Building the Erie Canal

In this video segment adapted from American Experience, learn about the construction of the Erie Canal, the biggest public works project of its time.

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Building the Erie Canal

In this lesson designed to enhance literacy skills, students look at how the construction of the Erie Canal brought about major changes within United States, particularly in New York City, upstate New York, and the Midwest.

Conflict Over Western Lands

In this lesson designed to enhance literacy skills, students explore how the differing worldviews of white settlers and Native Americans led to conflicts over land when Americans surged westward in the 1860s.

Eliza Law Custis Lap Desk, ca. 1795

In this video from Antiques Roadshow, C. Wesley Cowan, a decorative arts appraiser, examines a lady's lap desk given as a gift to Eliza Parke Custis, the granddaughter of Martha Washington, by the Marquis de Lafayette.

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Having a Strong National Government

In this video from The Supreme Court, partisan politics influences the development of the United States as a young republic.

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Living With the Land

This video segment adapted from American Experience tells the story of how some Native American tribes once migrated the length of the North American continent to find the resources they needed.

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Marshall's View of Federalism

This video from The Supreme Court shows the evolution of John Marshall’s ideas on federalism.

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McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

In this video, Supreme Court Justice John Marshal, in the case of McCulloch V. Maryland, ruled in favor of national sovereignty over states’ rights.

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Trail of Tears

This video segment adapted from American Experience: "We Shall Remain" features reenactments that depict how the Cherokee were forced by the U.S. government to leave their homes in Georgia and march to new lands west of the Mississippi.

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Transcontinental Railroad Recruits Chinese Laborers

This video segment adapted from American Experience examines the participation of Chinese laborers in the construction of the first transcontinental railroad during the 1860s.

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