Declaration of Independence (3:04)
To many in the Continental Congress, war was unthinkable. So why did they finally create this revolutionary document?
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Videos (17)
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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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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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Romance of John and Abigail Adams
Romance of John and Abigail AdamsVideo Clip (2:12)
Video Clip (2:12)
Watch the budding relationship between John Adams and Abigail Smith.
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Political Career of President John Adams
Political Career of President John AdamsVideo Clip (4:23)
Video Clip (4:23)
Find out about John Adams' political career in the newly formed United States, from his vice presidency under George Washington to hi two terms as president.
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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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Ask HISTORY: Did all the founding fathers wear wigs?
Ask HISTORY: Did all the founding fathers wear wigs?Video Clip (2:17)
Video Clip (2:17)
Did America's creators really hide their hair under white toupees? Get the answer now.
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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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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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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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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.
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Battle of Saratoga Turns the Tide
Battle of Saratoga Turns the TideVideo Clip (2:22)
Video Clip (2:22)
In 1777, the colonists force the surrender of 6,000 British troops in New York State. This first major victory convinces France to enter the conflict on the Americans' side.
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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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Washington Escapes Brooklyn
Washington Escapes BrooklynVideo Clip (2:05)
Video Clip (2:05)
As British General William Howe anticipates surrender, General Washington fleas across the East River under cover of darkness.
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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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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.
Photo Galleries (5)
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John Adams
John Adams(7 Photos)
7 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of John Adams.
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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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American Revolution: Events and Battles
American Revolution: Events and Battles(12 Photos)
12 Photos
Explore Revolutionary battle sites such as Lexington, Concord and Yorktown, and learn how the events that took place there shaped the course of the war.
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American Revolution: Flags and Fliers
American Revolution: Flags and Fliers(10 Photos)
10 Photos
Discover some of the flags and fliers that circulated amongst the colonies before and during the American Revolution.
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American Revolution: Key Military Figures
American Revolution: Key Military Figures(10 Photos)
10 Photos
View images of key military figures from the American Revolution, and learn what role they played in this war of independence.
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Read More about John Adams
John Adams (1735-1826) was a leader of the American Revolution and served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801.
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