American Studies: Video

Based on the memoir and letters of Mary Silliman, this film depicts the struggle during the American Revolutionary War, in Fairfield, Conn., a town deeply and bitterly divided over independence. After the kidnapping and imprisonment of her husband by the British, Mary Silliman managed to secure her husband's freedom while still handling domestic affairs and coping with the war

In the early 20th century, the U.S. Navy dominated Hawaii. Most Americans thought of the islands as a Pacific paradise, but in 1931, a dark incident shattered the tranquil veneer of the islands and exposed growing racial tensions. The wife of a Navy liutenant accused 5 local men of rape. One man was killed. In the trial that followed, celebrity attorney Clarence Darrow offered an impassioned defense on behalf of the husband, calling the murder an "honor killing."

Documents the forced removal in 1838 of the Cherokee Nation from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma; explores issues of racial identity between the mixed-descent peoples of both Native American and African American heritage; examines the crossover of ancient native remedies to present-day medical practices; documents the 1869, U.S. government-enacted policy of educating Native American children in the ways of western society.

Hailed as a landmark in historical storytelling, Ken Burns’ classic Emmy Award–winning nine-part series The Civil War brings to life America’s most destructive—and defining—conflict. Narrated by historian David McCullough, here is the saga of celebrated generals and ordinary soldiers, a heroic and transcendent president, and a nation in arms against itself. “Heartbreaking and lyrical, vivid in sight, sound, and music, its focus is intensely human against the sweep of history,” says USA Today .

This inviting six-part series showcases young Spanish men and women living authentic lives in a variety of locations in Spain. Language learners will enjoy spending time with these genuinely interesting people as they go to school or work, pursue their favorite pastimes, and interact with family and friends. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Spanish, 6-part series, 11 minutes each.