American History Chapters

America - still a young country by world standards - began as an experiment in self-government. This collection includes stories of America's people as they follow a path of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

In an unbelievable turn of events, a sperm whale attacks a whaleship called the Essex on November 20, 1820.

Although many men ridicule the idea of votes for women, presidential candidate Horace Greeley did not.

Jefferson hates giving speeches due to his high-pitched voice and his lisp.

Old photographs of the B-24 in action.

Needing more men to fight for the North, Congress passes draft laws but wealthy people are able to buy their way out.

The Pilgrims become indentured servants, and then unsuccessfully try sailing the Speedwell and Mayflower to America.

Though African Americans were free, after the Civil War, the U.S. federal government (including the federal courts) allows the practice of racial segr...

Rather than surrender, Japanese soldiers lead Banzai attacks where they kill as many Marines as possible before dying themselves.

Even though teams are playing baseball in the northern U.S., there is no evidence it is popular in the south until the Civil War.

Jackie plays for the Kansas City Monarchs; African-American baseball players face discrimination in every town.

Risking his own life, Bass agrees to write letters for Platt (Solomon Northup), alerting people in the North that he is wrongfully being held as a sla...

Although he is little-celebrated in the 21st century, Baas Reeves was a giant of the late-19th and early-20th centuries. An African-American U.S. Depu...

Show tooltips