12 of 248 results
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Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington

In Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington, we learn about the historic 1963 March on Washington, when hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Washington, D.C., to demand civil rights and equality. At the center of the event is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who delivers the “I Have a Dream” speech — one of the most famous and important speeches in American history.

This video is a meaningful way to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day or to help students understand the role of peaceful protest in a democracy. Excerpted from BBC’s Reputations: Martin Luther King – Days of Hope, it highlights Dr. King’s leadership, his commitment to nonviolent protest, and the lasting impact of the Civil Rights Movement.

Video
Thomas Jefferson Takes Power

In Thomas Jefferson Takes Power, learn how Thomas Jefferson became the first president inaugurated in Washington, D.C., and promoted freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. He significantly reduced the national debt, reformed taxes, and faced early foreign challenges, including confrontations with Barbary pirates. Jefferson also oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States, and commissioned exploration of the Mississippi River.

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Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

In Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence, learn how the colonies made the case for independence from Britain during the Revolutionary War. A Committee of Five, including Thomas Jefferson, drafted the document, drawing on ideas from the Virginia Declaration of Rights and John Locke. The Declaration outlined reasons for independence, the philosophy behind it, the king’s offenses, and concluded with the resolution for freedom. It was approved on July 4, 1776, and its original draft is now on permanent display in Washington, D.C.

Student Article
Martin Luther King’s Dream: The Speech That Changed America

The article "Martin Luther King’s Dream: The Speech That Changed America" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the origins, message, and legacy of the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, King’s words captured the hopes of the civil rights movement. The article examines the speech’s impact, historical setting, rhetorical power, and enduring relevance today.

Student Article
5 Key Events That Changed the U.S. Civil Rights Movement

The article "5 Key Events That Changed the U.S. Civil Rights Movement" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores five defining moments that shaped the fight for racial equality in America.

Student Article
Lost Nile River Branch May Explain How the Great Pyramids Were Built

The article "Lost Nile River Branch May Explain How the Great Pyramids Were Built" from BBC's Science Focus showcases how archaeologists found a long-lost river under the desert, which might have helped the Egyptians move giant stones to build the pyramids. This discovery highlights the importance of the Nile and how environmental changes shaped history.

Student Article
The Chernobyl Disaster: How a Nuclear Experiment Went Horribly Wrong

The article "The Chernobyl Disaster: How a Nuclear Experiment Went Horribly Wrong" from BBC's HistoryExtra explains how a dangerous test at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine led to a catastrophic explosion. It describes the causes, tragic aftermath, and global consequences of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

Student Article
Clara Barton: The Angel of the Battlefield Who Changed Medicine Forever

The article "Clara Barton: The Angel of the Battlefield Who Changed Medicine Forever" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a powerful look at Barton's lifelong devotion to helping others. From nursing wounded Civil War soldiers to founding the American Red Cross, she broke barriers in healthcare, women's rights, and disaster relief, earning her the title “Angel of the Battlefield.”

Student Article
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.

Student Article
Blood and Fame: Shocking Moments in Ancient Gladiator History

The article "Blood and Fame: Shocking Moments in Ancient Gladiator History" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the history of gladiator combat in ancient Rome. It traces its origins to Etruscan funeral rituals and details how Julius Caesar, the emperors, and other political figures used these deadly games to gain power and favor.

Student Article
What Was It Like to Be a Kid in the Middle Ages?

The article "What Was It Like to Be a Kid in the Middle Ages?" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores what life was like for children during the Middle Ages. The article highlights how children's lives were shaped by age, gender, class, and religion. It also reveals surprising facts about literacy, mortality rates, and how children played, worked, and were disciplined.

Student Article
Alice Marble: Tennis Legend, War Hero, and Wonder Woman

The article "Alice Marble: Tennis Legend, War Hero, and Wonder Woman" from BBC's HistoryExtra tells the incredible life story of Alice Marble. She rose to tennis fame in the 1930s, overcame personal tragedy, edited comics, spied during WWII, and later fought for equality in sports. Her legacy lives on through her fierce determination, fearless activism, and groundbreaking contributions to tennis and beyond.