Some championed social reform. Others advanced market-driven policies. All faced intense scrutiny — not only for their decisions, but for their leadership styles, identities, and the expectations placed upon women in power.
This thoughtful playlist invites students to examine leadership with nuance: How do gender and politics intersect? How do public expectations shape women leaders differently? And what can we learn from both their accomplishments and their controversies?
Meet the Leaders Who Shaped a Nation.
They were visionaries and leaders, but they were also imperfect people shaped by their times. From bold founders and wartime decision-makers to reformers and risk-takers, these U.S. presidents guided the nation through moments of hope, conflict, and change.
In this video playlist, explore BBC clips featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and others, examining both their achievements and their shortcomings. A thoughtful playlist that encourages students to see history with nuance, question leadership, and understand that progress is often driven by complicated people making difficult choices.
In Shackleton’s Endurance: Leadership in the Face of Adversity, host Dermot O’Leary recounts Ernest Shackleton’s heroic leadership in Antarctica. With their ship, the Endurance, trapped in Antarctic ice, Shackleton and his crew embarked on an extraordinary journey of survival. Shackleton was an iconic leader, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience. 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.
In Christine Lagarde, Titan of Finance, learn how Lagarde made history as the first woman to lead the International Monetary Fund and now serves as President of the European Central Bank. She shares stories about overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field, including being told she could never become a law firm partner simply because she was a woman. She worked tirelessly while raising two children, later earning their admiration for paving her own way. Lagarde believes that empowering women in finance and leadership will create prosperity for all. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Winston Churchill, Leader, host Trevor McDonald examines how Winston Churchill led Britain through its darkest days during World War II. With relentless Nazi advances and a nation on the brink of collapse, Churchill made difficult decisions and inspired the British people with his iconic speeches. Gain insight into his leadership during the Blitz and the invasion threats from Nazi Germany. 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.
In Obama’s Presidential Victory, journalist Clive Myrie shows Barack Obama’s presidential victory as a historic turning point and the passing of a long-fought baton to a new generation of leadership. Drawing on voices from advisors, supporters, and Rhea McCauley, the niece of Rosa Parks, the video explores themes of dignity, perseverance, hope, and the belief that progress is possible when people reject cynicism and act together. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Obama: His Story, which traces Obama’s extraordinary journey to the presidency and its meaning within the broader African American freedom struggle.
In Winston Churchill, Wartime Icon, host Trevor McDonald examines the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, from his daring escape during the Boer War to his pivotal leadership during World War II. Through an insightful interview with Churchill’s granddaughter, Celia Sandys, explore his complex personality, including his humor, determination, and controversial actions. 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.
In FDR and the Great Depression, host Trevor McDonald examines how Franklin D. Roosevelt inspired the American people during the Great Depression with bold policies and a message of hope. Roosevelt’s leadership redefined the role of government, introducing the New Deal, public works programs, and Social Security to address the economic crisis. 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.
In Nelson Mandela Walks Free, journalist Trevor McDonald reflects on the moment Mandela was released from prison after 27 years and returned to his home in Soweto for the first time in three decades. As the first journalist to interview Mandela upon his release, McDonald discusses this monumental meeting and describes Mandela’s focus on forgiveness, optimism, and the future rather than past suffering. 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.
In Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, explore the experiences of female political leaders. Thatcher attributed her success to her abilities, and didn't focus on being a woman, though some critics say she didn’t create paths for other women. Clinton faced criticism for not emphasizing women’s rights in her 2008 presidential campaign. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In FDR’s Leadership, host Trevor McDonald explores Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic presidency, marked by his leadership during World War II and his role in reshaping the U.S. government. As the only U.S. president elected four times, FDR faced both triumphs and controversies, such as the response to the attack on Pearl Harbor and his struggle with the Supreme Court. 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.
Trace the remarkable journey of Martin Luther King Jr. from his childhood in the segregated South to his rise as one of the most influential leaders in the American Civil Rights Movement. Through peaceful protest, powerful speeches, and unwavering determination, Dr. King inspired millions to challenge injustice and fight for equality.
This Kahoot explores key moments in his life and legacy — including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the lasting impact of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Students will discover how nonviolence, courage, and moral leadership helped reshape history and continue to inspire movements for justice around the world today.
