John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address (13:54)
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.
Speeches & Audio (3)
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John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
John F. Kennedy's Inaugural AddressAudio Clip (13:54)
Audio Clip (13:54)
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.
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Clinton Delivers State of the Union
Clinton Delivers State of the UnionAudio Clip (2:41)
Audio Clip (2:41)
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.
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Clinton's First Inaugural Address
Clinton's First Inaugural AddressAudio Clip (1:20)
Audio Clip (1:20)
After defeating incumbent President George H. W. Bush and ending 12 years of Republican leadership in the White House, President Bill Clinton emphasizes change and renewal in his inaugural address on January 20, 1993.
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Washington, D.C.
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Presidential Fun Facts
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The Oval Office has been filled with extraordinary presidents, but did you know about these not-so-famous firsts?
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Our Founding Fathers were responsible for a lot more than the Declaration of Independence. Find out more about their legacy of innovation.
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First Ladies
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These U.S. first ladies made their mark during their stays at the White House.
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James Madison: Did You Know?
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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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George Washington
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How did George Washington turn a rag-tag group of men into a disciplined fighting machine?
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Ask HISTORY: What's the Electoral College?
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How does the Electoral College really work? Ask HISTORY gets the answers.
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FDR: A Voice of Hope
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Elected in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt was a reassuring presence for many Americans through the trials of the Great Depression.
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Andrew Jackson's Firsts
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Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States, but he was the first in many other ways.
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JFK: A New Generation
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John F. Kennedy's progressive agenda during the 1960s inspired a new generation of optimism in America.
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King Leads the March on Washington
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On August 28, 1963, a quarter million people gather to support civil rights, and share Dr. King's "dream" of equality.
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Gerald Ford Embraces Chicken
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Timothy Dickinson tells us about Gerald Ford and the Chicken.
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Shaping Washington D.C
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Washington D.C. was designed as a square before Congress gave Virginia back its portion in 1846.
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Jimmy Carter vs. 'Killer Rabbit'
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Timothy Dickinson tells us the story of Jimmy Carter vs the killer rabbit.
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How Washington D.C. Got Its Shape
How Washington D.C. Got Its ShapeVideo Clip (2:30)
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George Washington picked out the location and laid out a perfect diamond shape for the city, spanning parts of Maryland and Virginia. But a looming fight over slavery caused the Virginia side to leave the District and return to its home state, giving D.C. its strange shape.
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Abraham Lincoln
Abraham LincolnVideo Clip (3:48)
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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.
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9/11 Timeline
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A timeline of the events on September 11, 2001.
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The Pentagon
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A brief history of the conception and construction of the Pentagon.
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The Electoral College
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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.
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The Inauguration
The InaugurationVideo Clip (4:15)
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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.
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Richard Nixon's Paranoia Leads to Watergate Scandal
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Find out about Nixon's personal demons, which may have led to his involvement in the Watergate scandal.
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Thomas Jefferson's Presidential Style
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As president, Thomas Jefferson presented himself as a man of the people and believed the central government should not hold too much power.
Photo Galleries (8)
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Washington, D.C.
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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.
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March on Washington
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See pictures from the famous March on Washington.
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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.
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George Washington
George Washington(17 Photos)
17 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of George Washington.
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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.
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Founding Fathers and Pre-Civil War Presidents
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View an image slideshow on Founding Fathers and Pre-Civil War Presidents.
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Civil War to Great Depression Presidents
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View an image slideshow on Presidents from Reconstruction to the Great Depression.
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Presidents: World War II to Today's Presidents
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View an image slideshow on Presidents from World War II to Today.
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Civil War 150
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