Fourth of July: Videos

Adapted from an old EyeGate filmstrip series, "Establishing the Middle Colonies" provides an overview of how, why and by whom the four Middle colonies were founded, as well as information about how the people of those colonies lived. English settled New Jersey and Pennyslvania Dutch controlled New Amsterdam (NY) and Sweden had Delaware.(19:38 min.)

Bill Boggs explores historical Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, Virginia. Covers developments that led to the Revolution. (20:48 min.)

This presentation outlines the development of European colonies in the future United States and Canada, from 1565 to 1700. Before European colonization of North America, many thousands of Algonquian, Iroquoian, Souian, Muskogean, Pueblo, and other Native American speakers lived throughout the continent. The first successful European foothold above Mexico is the Spanish colony of Saint Augustine founded in modern Florida in 1565.

New Jersey began as a royal gift from James, Duke of York, to Sir George Carteret and Lord Berkeley. It was named after a battle fought to defend the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel. New Jersey marks its 350th anniversary on June 24, 2014 with a look back at the colonial roots of New Jersey, originally divided into territories known as East Jersey and West Jersey. (1:30 min.)

In our country’s mythic past, the city of Boston shines as a beacon of freedom and resister of tyranny. This A&E Special uncovers the hidden history of America’s first city. Founded on a promise, Boston symbolizes Yankee strength and hard work in the wilderness of the New World. A “city upon a hill,” in first governor John Winthrop’s memorable words. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (87 minutes) Distributed by A&E Television Networks.

North Carolina, South Carolina and the Georgia colony. (10:52 min.)

Philadelphia celebrates its founder more than any other American city, but who exactly is William Penn? For many, he is a statue atop City Hall, but Penn's busy life reflected an era of chaotic upheaval and conflict. He is at once a radical Quaker, political prisoner, visionary city planner, absent landlord, and a slaveholder. His ideals, contradictions, and ambitions cast a long shadow across American history. This installment of Philadelphia: The Great Experiment explores what it means to live In Penn's Shadow. (28:55 min.)

New Jersey had been ethnically and religiously diverse since colonial times. However, the colonial ethnic groups (Dutch, Swedes, Finns, English, and Scots) and religious denominations (Puritan, Quaker, Anglican, Presbyterian) were all Protestant. In the early nineteenth century immigration shifted to Germany and Ireland, and most of these newcomers were Catholic, not Protestant. They settled in New Jersey’s newly industrializing cities, such as Newark, Hoboken, and Jersey City. They also brought with them traditions of drinking beer and wine on the Sabbath, which were shocking to the old Protestant establishment. (26:46 min.)

here were a number of settlements that attempted to become the first successful colony on the Eastern Seaboard of North America, and that failed quickly in the face of myriad challenges. One of those colonies, established shortly after the considerably more famous one at Jamestown, was established hundreds of miles north, on the rocky, irregular coast of Maine, and called Popham. (12:03 min.)

Puritan Roger Williams, a separatist, establishes the state of Rhode Island after leaving Massachusetts. (2:53 min.)

In the 1600s, Europe had teeming populations, it was impossible to acquire land, there were virtually no economic opportunities and even less religious tolerance. Waves of settlers came to the "Province of Mayne" to take advantage of its abundant natural resources. Despite backbreaking work, an unbelievably harsh climate and cultural differences among the French, Native and English populations, the settlers carved out a new life for themselves. They traded furs, created a fishing industry and supplied lumber for barrels, masts and even houses in the Caribbean. Initially, the mutually beneficial trade relationships created confidence between the Native and English populations. But as Natives began to be crowded off their lands and trust between the English and Natives broke down, a series of wars broke out that would destroy any hope for lasting peace between the two populations. By the end of the century, most of the English settlers would leave Maine in fear and live for years at a time as war refugees. (26:45 min.)

This is the introduction to the new 18th Century cooking series at Jas. Townsend and Son Inc. - This video describes typical soldier rations in 18th century European and North American theaters. (2:33 min.)

Brought to Europe by the Venetians, coffee houses sprung up in major continental cities throughout the17th century, around the same time coffee made its way across the Atlantic to America. After the Boston Tea Party, coffee replaced tea as America’s favorite hot beverage and became an essential ration for soldiers in the civil, first, and second world wars. It went on to be established as the national staple drink served at the iconic American eatery, the Diner. While the Italians invented the culture of drinking espresso, it was an American who invented instant coffee, and when American entrepreneurs brought espresso back from Europe, it was the catalyst for an artisanal coffee revolution exported around the globe. Today, the so-called ‘third wave’ of the artisanal coffee revolution is taking the world by storm with America at the forefront. (52:15 min.)

