John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address (13:59)
In 1961, on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th president of the United States. In his first speech as president, Kennedy strikes an inspiring chord when he challenges Americans to ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
Speeches & Audio (3)
-
John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
John F. Kennedy's Inaugural AddressAudio Clip (13:59)
Audio Clip (13:59)
In 1961, on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th president of the United States. In his first speech as president, Kennedy strikes an inspiring chord when he challenges Americans to ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
-
Clinton Delivers State of the Union
Clinton Delivers State of the UnionAudio Clip (2:44)
Audio Clip (2:44)
On February 4, 1997, in his first State of the Union address since winning reelection over Bob Dole in 1996, President Bill Clinton focuses on his administration's domestic policy.
-
Lyndon Johnson Delivers State of the Union
Lyndon Johnson Delivers State of the UnionAudio Clip (1:24)
Audio Clip (1:24)
During his State of the Union address in 1965, President Johnson outlined his proposal for legislation aimed at creating what he called the ''Great Society."
Videos (24)
-
White House: Deconstructed
White House: DeconstructedVideo 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.
-
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?
-
King Leads the March on Washington
King Leads the March on WashingtonVideo Clip (3:10)
Video Clip (3:10)
On August 28, 1963, a quarter million people gather to support civil rights, and share Dr. King's "dream" of equality.
-
First Ladies
First LadiesVideo Clip (1:50)
Video Clip (1:50)
These U.S. first ladies made their mark during their stays at the White House.
-
FDR: A Voice of Hope
FDR: A Voice of HopeVideo Clip (4:06)
Video Clip (4:06)
Elected in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt was a reassuring presence for many Americans through the trials of the Great Depression.
-
Andrew Jackson's Firsts
Andrew Jackson's FirstsVideo Clip (1:36)
Video Clip (1:36)
Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States, but he was the first in many other ways.
-
JFK: A New Generation
JFK: A New GenerationVideo Clip (3:57)
Video Clip (3:57)
John F. Kennedy's progressive agenda during the 1960s inspired a new generation of optimism in America.
-
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?
-
Gerald Ford Embraces Chicken
Gerald Ford Embraces ChickenVideo Clip (1:11)
Video Clip (1:11)
Timothy Dickinson tells us about Gerald Ford and the Chicken.
-
Election 2008: Barack Obama
Election 2008: Barack ObamaVideo Clip (2:21)
Video Clip (2:21)
A look at Barack Obama's presidential campaign and historic win in the 2008 general election
-
The Kennedy-Nixon Debate
The Kennedy-Nixon DebateVideo Clip (1:06)
Video Clip (1:06)
Timothy Dickinson shares his take on the Kennedy-Nixon debate.
-
Jimmy Carter vs. 'Killer Rabbit'
Jimmy Carter vs. 'Killer Rabbit'Video Clip (1:03)
Video Clip (1:03)
Timothy Dickinson tells us the story of Jimmy Carter vs the killer rabbit.
-
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham LincolnVideo Clip (3:48)
Video Clip (3:48)
Today he is known as one of the greatest American presidents, but at the time of his election no one would have predicted Lincoln's success.
-
9/11 Timeline
9/11 TimelineVideo Clip (4:54)
Video Clip (4:54)
A timeline of the events on September 11, 2001.
-
The Pentagon
The PentagonVideo Clip (3:25)
Video Clip (3:25)
A brief history of the conception and construction of the Pentagon.
-
The Electoral College
The Electoral CollegeVideo Clip (4:00)
Video Clip (4:00)
Host David Eisenbach explains what the history and purpose of the Electoral College is and why it is so important to America's democratic process.
-
The Inauguration
The InaugurationVideo Clip (4:15)
Video Clip (4:15)
Host David Eisenbach gives the historic significance of the process by which a newly elected candidate assumes the role of President of the United States of America.
-
Richard Nixon's Paranoia Leads to Watergate Scandal
Richard Nixon's Paranoia Leads to Watergate ScandalVideo Clip (2:41)
Video Clip (2:41)
Find out about Nixon's personal demons, which may have led to his involvement in the Watergate scandal.
