Declaration of Independence (3:49)
To many in the Continental Congress, war was unthinkable. So why did they finally create this revolutionary document?
Videos (12)
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Declaration of Independence
Declaration of IndependenceVideo Clip (3:49)
Video Clip (3:49)
To many in the Continental Congress, war was unthinkable. So why did they finally create this revolutionary document?
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Fourth of July History
Fourth of July HistoryVideo Clip (3:36)
Video Clip (3:36)
In a History of the Holidays video, 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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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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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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The Origin of Fireworks
The Origin of FireworksVideo Clip (2:32)
Video Clip (2:32)
In this clip from Modern Marvels, we learn the history of fireworks. Fireworks originated 1,000 years ago in China when chemicals were accidentally mixed together to create an explosive. They thought that fireworks could remove bad spirits.
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The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro
The Meaning of July 4th for the NegroVideo Clip (3:43)
Video Clip (3:43)
Morgan Freeman performs the words of Fredrick Douglass addressing a white audience about the Fourth of July.
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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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The Naked Underground: Founding Father's Death Wish
The Naked Underground: Founding Father's Death WishVideo Clip (1:22)
Video Clip (1:22)
In this Naked Underground video, explore the urban legends surrounding the founding fathers of the United States. Did all fifty-six signers all die mysterious deaths shortly after signing the Declaration of Independence.
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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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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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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.
Photo Galleries (4)
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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.
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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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The Fourth of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
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