Visit the recreated historic farmhouse and learn about Colonial cuisine, cooking & foodways of the 18th century

This video explores America’s rich culinary heritage and looks at the many types of foods that Americans eat. Beginning with recipes that developed when Native American and colonial European cultures met, the program describes the cookery of the New England coast, Deep South, Midwest, Southwest, and Pacific Coast. The dazzling variety of styles that have shaped American cuisine—including African, Chinese, and other influences—are described in detail, along with uniquely American inventions such as fast food. The program concludes with the ultimate American cooking style: California’s fusion cuisine. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (22 minutes)

Modern Marvels looks at the history, production, and drinking of tea, including a visit to one of the largest tea-bagging factories in the world, the Lipton’s plant in Suffolk, VA. The new trend of herbal tea is also explored. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (44 minutes) Distributed by A&E Television Networks.

During the Revolutionary War, food was often at the center of the clash between the American colonists and the British. From the Boston Tea Party to coffee riots, Americans used food to express their anger at the British. Others stocked up on rum and Madeira wine, including George Washington, who ordered 1,900 bottles of wine after taking over the Continental forces. The conflict created food shortages, which some enlisted men combated by eating unusual foods. Troops fried up flour mixed with water, which they called firecake, and ate unappetizing foods like ox liver and sheep's head.

Chef Walter Staib explores the grounds at Mt. Vernon and discovers how George Washington spent his retirement years. He'll uncover Washington's recipe for unaged rye whiskey produced and sold from the on-site distillery and will cook Pecan-Stuffed Suckling Pig, Pork Kidney and Plum Pudding. Chef Walter Staib travels the globe, to historical locations, into famous kitchens and exotic markets to bring you A Taste of History. The cooking TV series explores, educates, and brings America's culinary heritage to life through the recreation of elegant and sumptuous dishes inspired by the founding fathers.

Was Uncle Sam a real person? Why are democrats donkeys and republicans elephants? Learn the origins of some of America's most recognizable symbols.

When the British army held Francis Scott Key captive aboard one of their warships during the Battle of Baltimore, they could never have guessed his stay would inspire their enemy's most-patriotic song.

Why does the American flag have 13 stripes? Get all the facts and figures on "Old Glory." (2:06 min.)

The Great Seal of the United States is one of America's most recognizable symbols, its impressed upon official government documents such as treaties and commissions, and is found on documents such as U.S. passports and the reverse of the $1 bill. (1:55 min.)

A shining beacon of freedom, Lady Liberty dominates Liberty Island in New York. Her copper-wrought form towers over teh city's harbor. French activist Edouard Rene de Laboulaye expressed solidarity with the United States on behalf of his nation. The Statute of Liberty was the creative culmination of Freric Ausgute Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel as gift from France to the United States. Designed to represent Libertas a Roman goddess Lady Liberty gazes into the distance, her right torch-bearing arm outstretched toward the skies while her left-hand holds a tablet with the date of the Declaration of Independence.
(3:42 min.)

The story of the Liberty Bell from our trip to Philadelphia. (2:18 min.)

Today we will dive into one of the most interesting and unknown bits of presidential history: the origins of the presidential seal. (14:56 min.)

Uncle Sam is a national icon in the United States, but where did he come from? Was he a real person? James Williams takes a look into the past to find the answer. (1:59 min.)

We've all heard the Yankee Doodle Dandy lyrics and wondered what they meant. But the Yankee Doodle song turns out to have a surprisingly logical explanation. (2:24 min.)

The size and shape of American government is due in no small part to Chief Justice John Marshall. This biography focuses on his contribution to the status of the Supreme Court, his implementation of judicial review, and his advocacy of strong central authority for the protection of the new nation and its ideals. Outlining Marshall’s youth on the Virginia frontier, the program describes his service in Washington’s army, his early law career, and his eventual appointment to Chief Justice. Discussions of major Marshall decisions, including Marbury v. Madison, Worcester v. Georgia, and Boyce v. Anderson, clearly demonstrate his progressive leanings. (57 minutes)

This episode of Biography looks at Paul Revere not only as a patriot but as an artisan, as well. Left with his father’s silversmith trade at 19, Revere ultimately earned the title of Master Goldsmith. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes) Distributed by A&E Television Networks.

