How Well Do You Know U.S. Presidents?
Presidents’ Day is a time to celebrate the leaders who have shaped the United States — from George Washington, the very first president, to Abraham Lincoln, who kept the country together, and Barack Obama, the first Black president. But how much do you really know about these famous figures, their fun hobbies, surprising pets, and historic accomplishments?
From presidential inventions and favorite pastimes to clever facts about the White House and the people who have lived there, this quiz is packed with fun and a few tricky twists. Will you be the Commander-in-Chief of Trivia?
In Obama’s Political Beginnings, historian Simon Schama explains how before Barack Obama was president, he worked to organize laid off factory workers in the South Side of Chicago. As a community organizer, Obama learned how to build alliances and the importance of being at the table. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Obama’s America, in which Simon Schama examines the challenges faced by Barack Obama on the world stage and at home.
In George Washington Takes Office, as the United States forms, George Washington is voted unanimously into the presidency. He reluctantly takes office, and uses his two terms to set many of the norms of the office and set the young nation on its path.
In American Optimism Under Clinton, historian Simon Schama explains how Bill Clinton’s own rise to power had echoes of the American dream of equal opportunity. Clinton had an optimistic message during a time of economic expansion, rising stock markets, and a strong economy. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Obama’s America, in which Simon Schama examines the challenges faced by Barack Obama on the world stage and at home.
The article "Charlotta Bass: The Civil Rights Fighter Who Ran for U.S. Vice President" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a compelling story about Charlotta Bass, the first Black woman to run for vice president in the U.S. It traces her journey from journalist to political pioneer, highlighting her activism, bravery against the Ku Klux Klan, and surveillance by the FBI during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
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.
In Obama Takes the National Stage, journalist Clive Myrie covers how Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, a moment that would introduce him to the nation. Watch Obama’s early nerves, growing confidence, and the power of a speech that connected personal stories to broader ideas of freedom and justice. 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 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.
The article "Abraham Lincoln: From Log Cabin to Legendary Leader" from BBC's HistoryExtra takes a look at the life, leadership, and legacy of America’s 16th president. From his humble frontier beginnings to guiding the country through a civil war and abolishing slavery, the article explores Lincoln’s personal struggles, political battles, and enduring impact on U.S. history.
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.
The article "The Emancipation Proclamation: Abraham Lincoln's Declaration That Helped Bring About the End of Slavery" from BBC's HistoryExtra is about how President Lincoln's 1863 order declared freedom for enslaved people in the Confederacy. Although it didn’t free everyone at once, it shifted the Civil War’s focus to ending slavery and led to the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery throughout the United States.
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.
How Well Do You Know U.S. Presidents?
Presidents’ Day is a time to celebrate the leaders who have shaped the United States — from George Washington, the very first president, to Abraham Lincoln, who kept the country together, and Barack Obama, the first Black president. But how much do you really know about these famous figures, their fun hobbies, surprising pets, and historic accomplishments?
From presidential inventions and favorite pastimes to clever facts about the White House and the people who have lived there, this quiz is packed with fun and a few tricky twists. Will you be the Commander-in-Chief of Trivia?
In Obama’s Political Beginnings, historian Simon Schama explains how before Barack Obama was president, he worked to organize laid off factory workers in the South Side of Chicago. As a community organizer, Obama learned how to build alliances and the importance of being at the table. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Obama’s America, in which Simon Schama examines the challenges faced by Barack Obama on the world stage and at home.
In George Washington Takes Office, as the United States forms, George Washington is voted unanimously into the presidency. He reluctantly takes office, and uses his two terms to set many of the norms of the office and set the young nation on its path.
In American Optimism Under Clinton, historian Simon Schama explains how Bill Clinton’s own rise to power had echoes of the American dream of equal opportunity. Clinton had an optimistic message during a time of economic expansion, rising stock markets, and a strong economy. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Obama’s America, in which Simon Schama examines the challenges faced by Barack Obama on the world stage and at home.
The article "Charlotta Bass: The Civil Rights Fighter Who Ran for U.S. Vice President" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a compelling story about Charlotta Bass, the first Black woman to run for vice president in the U.S. It traces her journey from journalist to political pioneer, highlighting her activism, bravery against the Ku Klux Klan, and surveillance by the FBI during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
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.
In Obama Takes the National Stage, journalist Clive Myrie covers how Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, a moment that would introduce him to the nation. Watch Obama’s early nerves, growing confidence, and the power of a speech that connected personal stories to broader ideas of freedom and justice. 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 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.
The article "Abraham Lincoln: From Log Cabin to Legendary Leader" from BBC's HistoryExtra takes a look at the life, leadership, and legacy of America’s 16th president. From his humble frontier beginnings to guiding the country through a civil war and abolishing slavery, the article explores Lincoln’s personal struggles, political battles, and enduring impact on U.S. history.
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.
The article "The Emancipation Proclamation: Abraham Lincoln's Declaration That Helped Bring About the End of Slavery" from BBC's HistoryExtra is about how President Lincoln's 1863 order declared freedom for enslaved people in the Confederacy. Although it didn’t free everyone at once, it shifted the Civil War’s focus to ending slavery and led to the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery throughout the United States.
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.