Rise of Modern Europe Suggestions

Good morning teachers, I hope that the early days of school are going well for you.  Now we are moving forward into the late 1600s to 1800s.  Here is another batch of YouTube video suggestions for the classroom.  One of the suggestions would be an excellent addition to the science classroom.  If there are multiple episodes to a series, then pick an episode that closely aligns with your lesson plans.  I hope that you will be able to find something to show your students or help your students learn. 

The Germans: Frederick and the Empress:  YouTube
This is a German-produced English-language documentary about Frederick the Great and Empress Maria Theresa.  They were the rulers of two German empires.  When Maria Theresa became Empress, Frederick the Great invaded parts of her domain.  She fought back against the Prussians.  This documentary tells the story of the rulers who fought for supremacy.  *Highly recommended for a high school history classroom.  Highly recommended for research purposes.*

King George III: Genius of a Mad King: YouTube
King George III's papers were digitized and this documentary shows historians poring over his papers, learning more about this misunderstood monarch.  His papers reveal a remarkable man.  He was a king engaged with his kingdom.  He tried to avoid arguments to prevent his fits of madness.  I created an assignment that would allow students to use his papers to explore more of the life of this misunderstood king.  *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom, both American and World history.  Highly recommended for independent study students.*

Krakatoa: The Great Volcanic Eruption - YouTube
The Explosion of Krakatoa is a docudrama about the 1883 eruption.  It tells the story of the lighthouse keeper, a ship's captain, government officials, and the people.  Using primary sources, the producers put together this documentary about the eruption of Krakatoa and its impact on the world.  *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history, geography, and earth science classroom.  Highly recommended for independent study students.*

Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors: YouTube
Lucy explores the houses that inspired Jane Austen and her writing.  She starts with Austen’s childhood home and concludes with the home she died in.  Worsley goes to the places that had an impact on Austen’s writing and life.  She even spends the night in a house that Austen lived in.  It is a fascinating look at Jane Austen, her life, and the impact of her writing.  *Highly recommended for both a history classroom and an English classroom.* 

Elegance and Decadence: History of the Regency: Episode 1  Episode 2  Episode 3
Lucy Worsley narrates the Regency Period, explaining the Prince Regent's complicated relationship with his father and Napoleon as well as Jane Austen and the changes England underwent during this period.  The Regency started because the Prince Regent took the reigns of power.  It was a golden age of writing and satire.  It aired in 2011 and marked the start of the 200th Anniversary of the Regency.  *Highly recommended for a history class.*

Queen Victoria: A Monarch Unveiled:  Episode 1  Episode 2
A.N. Wilson explores the life of Queen Victoria through the letters that survived over two episodes.  The first episode shows what her childhood and married life were like.  The second episode shows her as a widow.  He paints a portrait of a monarch who laughed frequently, engaged in politics, and enjoyed life.  Wilson’s portrayal of Queen Victoria shatters the myth of the widow in black.  It is a fascinating look at the life of Queen Victoria through her surviving journals.  *Highly recommended for a high school history class and independent study students.*