Watch the related BBC videos (below), then invite your students to test their knowledge and deepen their understanding of this iconic leader and the movement he helped lead.
Meet Seven Women Leaders From All Around the World Who Broke Barriers.
They navigated crisis, criticism, and political pressure. They were pioneers, reformers, and power brokers — but they were also complex figures shaped by culture, controversy, and the eras in which they governed. In honor of Women’s History Month, this video playlist explores influential leaders from around the globe through BBC clips featuring Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Michelle Bachelet, and more.
From national parliaments to international financial institutions, these women led in vastly different political systems and cultural landscapes. Some championed social reform. Others advanced market-driven policies. All faced intense scrutiny — not only for their decisions, but for their leadership styles, identities, and the expectations placed upon women in power.
This thoughtful playlist invites students to examine leadership with nuance: How do gender and politics intersect? How do public expectations shape women leaders differently? And what can we learn from both their accomplishments and their controversies?
Meet the Leaders Who Shaped a Nation.
They were visionaries and leaders, but they were also imperfect people shaped by their times. From bold founders and wartime decision-makers to reformers and risk-takers, these U.S. presidents guided the nation through moments of hope, conflict, and change.
In this video playlist, explore BBC clips featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and others, examining both their achievements and their shortcomings. A thoughtful playlist that encourages students to see history with nuance, question leadership, and understand that progress is often driven by complicated people making difficult choices.
In Shackleton’s Endurance: Leadership in the Face of Adversity, host Dermot O’Leary recounts Ernest Shackleton’s heroic leadership in Antarctica. With their ship, the Endurance, trapped in Antarctic ice, Shackleton and his crew embarked on an extraordinary journey of survival. Shackleton was an iconic leader, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience. 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.
In Christine Lagarde, Titan of Finance, learn how Lagarde made history as the first woman to lead the International Monetary Fund and now serves as President of the European Central Bank. She shares stories about overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field, including being told she could never become a law firm partner simply because she was a woman. She worked tirelessly while raising two children, later earning their admiration for paving her own way. Lagarde believes that empowering women in finance and leadership will create prosperity for all. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Winston Churchill, Leader, host Trevor McDonald examines how Winston Churchill led Britain through its darkest days during World War II. With relentless Nazi advances and a nation on the brink of collapse, Churchill made difficult decisions and inspired the British people with his iconic speeches. Gain insight into his leadership during the Blitz and the invasion threats from Nazi Germany. 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.
In Obama’s Presidential Victory, journalist Clive Myrie shows Barack Obama’s presidential victory as a historic turning point and the passing of a long-fought baton to a new generation of leadership. Drawing on voices from advisors, supporters, and Rhea McCauley, the niece of Rosa Parks, the video explores themes of dignity, perseverance, hope, and the belief that progress is possible when people reject cynicism and act together. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Obama: His Story, which traces Obama’s extraordinary journey to the presidency and its meaning within the broader African American freedom struggle.
In Winston Churchill, Wartime Icon, host Trevor McDonald examines the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, from his daring escape during the Boer War to his pivotal leadership during World War II. Through an insightful interview with Churchill’s granddaughter, Celia Sandys, explore his complex personality, including his humor, determination, and controversial actions. 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.
In FDR and the Great Depression, host Trevor McDonald examines how Franklin D. Roosevelt inspired the American people during the Great Depression with bold policies and a message of hope. Roosevelt’s leadership redefined the role of government, introducing the New Deal, public works programs, and Social Security to address the economic crisis. 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.
In Nelson Mandela Walks Free, journalist Trevor McDonald reflects on the moment Mandela was released from prison after 27 years and returned to his home in Soweto for the first time in three decades. As the first journalist to interview Mandela upon his release, McDonald discusses this monumental meeting and describes Mandela’s focus on forgiveness, optimism, and the future rather than past suffering. 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.
In Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, explore the experiences of female political leaders. Thatcher attributed her success to her abilities, and didn't focus on being a woman, though some critics say she didn’t create paths for other women. Clinton faced criticism for not emphasizing women’s rights in her 2008 presidential campaign. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.