Photos | Videos | Interactives
Photo Galleries (2)
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James Buchanan
James Buchanan(10 Photos)
10 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of James Buchanan.
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The Battle Over Slavery
The Battle Over Slavery(12 Photos)
12 Photos
Explore images of abolitionists, the Underground Railroad and much more as you learn about the battle over slavery in the United States.
Videos (16)
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James Buchanan's Presidency
James Buchanan's PresidencyVideo Clip (2:57)
Video Clip (2:57)
Lame-duck President James Buchanan ranks near the bottom in presidential popularity polls. Find out how his mishandling of slavery and secession may have hastened the onset of the Civil War.
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America and the Civil War
America and the Civil WarVideo Clip (4:04)
Video Clip (4:04)
Discover how the bloodiest war in American history transformed the face of the nation.
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John Brown
John BrownVideo Clip (4:34)
Video Clip (4:34)
John Brown's failed attempt to loot the armory at Harper's Ferry sparks the beginning of abolition.
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Civil War's Greatest Myth
Civil War's Greatest MythVideo Clip (2:41)
Video Clip (2:41)
What you think you know about the Civil War may not be the whole truth.
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Deconstructing History: White House
Deconstructing History: White HouseVideo Clip (1:35)
Video Clip (1:35)
It may not have been home to the president until 1800 or even called the White House until 1901, but it remains a symbol of freedom and democracy throughout the world.
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Presidential Fun Facts
Presidential Fun FactsVideo Clip (1:21)
Video Clip (1:21)
The Oval Office has been filled with extraordinary presidents, but did you know about these not-so-famous firsts?
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Civil War in One Word
Civil War in One WordVideo Clip (1:13)
Video Clip (1:13)
If you had just one word to describe the Civil War, what would it be?
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Abraham Lincoln's House Divided Speech
Abraham Lincoln's House Divided SpeechVideo Clip (2:31)
Video Clip (2:31)
Abraham Lincoln's 1858 "House Divided" speech catapults him into the national consciousness with its bold moral assessment of the future of American slavery.
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The Gettysburg Address: A New Declaration of Independence
The Gettysburg Address: A New Declaration of IndependenceVideo Clip (1:45)
Video Clip (1:45)
After the carnage at the Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln reaffirms his commitment to achieving freedom for all.
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The Path to Civil War
The Path to Civil WarVideo Clip (2:25)
Video Clip (2:25)
The election of Abraham Lincoln was a tipping point on the path to Civil War. In the wake of Southern secession, would the new president defend the U.S. forts in rebel territory?
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The Abolitionist Movement
The Abolitionist MovementVideo Clip (3:26)
Video Clip (3:26)
In the decades before the Civil War, anti-slavery sentiment sparked an abolitionist movement that employed risky and radical tactics to bring an end to slavery.
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Origins of Slavery in America
Origins of Slavery in AmericaVideo Clip (3:01)
Video Clip (3:01)
In 1619, the Dutch introduced the first captured Africans to America, planting the seeds of a slavery system that evolved into a nightmare of abuse and cuelty that would ultimately divide the nation.
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Frederick Douglass
Frederick DouglassVideo Clip (2:25)
Video Clip (2:25)
Find out how Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery to become one of the most respected and effective abolitionist leaders.
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Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman and the Underground RailroadVideo Clip (3:07)
Video Clip (3:07)
Born a slave, Harriett Tubman became a famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, leading hundreds of slaves to freedom.
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John Brown's Raid
John Brown's RaidVideo Clip (1:38)
Video Clip (1:38)
Although poorly planned and executed, John Brown's raid helped lead the nation into Civil War and made him one of the most controversial men of his day.
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John Brown's Last Speech
John Brown's Last SpeechVideo Clip (2:36)
Video Clip (2:36)
Actor David Strathairn performs abolitionist John Brown's final speech before his execution in 1859. Introduction by Viggo Mortensen.
Interactives (1)
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Civil War 150
Civil War 150Interactive
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Read More about James Buchanan
James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. president, served from 1857 to 1861, a time when America was on the brink of civil war.
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Experience the turbulent events that ignited the bloodiest, most divisive war this country has known.
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Swamp People Troy Mask
Want the ultimate Big Head? The Swamp People Troy Mask is for Cajuns and Cajuns at heart.
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