American History
This section is for American History Documentaries.
Civil War
Civil War - History of Warfare - YouTube (54:40)
The American Civil War was fought less than a century after the Revolutionary War. It was a nation that would come to blows and it was torn apart by Civil War. The southern states fought the union states for four years over slavery and state rights. Northern politicians were pushing for slavery’s abolition and with the election of Abraham Lincoln, the descent into the Civil War would begin. The Civil War started with shots fired on Fort Sumter. This war would tear the nation for four years. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A HISTORY CLASS.*
The American Civil War - YouTube (55:40)
This is an older documentary about the American Civil War. It discusses what lead up to the war, the 1860 Election and how this election would prompt the Civil War. It talks about the big battles of the war. It also talks about the key figures who took part of the Civil War. Technology was discussed and how it would impact the Civil War. It is an older documentary but very well done. The Civil War would shape American history. *Recommended for both history classes as well as for research purposes.*
Road to Fort Sumter - YouTube (59:22)
The Civil War divided America like no other war. Although Americans shared a common history, their lifestyles were vastly different. By the time of the Civil War, the North had become heavily industrialized while the South was still a rural-agrarian society. The North made manufactured goods, while the South relied on the farming economy. The Northern manufacturers could pay workers to work, while the South wanted to keep labor enslaved. These two regions were going to come to blows over the issue of slavery. *Recommended for an American History class.*
Twilight of the Confederacy - YouTube (58:31)
January 1864 and the Civil War was nearly three years old. There was no doubt that the war would be settled in one quick battle. Unfortunately, there was no decisive battle that could change the war. The tide of the war has changed. The South was running out of soldiers, and the South expanded the draft to include 17-year-olds. The Southern Economy was also in shambles only being propped up by the blockade runners. The Southerners were tired of the war. *Put on your potential to show list for a history class.*
Secrets of the Civil War - YouTube (47:22)
It was one of the first wars where technology had an impact. The sea was where the majority of the Civil War was shaped. The war was fought on both the sea and the rivers. There are 2000 Civil War wrecks on the sea floor. The USS Cumberland was the first naval casualty of the Civil War and took part in one of the first naval battles of the Civil War. The second ship participated in the battle and was revolutionary in its design. Another ship reveals a new type of weapon that could sink ships. What does draining the ocean reveal about the American Civil War. *Recommended for a history and science classroom.*
The American Civil War was fought less than a century after the Revolutionary War. It was a nation that would come to blows and it was torn apart by Civil War. The southern states fought the union states for four years over slavery and state rights. Northern politicians were pushing for slavery’s abolition and with the election of Abraham Lincoln, the descent into the Civil War would begin. The Civil War started with shots fired on Fort Sumter. This war would tear the nation for four years. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A HISTORY CLASS.*
The American Civil War - YouTube (55:40)
This is an older documentary about the American Civil War. It discusses what lead up to the war, the 1860 Election and how this election would prompt the Civil War. It talks about the big battles of the war. It also talks about the key figures who took part of the Civil War. Technology was discussed and how it would impact the Civil War. It is an older documentary but very well done. The Civil War would shape American history. *Recommended for both history classes as well as for research purposes.*
Road to Fort Sumter - YouTube (59:22)
The Civil War divided America like no other war. Although Americans shared a common history, their lifestyles were vastly different. By the time of the Civil War, the North had become heavily industrialized while the South was still a rural-agrarian society. The North made manufactured goods, while the South relied on the farming economy. The Northern manufacturers could pay workers to work, while the South wanted to keep labor enslaved. These two regions were going to come to blows over the issue of slavery. *Recommended for an American History class.*
Twilight of the Confederacy - YouTube (58:31)
January 1864 and the Civil War was nearly three years old. There was no doubt that the war would be settled in one quick battle. Unfortunately, there was no decisive battle that could change the war. The tide of the war has changed. The South was running out of soldiers, and the South expanded the draft to include 17-year-olds. The Southern Economy was also in shambles only being propped up by the blockade runners. The Southerners were tired of the war. *Put on your potential to show list for a history class.*