“Give me liberty or give me death.” This episode of Biography tells Patrick Henry’s story through expert commentary, period accounts and artifacts, and revealing excerpts from Henry’s speeches and writings. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes) Distributed by A&E Television Networks.

(1:24:31) This two-hour documentary captures the amazing life and times of our nation's forgotten founding father: Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton supports a centralized government.

Hercules Mulligan was an early supporter of the patriot cause, and a major influence on the young Alexander Hamilton. A tailor, he gathered intelligence that helped save George Washington twice. The History Guy recalls one of the most enigmatic figures of the American Revolution.

Four leading scholars of American political thought [professors James Ceaser - University of Virginia, Ralph Lerner - University of Chicago, Lorraine Smith Pangle - University of Texas at Austin, and Michael Zuckert - University of Notre Dame] share their insights on the founding generation and the central ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence. Duke University professor Michael C. Munger anchors the show as a spotlight is shone on the founders' vision of a free society and the concept of "liberty" as a principle derived from nature - a natural right to liberty. (21:08 min.)

JMC scholars James Ceaser, Ralph Lerner, Stuart Warner, and Michael Zuckert discuss equality in the Declaration of Independence. Learn about equality and how it has influenced concepts of social mobility, democracy, and human dignity in American society. (22:56 min.)

JMC scholars Justin Dyer, James Ceaser, Ralph Lerner, Diana Schaub, and Michael Zuckert discuss the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln, and how he reiterated the Declaration's ideals of freedom, equality, and natural rights to oppose slavery and retain the Union. Learn about the contradiction of liberty and slavery in American history and how the Founders, Lincoln, and slavery advocates viewed this incompatibility. (24:33 min.)

Understand 9 Key Concepts on Understanding the Declaration. How the Declaration of Independence and Constitution are designed to work together. Freedom, Liberty, Founding Fathers, Bill of RIghts, July 4th, Key principles, American History, Boston Tea Party

Paul B. Skousen, author of The Naked Socialist, discusses what are unalienable rights and how to remember them. Inalienable rights are Universal, do not on impose, and have responsibility. 1. Born as Sovereign Individual 2. Right to Choose 3. Right to Property (i.e. body) 4. Right to Association 5. Equality under the Law & God 6. Right to Self Defense. 7. Right to Compassion 8. Right to Fail. (16:05 min.)

Between 1607 and 1754, British America grew from a starving colony to a nation on the brink of war. It would take over a hundred years for 13 colonies to be settled. As more and more Europeans flooded into British America, new ideas emerged. The Enlightenment challenged ideas and systems that had existed for centuries. People started to question the validity of religion. Ideas on how to organize society spread throughout Europe and British America. The Enlightenment would be countered by The Great Awakening, an attempt to revive religion in the colonies. Then a world war, the Seven Years War, would not only massively enlarge the British Empire but become the impetus to start the American Revolution and the creation of the United States.

Professor Maier tells the story of how the English-loving colonist transforms into the freedom-loving American rebel. The luminaries of the early days of the Republic -- Washington, Jefferson, Adams -- are featured in this program as they craft the Declaration of -- and wage the War for -- Independence. (25:52 min.)

Explore 5 facts about the Proclamation of 1763, a decree originally enacted to calm the tension between Native Americans and colonials, but became one of the earliest causes of the American Revolution.

Mr. Richey discusses the events leading to the American Revolution, including the Boston Tea Party, the Intolerable Acts, and the Battles of Lexington and Concord. This is the second part of my lecture on the "Long Train of Abuses and Usurpations" leading to the American Revolution.

Learn the basics about the Townshend Acts, a series of laws that intensified colonial rage toward the British crown in the 1760s.

From the Lexington Green on April 19, 1775 to the events surrounding New York City in 1781, the Northern Campaign of the American Revolution lasted for over 6 years until General George Washington moved south to the Siege of Yorktown, ultimately leading to American victory. Watch the battles of the Revolution come to life, complete with troop animations, narratives, reenactment footage and more!

Enjoy learning about our nation's Revolutionary War against Great Britain, the conflict that gave birth to the United States of America. Our collection of animated maps bring battles of the American Civil War to life, complete with troop movement animations, narratives, reenactment footage and more. (18:44 min.)

