Jefferson and the Continental Congress (3:33)
Over 17 days, Thomas Jefferson writes what will become the mission statement for a revolution and a new nation: the Declaration of Independence.
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Videos (22)
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Jefferson and the Continental Congress
Jefferson and the Continental CongressVideo Clip (3:33)
Video Clip (3:33)
Over 17 days, Thomas Jefferson writes what will become the mission statement for a revolution and a new nation: the Declaration of Independence.
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Jefferson Challenges the King
Jefferson Challenges the KingVideo Clip (2:21)
Video Clip (2:21)
Thomas Jefferson is known for penning The Declaration of Independence, but some of his earlier writings establish the pattern of challenging the British monarchy.
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Jefferson's Pursuit of Knowledge
Jefferson's Pursuit of KnowledgeVideo Clip (3:09)
Video Clip (3:09)
As a young man in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson pursues an education based on the ideals of the Enlightenment.
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Declaration of Independence
Declaration of IndependenceVideo Clip (3:04)
Video Clip (3:04)
To many in the Continental Congress, war was unthinkable. So why did they finally create this revolutionary document?
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American Revolution
American RevolutionVideo Clip (3:20)
Video Clip (3:20)
Get the story of how a fledgling, largely disconnected nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.
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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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The Death of Thomas Jefferson
The Death of Thomas JeffersonVideo Clip (2:00)
Video Clip (2:00)
Thomas Jefferson takes his last breath on July 4, 1826, fifty years to the day after the signing of The Declaration of Independence.
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History of the Fourth of July
History of the Fourth of JulyVideo Clip (2:44)
Video Clip (2:44)
Discover how and when Americans celebrated Independence Day in the past. Although Benjamin Franklin thought we'd celebrate the 2nd of July; the 4th of July is closest to our hearts.
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Thomas Jefferson in Paris
Thomas Jefferson in ParisVideo Clip (1:48)
Video Clip (1:48)
Jefferson soaks up the culture, art and architecture of Paris while on assignment as a trade representative.
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Thomas Jefferson's Family
Thomas Jefferson's FamilyVideo Clip (4:02)
Video Clip (4:02)
Thomas Jefferson marries Martha Wales Skelton in 1772 and builds a family at Monticello.
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Who Was Sally Hemings?
Who Was Sally Hemings?Video Clip (3:47)
Video Clip (3:47)
Thomas Jefferson had a 37 year relationship and fathered several children with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings.
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Jefferson Builds Monticello
Jefferson Builds MonticelloVideo Clip (3:07)
Video Clip (3:07)
Thomas Jefferson spends years designing and building Monticello, his retreat from the demands and derision of politics.
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George Washington
George WashingtonVideo Clip (2:19)
Video Clip (2:19)
How did George Washington turn a rag-tag group of men into a disciplined fighting machine?
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James Madison: Did You Know?
James Madison: Did You Know?Video Clip (1:36)
Video Clip (1:36)
At just 5'4", James Madison was hardly a commanding presence, but that didn't stop him from shaping American history.
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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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Cat Bomb
Cat BombVideo Clip (0:40)
Video Clip (0:40)
During World War II, the U.S. Army invented a new missile guidance system: cats.
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Fourth of July Barbecue
Fourth of July BarbecueVideo Clip (2:28)
Video Clip (2:28)
In this Holiday Foods video clip, we get to join host Famous Fat Dave, as he uncovers the history of the Southern American tradition known as the Barbecue. On July 4th, the barbecue is huge in America, and you will learn this right here.
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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.
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Presidential Pastimes
Presidential PastimesVideo Clip (1:20)
Video Clip (1:20)
Presidents are usually pretty old. So it's no surprise they like low-impact sports.
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July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest
July Fourth Hot Dog Eating ContestVideo Clip (3:51)
Video Clip (3:51)
In this Holiday Foods video clip, we take a look at the famous food of July 4th. The hot dog is known around the world as being one of the biggest, most well-liked foods in America. Learn the history of the dog, and see an eating challenge as well.
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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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The Founding Fathers Unite
The Founding Fathers UniteVideo Clip (2:51)
Video Clip (2:51)
Who wrote which parts of the anonymous Federalist Papers? Madison and Jefferson disagree.
Photo Galleries (3)
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July 4th
July 4th(8 Photos)
8 Photos
Independence Day, commonly known as July 4th or the Fourth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Regarded as the birthday of the United States of America, the day is celebrated with parades,…
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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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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.
Interactives (1)
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Read More about Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence announced the intention of the 13 American colonies to separate from Great Britain.
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