American History
This section is for American History Documentaries.
Antebellum
War of 1812 - YouTube (1:53:16)
In June 1812, the young United States declared war on Great Britain. This war lasted for two years and the United States fought against the British, the Canadians, and the indigenous populations. This is a war that is largely forgotten in both the United States and Britain. However, there is one place where the war is remembered: Canada. Legends grew up after the war. 1812 was a tiny war by the world’s standards and yet it has a big impact on a continent. *Recommended for an American History class.*
Circle Unbroken - YouTube (53:54)
The Sea Islands of South Carolina are the center of Gullah Culture. It is where 75% of enslaved Africans came through these sea islands. It tells the story of South Carolina and the Sea Islands. It is a unique culture that emerged in South Carolina. It was a combination of the slaves that had come from Africa and indigenous South Carolina people. Anita Singleton-Prather narrates the tale of the Gullah people and traditions. *Recommended for a history class.*
In June 1812, the young United States declared war on Great Britain. This war lasted for two years and the United States fought against the British, the Canadians, and the indigenous populations. This is a war that is largely forgotten in both the United States and Britain. However, there is one place where the war is remembered: Canada. Legends grew up after the war. 1812 was a tiny war by the world’s standards and yet it has a big impact on a continent. *Recommended for an American History class.*
Circle Unbroken - YouTube (53:54)
The Sea Islands of South Carolina are the center of Gullah Culture. It is where 75% of enslaved Africans came through these sea islands. It tells the story of South Carolina and the Sea Islands. It is a unique culture that emerged in South Carolina. It was a combination of the slaves that had come from Africa and indigenous South Carolina people. Anita Singleton-Prather narrates the tale of the Gullah people and traditions. *Recommended for a history class.*
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.*
The Gilded Age - YouTube (1:53:11)
The Gilded Age was an age of confidence. America was rapidly becoming an economic powerhouse on the world stage. It was also an age of excess and parties for the elite. It was a period of optimism and opportunity. However, there was a wider and wider gap between the rich and the poor. The rich gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City to host a ball. The price tag of the ball could have fed 1,000 working-class people for one year. So what underlies the Gilded Age? *Recommended for a history class.*
Eastland: The Shipwreck that Shook America - YouTube (54:24)
In the years after Titanic efforts were made to make ships safer and there were new laws in place to ensure that there were plenty of lifeboats for everyone on board. However, these safety measures may have led to one of the biggest tragedies on the Great Lakes: Eastland. Thousands of Chicago factory workers boarded the SS Eastland in 1915. This group was headed to a company picnic however they would never make their destination. This ship had a secret that by the time it was revealed it was too late to stop the unfolding disaster.
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.*
The Gilded Age - YouTube (1:53:11)
The Gilded Age was an age of confidence. America was rapidly becoming an economic powerhouse on the world stage. It was also an age of excess and parties for the elite. It was a period of optimism and opportunity. However, there was a wider and wider gap between the rich and the poor. The rich gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City to host a ball. The price tag of the ball could have fed 1,000 working-class people for one year. So what underlies the Gilded Age? *Recommended for a history class.*
Eastland: The Shipwreck that Shook America - YouTube (54:24)
In the years after Titanic efforts were made to make ships safer and there were new laws in place to ensure that there were plenty of lifeboats for everyone on board. However, these safety measures may have led to one of the biggest tragedies on the Great Lakes: Eastland. Thousands of Chicago factory workers boarded the SS Eastland in 1915. This group was headed to a company picnic however they would never make their destination. This ship had a secret that by the time it was revealed it was too late to stop the unfolding disaster.
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.*
World War II
USS Indianapolis - YouTube (1:38:38)
The USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by the Japanese and only 317 survived after their five-day ordeal. The survivors of that sinking are now finally telling their story. Additionally, families of the dead participate in the documentary. This is a longer documentary and should be broken up into parts for easy viewing in the classroom. *Highly recommended for American History Classes.*
Tuskegee Airmen - Video Unavailable
Dogfight: The Tuskegee Airmen is a History Channel-produced documentary about the Tuskegee Airmen. They guarded bomber groups as they carried on raids in Germany and Eastern Europe. They were the best at guarding the bombers and fighting the Germans. This documentary has the Tuskegee Airmen speak about their experiences in the fighter group. *Recommended for independent student students and American history classes.*
Pearl Harbor: The Hunt for the USS Arizona - YouTube (1:37:51)
On December 7th, 1941 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. This attack caught America off guard. During this attack the USS Arizona torpedoed and sunk, killing 1,100 sailors on board. Seventy-five years later a group put together by the National Parks Service is looking to scan the outside and the inside of wreck of the USS Arizona. This documentary talks about the efforts to document the ship as well as talks with the survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack. *Highly recommended for American History Classes.*
Pearl Harbor and the Pacific - YouTube (50:16)
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a ruthless surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack caught America off guard and would bring the United States into World War II. The US Public was caught off guard by the attack and they want answers. This attack is just a forewarning of what is to come when the Japanese continue their ruthless attacks in the Pacific. *NOT Recommended for a history class.*
Attack on Pearl Harbor - YouTube (44:19)
The Attack on Pearl Harbor would be a day that would go down in American History. It was an attack that made people remember where they were on that day. The Japanese attacked the US Naval Fleet which prompted the US entry into World War II. The USS Arizona would go down with over 1,000 men on board. In this episode the secrets weapon that Japanese used will be revealed to the airplanes that were used in the attack. What was thought of as a drill turned into a nightmare as the Japanese launched the attack on Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor continues to reveal its secrets and Drain the Oceans looks to learn more about those secrets. *Highly recommended for American History Classes.*
The USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by the Japanese and only 317 survived after their five-day ordeal. The survivors of that sinking are now finally telling their story. Additionally, families of the dead participate in the documentary. This is a longer documentary and should be broken up into parts for easy viewing in the classroom. *Highly recommended for American History Classes.*
Tuskegee Airmen - Video Unavailable
Dogfight: The Tuskegee Airmen is a History Channel-produced documentary about the Tuskegee Airmen. They guarded bomber groups as they carried on raids in Germany and Eastern Europe. They were the best at guarding the bombers and fighting the Germans. This documentary has the Tuskegee Airmen speak about their experiences in the fighter group. *Recommended for independent student students and American history classes.*
Pearl Harbor: The Hunt for the USS Arizona - YouTube (1:37:51)
On December 7th, 1941 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. This attack caught America off guard. During this attack the USS Arizona torpedoed and sunk, killing 1,100 sailors on board. Seventy-five years later a group put together by the National Parks Service is looking to scan the outside and the inside of wreck of the USS Arizona. This documentary talks about the efforts to document the ship as well as talks with the survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack. *Highly recommended for American History Classes.*
Pearl Harbor and the Pacific - YouTube (50:16)
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a ruthless surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack caught America off guard and would bring the United States into World War II. The US Public was caught off guard by the attack and they want answers. This attack is just a forewarning of what is to come when the Japanese continue their ruthless attacks in the Pacific. *NOT Recommended for a history class.*
Attack on Pearl Harbor - YouTube (44:19)
The Attack on Pearl Harbor would be a day that would go down in American History. It was an attack that made people remember where they were on that day. The Japanese attacked the US Naval Fleet which prompted the US entry into World War II. The USS Arizona would go down with over 1,000 men on board. In this episode the secrets weapon that Japanese used will be revealed to the airplanes that were used in the attack. What was thought of as a drill turned into a nightmare as the Japanese launched the attack on Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor continues to reveal its secrets and Drain the Oceans looks to learn more about those secrets. *Highly recommended for American History Classes.*
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 July 14, 2024