This animated map brings the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War to life, complete with with troop movement, narratives, and historical reenactments. (14:44 min.)

Story of the brilliant American Revolutionary War general who turned traitor. (44:05 min.)

Charles Cornwallis was a British Army general and official. In the United States and the United Kingdom he is best remembered as one of the leading British generals in the American War of Independence. His surrender in 1781 to a combined American and French force at the Siege of Yorktown ended significant hostilities in North America. He later served as a civil and military governor in Ireland, where he helped bring about the Act of Union; and in India, where he helped enact the Cornwallis Code and the Permanent Settlement. (28;34 min.)

The British General William Howe came to America to fight during the Revolutionary War. Although he was sympathetic to the Colonists, he brilliantly led his troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill. This episode of The Conquerors goes on to explore Howe’s battles against General George Washington at New York, Fort Lee, New Jersey, and in Pennsylvania at the Battle of the Brandywine. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (45 minutes) Distributed by A&E Television Networks.

A close associate of both George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, in his short life, John Laurens was both an accomplished diplomat and soldier. But he is nearly forgotten because he did what many other, more famous, patriots did not. He died for the cause of liberty. The History Guy recalls the man of whom Washington said, “He had not a fault that I ever could discover.” (13:49 min.)

General Marquis de Lafayette As Washington’s protégé, the young Frenchman became a valued Continental Army Officer. Enamored of the American Revolution, Lafayette sailed from France to the United States in 1777, with hopes of joining Washington’s army. Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, known in the United States as Lafayette, was a French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War, commanding American troops in several battles, including the siege of Yorktown.(45:18 min.)

This A&E Special provides a comprehensive look at George Washington’s long military career—from his service in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War to his role as commander in chief of the Continental Army. Distributed by A&E Television Networks. (88 minutes) Distributed by A&E Television Networks.

The family stories of actor Ty Burrell, radio host Joe Madison and political strategist Valerie Jarrett. Also a look at how a summer camp for children is using genetic genealogy to help people better understand their burgeoning identities. Distributed by PBS Distribution. (52:18 min.)

Three guests’ families have long been engaged in the battle for freedom and civil rights, but they had no idea that those principles were passed down through generations of ancestors. Ben Affleck’s mother was a Freedom Rider in 1964 and her roots include the 19th-century spiritualist Almon French, who attempted to heal the bereaved masses in the aftermath of the Civil War. NAACP president Ben Jealous learns the heroic story of his great-grandfather Peter G. Morgan, a free black man who was forced to purchase his own wife and family in order to keep them safe. Actress Khandi Alexander, who never knew who her grandfather was, learns that he may have been murdered in the Jim Crow-era South. Distributed by PBS Distribution. (52:46 min.)

Sally Field discovers that she descends from William Bradford, who arrived on the Mayflower and helped his fellow English Puritans establish their new lives in colonial America and later discovers that her ancestors sided with the British crown during our nation’s War of Independence and paid the ultimate price. Deepak Chopra’s family made a similar gamble while living under harsh British colonial rule in India, where his grandparents pledged their loyalty to the British in hopes of achieving a higher place in society. Later, his father chose to fight alongside British soldiers during World War II. Sting’s story goes back centuries in England where we find that being close to the seat of Empire doesn't mean that life is any better for those who fueled Great Britain’s world dominance during the Pax Britannica by building its merchant ships and working in its coal mines. Distributed by PBS Distribution. (52:26 min.)

A state-by-state guide for conducting research on soldiers of the Revolutionary War as well as early members of the Society of the Cincinnati.

Complements our core student in-gallery experience. Explores the role of museums, types of revolutions, and the people, causes, events and repercussions of the American Revolution.

Understanding people’s decision-making in the past requires us to remember that they did not know what would happen next. What seems like an easy choice looking back from the present often involved weighing many factors to come to what seemed to be the best decision for them at the time. Remembering this allows us to better understand the people of the past, though we can never fully truly know them.

The Historical Analysis: Objects Tell Stories lesson will introduce students to the skills of object observation and analysis while considering how historical objects tell stories about people and events from the past.

The Leadership and Alexander Hamilton lesson will introduce students to different styles of leadership and ask them to consider one Revolutionary leader’s personal leadership style by examining choices he made during the Revolutionary War.

In this issue of Smithsonian in Your Classroom, students look at paper money issued during the American Revolution by each of the thirteen new states. In a lesson, the class uses the bills to gather primary source information about the times.