DescriptionIn 1783, America emerged from a long and bitter war for independence. The 13 colonies were now 13 sovereign states, bound together by the Articles of Confederation. After years of war, men like Thomas Jefferson saw the possibility of something new under the sun: a government which derived its just power from the consent of the governed. But the Continental Congress was bankrupt from the war, and many of the states refused to contribute money or to cooperate with each other. In May 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to attend a convention. After more than three months of passionate debate, conflict, and compromise, the United States Constitution was passed, establishing a national government. But to become the law of the land, the Constitution had to be independently ratified by at least nine of the 13 states.
DescriptionThe United States Constitution both established both a strong central government and protected states' rights. But to say that something is of two parts is not to say that the parts are equal. Advocates of state sovereignty believed the Constitution creat…
DescriptionIn 1917-1918, 4.5 million Americans served in World War One. Of that number only 14 remain. The WWI Living History Project honors the sacrifices and contributions of America's last surviving WWI veterans. The producers have travelled the country…
DescriptionThe United States Constitution presents and explains the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Amendments to the Constitution in a way you've never experienced before - narrated by legendary news personality Walter Cronkite. The United States Constitution takes you back to Philadelphia in 1787 - to four months filled with back-room deals, political scheming and fierce debates. You'll feel the full impact of conflicts and passions that nearly tore apart the Philadelphia Convention, the ratification process, and the infant American nation, and understand the documents that shaped our country in ways you've never known before. Expertly narrated by Walter Cronkite, The United States Constitution brings the most treasured documents of American history to illuminating life!
