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17 films
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, a document authored by Thomas Jefferson.
The United States Marine Band has participated in every inaugural parade since Thomas Jefferson's inauguration in 1801.
200 years after the founding of the United States, figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson reflect on the state of America and its government.
Franklin's son served as the royal governor of New Jersey, illustrating the deep divisions among families during the American Revolution.
261 meters deep, an international team of scientists searches the Black Sea for shipwrecks that may date back 3,000 years to ancient seafaring civilizations.
John Adams served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801, facing challenges that defined the role of the presidency.
Thirteen modern Vice Presidents are examined for their complex relationships with Presidents in a discussion led by author Kate Andersen Brower.
A bipartisan panel discussion features current and former Members of Congress and their families discussing the unique lifestyle of political life.
In 1799, George Washington wrote to Patrick Henry, urging him to come out of retirement to help address the political conflict threatening the nation.
A panel discussion features former Congresswoman Jane Harman and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, focusing on the role of citizen engagement in shaping policy.
John Adams, portrayed by actor Peyton Dixon, discusses his role in drafting the Massachusetts State Constitution and its significance in American history.
The Second Day of July 1776 is described as the most memorable moment in American history by Abigail Adams in a virtual presentation by the National Archives.
On April 19, 1775, the British army attacked the Massachusetts militia, prompting the need for a second Continental Congress to discuss independence.
In 1826, Thomas Jefferson dies on July 4, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, alongside fellow Founding Father John Adams.
Nine years passed during the Seven Years War, which led to increased taxes on American colonists and sparked debates about representation and governance.
The National Archives houses the first Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, which acknowledged the United States' independence from Great Britain.
Five colonists were killed by British soldiers in Boston in 1770, leading to a controversial trial defended by future President John Adams.