Secrets of the Civil War - YouTube (47:22)
It was one of the first wars where technology had an impact. The sea was where the majority of the Civil War was shaped. The war was fought on both the sea and the rivers. There are 2000 Civil War wrecks on the sea floor. The USS Cumberland was the first naval casualty of the Civil War and took part in one of the first naval battles of the Civil War. The second ship participated in the battle and was revolutionary in its design. Another ship reveals a new type of weapon that could sink ships. What does draining the ocean reveal about the American Civil War. *Recommended for a history and science classroom.*
Reconstruction
Calamity Jane: The Legend of the West - YouTube (52:42)
The west was a vast plain that was inhabited by the First Nations. However, these lands would become invaded when gold was discovered. Thousands of pioneers went out west to make a new life. It was here that Calamity Jane found herself. She was the first legendary woman of the West. She had plays written about her. She was the most famous woman in America and a living legend. A peak in South Dakota was named for her. New York depicted her as the Queen of the Plains. Who was the real woman behind the legend? *Excellent for research purposes.*
Gilded Age
Frank Lloyd Wright - YouTube (59:15)
Frank Lloyd Wright was the greatest architect in America. He redefined architecture and became famous in the world all over. However, his genius is oftentimes buried under the scandals of his life. Jonathan Adams, an architect from Wales is going to travel around America to discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright. He wants to know the man and wishes to put him back in his place. What will Jonathan discover about Frank Lloyd Wright? Tune into this episode to find out more. *HIGHLY recommended for a history and house building class.*
First Flight: The Race to Create the World's First Flying Machine - YouTube (52:49)
In 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first motorized flight. Or did they? This documentary talks about the controversy surrounding this claim. Aviation expert, John Brown explores this controversy and puts for the claim that Gustave Whitehead was the one that made the first flight. It is a claim that outrages many. Was Gustave Whitehead a genius or a person discredited by his rivals? Who kick-started the age of aviation? *Recommended for use in an American history classroom.*
Frank Lloyd Wright was the greatest architect in America. He redefined architecture and became famous in the world all over. However, his genius is oftentimes buried under the scandals of his life. Jonathan Adams, an architect from Wales is going to travel around America to discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright. He wants to know the man and wishes to put him back in his place. What will Jonathan discover about Frank Lloyd Wright? Tune into this episode to find out more. *HIGHLY recommended for a history and house building class.*
First Flight: The Race to Create the World's First Flying Machine - YouTube (52:49)
In 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first motorized flight. Or did they? This documentary talks about the controversy surrounding this claim. Aviation expert, John Brown explores this controversy and puts for the claim that Gustave Whitehead was the one that made the first flight. It is a claim that outrages many. Was Gustave Whitehead a genius or a person discredited by his rivals? Who kick-started the age of aviation? *Recommended for use in an American history classroom.*
Interwar Years
100 Years on the Lincoln Highway - YouTube (56:58)
The Lincoln Highway started in Times Square New York and crossed the country in San Francisco. IT was the first cross-country road in America. The country did not have many roads before the automobiles. Every road was a bike path or a dirt road farmers used to get in and out of town. These roads did not link together and go somewhere. *Highly recommended for an American History classroom and for a substitute teacher to show in the classroom.*
Amelia: A Tale of Two Sisters - YouTube (44:02)
Society was changing and men were now taking to the skies in airplanes. Women were demanding more rights and were finding achievements in aeronautics. One such woman was Amelia Earhart. Earhart was attracted to aviation and through determination and hard work, she would become the most famous aviator at the time. She would inspire female aviators in future generations. Her sister Muriel would not only champion her sister Amelia but would keep Amelia’s legacy alive. To this day, people are still looking to solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. *Recommended for both a history class and for research.*