-
Thomas Jefferson's Presidential Style
Thomas Jefferson's Presidential StyleVideo Clip (3:20)
Video Clip (3:20)
As president, Thomas Jefferson presented himself as a man of the people and believed the central government should not hold too much power.
-
Grant's Troubled Presidency
Grant's Troubled PresidencyVideo Clip (3:37)
Video Clip (3:37)
Grant's presidency was marred by political scandal, clashes with Native Americans and continued violence throughout the Reconstruction South.
-
Death of President Garfield
Death of President GarfieldVideo Clip (1:03)
Video Clip (1:03)
Timothy Dickinson tells the story of President Garfield's untimely death.
-
JFK's Road to the White House
JFK's Road to the White HouseVideo Clip (3:43)
Video Clip (3:43)
John F. Kennedy sets his sights on the White House.
-
The White House
The White HouseVideo Clip (5:36)
Video Clip (5:36)
The White House has been the home of every U.S. president since John Adams. Without any presidents to house, however, the walls of this iconic building won't be standing for long.
-
Accounts Receivable Book Seized During the War of 1812
Accounts Receivable Book Seized During the War of 1812Video Clip (3:15)
Video Clip (3:15)
During the War of 1812, the British army, under Admiral Cockburn, captured Washington, D.C. Just before setting fire to the Capitol Building, Admiral Cockburn chose the only item labeled as "President of the U. States," from the President's ceremonial office as a memento.
Photo Galleries (8)
-
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.(10 Photos)
10 Photos
The capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., is home to many of the country's most iconic landmarks, including the White House, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.
-
March on Washington
March on Washington(9 Photos)
9 Photos
See pictures from the famous March on Washington.
-
Presidents and Their Children
Presidents and Their Children(14 Photos)
14 Photos
First families have shared the public spotlight with each president of the United States.
-
George Washington
George Washington(17 Photos)
17 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of George Washington.
-
9/11 at the Pentagon and Flight 93
9/11 at the Pentagon and Flight 93(17 Photos)
17 Photos
On September 11, 2001 a hijacked plane crashed into the side of the Pentagon. Another flight, United 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
-
Founding Fathers and Pre-Civil War Presidents
Founding Fathers and Pre-Civil War Presidents(15 Photos)
15 Photos
View an image slideshow on Founding Fathers and Pre-Civil War Presidents.
-
Civil War to Great Depression Presidents
Civil War to Great Depression Presidents(15 Photos)
15 Photos
View an image slideshow on Presidents from Reconstruction to the Great Depression.
-
Presidents: World War II to Today's Presidents
Presidents: World War II to Today's Presidents(13 Photos)
13 Photos
View an image slideshow on Presidents from World War II to Today.
Interactives (3)
-
Civil War 150
Civil War 150Interactive
-
9/11 Interactive Maps
9/11 Interactive MapsInteractive
-
9/11 Attacks - 102 Minutes That Changed America
9/11 Attacks - 102 Minutes That Changed AmericaInteractive
Most Popular Videos on History.com
-
Greek Gods
(3:36)
-
Vietnam: Deconstructed
(1:30)
-
JFK's Last Parade
(3:48)
Newest Videos on History.com
-
Vietnam in HD Preview
(2:00)
-
Two For the Road
(1:48)
-
HISTORY says Thanks
(2:47)
Read More about Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States, is home to the federal government and many notable monuments.
GoShop HISTORY
-
Civil War: Rebellion to Reconstruction DVD Set
Experience the turbulent events that ignited the bloodiest, most divisive war this country has known.
$97.99
Buy Now -
The American Civil War DVD Set
Experience for yourself the historical and personal impact of the Civil War.
$69.99
Buy Now -
Swamp People Troy Bobblehead
If the "King of the Swamp" is your favorite of all the swamp people, say so with the Swamp People Troy Bobblehead!
$26.95
Buy Now
Email Updates
Keep up with the latest History shows, online features, special offers and more.
Sign up





