The Media Library of Genesee Valley BOCES

Explores the Industrial Revolution, the ideas of Adam Smith, entrepreneurs of New England, Samuel Slater, the city of Lowell, Massechusetts and its female workforce, the effects of steampower, and the growth of Chicago from a marshland to an economic power and trade center. (For a coordinating Teacher workshop on using Primary Sources, see Video #9547 entitled, The Lowell System: Women In A New Industrial Society)

Discusses the growing pains and reform movements of the young United States, the growth of immigration, Andrew Jackson, Manifest Destiny, The Trail of Tears, Nathaniel Webster, The Great Awakening, the abolitionist movement, the beginning of the women's movement, educational reforms, and religious ferver

A young Pony Express rider describes what it was like to carry the mail from Missouri to California

Viewers will learn about the succession of events, from "Bloody Kansas" to the shots fired at Fort Sumter, which lead up to the Civil War. Discusses the cultural impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin", which conveyed the horror of slavery. (For a coordinating teacher workshop on using Primary Sources, see Video #9548 entitled, Concerning Emancipation: Who Freed the Slaves?)

Looks at what life was like for a community in 1836 by looking at farming, household chores, education, and the role that children played in the community

Martyr, madman, murderer, hero: John Brown remains one of the most controversial and misunderstood figures in history. In the 1850s, he and his ragtag guerrilla group embarked on a righteous crusade against slavery that was based on religious faith - yet carried out with shocking violence, as happened with his raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia. His execution set off a chain of events that led to the Civil War

Examines the last years before the Civil War. Black abolitionists like Frederick Douglas and Sojourner Truth agitate against southern slavery and northern racism. Seeing their way of life continually under attack, southern states angrily threaten to leave the union. In 1850, a last political compromise, the "fugitive slave law" trades away black rights to keep the nation united. As slaveholders call for reopening the Atlantic slave trade, abolitionists fight back against slave catchers with fatal violence. John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry seems the final blow.

Examines the battle for Mexico City that began on August 20, 1847, with heavy casualties on both sides. On September 14, 1847, Winfield Scott rides triumphantly into the main plaza of Mexico City to occupy the fabled "Halls of Montezuma." On February 28, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, and a new border is established between the United States and Mexico

In the 1820's, Mexico is suffering in the aftermath of a devastating war for independence from Spain. To the north, the United States is growing, expanding its territory at a pace that alarms the Mexican government. In 1836, Texans rebel against Mexico. A Mexican army arrives to put down the rebellion but is defeated. Ten years later, Texas is annexed by the U.S., and the U.S. and Mexico become embroiled in a border dispute. In 1846, troops clash and the subsequent battles at Palo Alto and Reseca de Palma signal the beginning of war

In August of 1846, former Mexican president General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna returns from exile to unite Mexico against the U.S. invasion. Meanwhile, President James Polk formulates a plan to open a second front against Mexico and, if necessary, attack the Mexican capital. In February, 1847, Santa Anna's troops meet Zachary Taylor's army near Buena Vista. Against great odds, Taylor holds the field. The following month, 10,000 soldiers land on the beach at Veracruz. Soon afterward, the battle at Cerro Gordo routs the Mexican army.