The Mayflower (2:18)
From the Pilgrims' reasons for leaving Europe to the treacherous journey across the Atlantic, musician and artist Jeffrey Lewis puts to song the story of the Mayflower.
Videos (10)
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The Mayflower
The MayflowerVideo Clip (2:18)
Video Clip (2:18)
From the Pilgrims' reasons for leaving Europe to the treacherous journey across the Atlantic, musician and artist Jeffrey Lewis puts to song the story of the Mayflower.
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Colonists Protest British Policies
Colonists Protest British PoliciesVideo Clip (3:05)
Video Clip (3:05)
From the 1760's onward, colonial anger grows as the British pass a series of taxes and laws. With each one, the two groups move closer to war.
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The Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party
The Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea PartyVideo Clip (1:52)
Video Clip (1:52)
In 1771, a group of colonists protest thirteen years of increasing British oppression, by attacking merchant ships in Boston Harbor. In retaliation, the British close the port, and inflict even harsher penalties.
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Boston Massacre Sparks a Revolution
Boston Massacre Sparks a RevolutionVideo Clip (1:42)
Video Clip (1:42)
The shooting of several men by British soldiers in 1770 enflames passions in the colonies.
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First Revolutionary Battle at Lexington & Concord
First Revolutionary Battle at Lexington & ConcordVideo Clip (1:58)
Video Clip (1:58)
In April 1775, when British troops are sent to confiscate colonial weapons, they run into an untrained and angry militia. This ragtag army defeats 700 British soldiers and the surprise victory bolsters their confidence for the war ahead.
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Jefferson Writes the Declaration of Independence
Jefferson Writes the Declaration of IndependenceVideo Clip (2:37)
Video Clip (2:37)
At 33, Thomas Jefferson wrote the original draft of America's historic Declaration of Independence, which was approved by the Continental Congress after several days of debate and revisions on July 4, 1776.
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Matt Damon: The Declaration of Independence
Matt Damon: The Declaration of IndependenceVideo Clip (2:02)
Video Clip (2:02)
Actor Matt Damon performs and discusses the Declaration of Independence.
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George Washington's Early Years
George Washington's Early YearsVideo Clip (1:47)
Video Clip (1:47)
George Washington was an ambitious young man who strove to refine his character.
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John Adams: The Early Years
John Adams: The Early YearsVideo Clip (4:00)
Video Clip (4:00)
One of the most influential founding fathers of the United States, John Adams persuaded Congress to adopt the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
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Thomas Jefferson Meets John Adams
Thomas Jefferson Meets John AdamsVideo Clip (2:59)
Video Clip (2:59)
An unlikely pair whose tumultuous friendship lasted half a century, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826, 50 years after signing the Declaration of Independence.
Photo Galleries (4)
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American Revolution: Continental Congress
American Revolution: Continental Congress(11 Photos)
11 Photos
Discover the accomplishments of the First and Second Constitutional Congresses, and learn about the major players behind such documents as the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris.
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George Washington
George Washington(17 Photos)
17 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of George Washington.
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Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson(11 Photos)
11 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of Thomas Jefferson.
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John Adams
John Adams(7 Photos)
7 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of John Adams.
Interactives (1)
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Warriors Game
Warriors GameInteractive
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