The Lincoln Highway started in Times Square New York and crossed the country in San Francisco. IT was the first cross-country road in America. The country did not have many roads before the automobiles. Every road was a bike path or a dirt road farmers used to get in and out of town. These roads did not link together and go somewhere. *Highly recommended for an American History classroom and for a substitute teacher to show in the classroom.*
Amelia: A Tale of Two Sisters - YouTube (44:02)
Society was changing and men were now taking to the skies in airplanes. Women were demanding more rights and were finding achievements in aeronautics. One such woman was Amelia Earhart. Earhart was attracted to aviation and through determination and hard work, she would become the most famous aviator at the time. She would inspire female aviators in future generations. Her sister Muriel would not only champion her sister Amelia but would keep Amelia’s legacy alive. To this day, people are still looking to solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. *Recommended for both a history class and for research.*
The Great Depression
When the World Breaks - YouTube (1:28:33)
The Great Depression was an era of poverty, but it was also a time of creativity. The stock market had crashed leaving thousands without jobs. This documentary looks into the use of creativity, art, and entertainment that was used as a form of survival during the Great Depression. This documentary features a variety of actors and comedians such as Jane Harvey, Jerry Stiller, Phyllis Diller, and Art Linkletter. *Recommended for a history class.*
The Great Depression was an era of poverty, but it was also a time of creativity. The stock market had crashed leaving thousands without jobs. This documentary looks into the use of creativity, art, and entertainment that was used as a form of survival during the Great Depression. This documentary features a variety of actors and comedians such as Jane Harvey, Jerry Stiller, Phyllis Diller, and Art Linkletter. *Recommended for a history class.*
Post World War II
Florence Foster Jenkins - YouTube (1:27:40)
Florence Foster Jenkins was known as the world’s worse opera singer and this is her story. This story is narrated from the perspective of a journalist who interviewed her. Florence Foster Jenkins was a flamboyant woman who loved to sing. She planned on performing at Carnegie Hall so the journalist wanted to interview her. Historians and music lovers talk about Florence Foster Jenkins’ life and singing career. *Recommended for research.*
A Tale of Two Sisters: Jackie - YouTube (44:30)
Jackie Kennedy and Lee Radziwill were sisters who had a complicated relationship. One sister would marry a future president and would become known for her impeccable style. She would regularly appear on the front pages of magazines. However, with all this success there was suffering. The other sister was younger and would provide great support for the older sister. Their lives were intertwined. However, beneath the surface, there was a great rivalry. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Outlier: The Story of Katherine Johnson - YouTube (54:12)
Katherine Johnson was an African American girl-wonder who was a mathematical genius. She loved mathematics and would count the steps going into church. Her genius helped catapult astronauts into space. She was an integral part of NASA and was profiled in the movie “Hidden Figures.” Her computations were important to the first missions to space. Who was this woman? Why did she have such an impact on history? This documentary features an interview with Katherine Johnson. *HIGHLY Recommended for a history and math class.*
Florence Foster Jenkins was known as the world’s worse opera singer and this is her story. This story is narrated from the perspective of a journalist who interviewed her. Florence Foster Jenkins was a flamboyant woman who loved to sing. She planned on performing at Carnegie Hall so the journalist wanted to interview her. Historians and music lovers talk about Florence Foster Jenkins’ life and singing career. *Recommended for research.*
A Tale of Two Sisters: Jackie - YouTube (44:30)
Jackie Kennedy and Lee Radziwill were sisters who had a complicated relationship. One sister would marry a future president and would become known for her impeccable style. She would regularly appear on the front pages of magazines. However, with all this success there was suffering. The other sister was younger and would provide great support for the older sister. Their lives were intertwined. However, beneath the surface, there was a great rivalry. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Outlier: The Story of Katherine Johnson - YouTube (54:12)
Katherine Johnson was an African American girl-wonder who was a mathematical genius. She loved mathematics and would count the steps going into church. Her genius helped catapult astronauts into space. She was an integral part of NASA and was profiled in the movie “Hidden Figures.” Her computations were important to the first missions to space. Who was this woman? Why did she have such an impact on history? This documentary features an interview with Katherine Johnson. *HIGHLY Recommended for a history and math class.*
Updated on April 26, 2024