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The Making Of America's Presidency

13 minutes 52 seconds
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Painting of George Washington with a white powdered wig and wearing a black colonial suit standing behind a desk as 1 man signs a paper and several men in powdered wigs look on. Caption. The Convention decided the nation.

Chronicles the beginnings of American democracy. Includes early forms of government, the Continental Congresses, events leading to the Declaration of Independence, and important battles. Discusses the Constitution's form of government and its system of checks and balances. With George Washington's inauguration, the idea of American democracy became reality.

Media Details

Runtime: 13 minutes 52 seconds

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Lesson Guide
Painting of George Washington with a white powdered wig and wearing a black colonial suit standing behind a desk as 1 man signs a paper and several men in powdered wigs look on. Caption. The Convention decided the nation.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 1
13 minutes 52 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 12
Painting of 6 men raising clubs and bayonets to attack another man, while a soldier in a blue coat and black hat looks on. A building is on fire in the background. Caption. Washington used force to disperse the angry farmers.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 2
9 minutes 14 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Portrait of John Adams with white hair and a beige vest and top coat. His face is serious as he looks into the distance. Caption. Adams was hailed a national hero for his actions.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 3
14 minutes 41 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Painted portrait of James Monroe. He has short white hair and wears a white frilly collar and black jacket. Caption. But not all view it as Monroe's most important achievement.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 4
12 minutes 57 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Painting of Andrew Jackson with white hair, a black top coat and bow tie, and a red cloak draped over his shoulders. He rests his left hand on the base of a pillar as he looks to his right. Caption. As President, Jackson demanded personal loyalty.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 5
12 minutes 50 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Painted portrait of John Tyler. His hair is dark but graying, and he has a tall white collar underneath a black coat. He looks serious. Caption. President Tyler signed it on March first, 1845.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 6
12 minutes 44 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Black and white sketch of a light-haired man sitting in an armchair above other men. Large pillars appear in the background. Caption. "Fillmore put the weight of the presidency."
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 7
9 minutes 24 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Sepia tone portrait of Abraham Lincoln with short dark hair and a beard wearing a black and white tuxedo. Caption with Lincoln as narrator. With malice toward none, with charity for all.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 8
10 minutes 23 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Sepia tone image of Rutherford B. Hayes sitting in a wooden chair and looking down at book he holds on his lap. He has dark hair, a mustache, and beard. Caption. That's the persona that he presents to the country.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 9
11 minutes 5 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Sepia tone image of a white-haired and bearded man giving a speech on a platform with a patriotic banner across the front. Several men wearing top hats and coats are also on the platform. Caption. Economic problems made Harrison vulnerable.
Our Presidents In America's History
Episode 10
12 minutes 59 seconds
Grade Level: 3 - 8
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