Native Peoples of North America

This educational video explores the distinct and complex histories of Indigenous peoples in the two non-contiguous United States: Alaska and Hawai'i. It contrasts the legal status of Native tribes in both states, highlighting a stark statistic: while 40% of all federally recognized tribes in the U.S. are in Alaska, there are zero in Hawai'i. The host, Che Jim, guides viewers through the timeline of colonization for both regions—from Russian fur traders and the U.S. purchase of Alaska to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by American businessmen. The video delves into key themes of sovereignty, land rights, and the lasting impacts of colonization. It explains the unique "corporation" model established by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and contrasts it with the reservation system found in the lower 48 states. For Hawai'i, it covers the cultural history of the Kānaka Maoli, the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani, and the ongoing debate within the Native Hawaiian community regarding federal recognition versus independence. For educators, this resource is invaluable for teaching U.S. History, Civics, and Indigenous Studies. It moves beyond the standard narrative of westward expansion to cover the specific legal and political mechanisms used to acquire these territories. It provides clear explanations of complex concepts like "subsistence lifestyles," "sovereignty," and "annexation," making it an excellent tool for stimulating high-level classroom discussions about government responsibility, indigenous rights, and historical justice.

This introductory video for a U.S. History course establishes the fundamental reasons for studying history: to better understand the present, to contextualize events through multiple perspectives, and to develop the skills necessary for civic engagement. Hosted by Anthony with assistance from an animated robot named Mia, the lesson uses relatable analogies and historical examples to demystify abstract concepts like 'contextualization' and 'historical perspective.' It moves beyond memorizing dates to emphasize critical thinking and the application of historical knowledge to modern life. The video introduces three core themes that will guide the course: Community & Belonging, People & The Environment, and the Role of Government. Through specific examples—such as George Washington's mandate for smallpox inoculations during the Revolutionary War—the narrator demonstrates how understanding the circumstances surrounding a decision changes our interpretation of it. The lesson also distinguishes between learning 'about' history versus learning 'from' it, positioning the student as an active participant in society. Educators can use this video to launch a history curriculum by setting expectations for critical inquiry. It provides a perfect framework for teaching students how to analyze primary sources, consider bias, and understand historical empathy. The segment featuring different personas reacting to a single public policy statement is an excellent tool for introducing debate and perspective-taking in the classroom.

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of United States history from the late 1700s through the end of the Civil War in 1865. Narrated by Maya, the video chronicles the rapid growth of the nation, starting with immigration from Europe and the addition of new states, moving through major land acquisitions like the Louisiana Purchase, and detailing the conflicts that arose from this expansion, including the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. It explains how economic differences and the moral crisis of slavery drove a wedge between the North and South, leading to the secession of Southern states. Key historical themes include Westward Expansion, the displacement of Native Americans, the industrial revolution's impact (railroads, cotton, coal), and the political turmoil surrounding slavery. The video introduces critical figures such as Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee. It also covers significant events like the Gold Rush, the Oregon Trail, and the assassination of President Lincoln. For educators, this video serves as an excellent timeline anchor, helping students visualize the chronological progression of the 19th century. It connects geography to history by showing how physical expansion fueled political conflict. The content is well-suited for introducing a unit on the Civil War or Westward Expansion, providing a high-level summary that can be paused for deeper dives into specific topics like the treatment of Indigenous peoples or the economics of the plantation system.

This educational video explores the scientific theory of how the first humans migrated to the Americas via the Beringia Land Bridge. It explains the geographical and climatic conditions of the Ice Age that lowered sea levels, exposing a land connection between present-day Russia and Alaska. The video details the migration routes taken by these early people as they moved through North America down to South America. The content covers key interdisciplinary concepts including geography, earth science, and anthropology. It defines important terms like "migration" and explains the push factors that cause populations to move, such as the search for food, resources, or safety. The video also introduces students to how scientists use evidence to reconstruct the past, specifically looking at how anthropologists use DNA analysis and how archaeologists use artifacts like bronze tools and jade masks to trace human origins. This resource is highly valuable for social studies and history classrooms studying early human civilizations or Native American history. It provides a clear visual representation of complex concepts like changing coastlines and migration patterns. Teachers can use this video to illustrate the intersection of geography and history, demonstrating how physical landscapes shape human movement and settlement patterns.

This educational video explores the complex field of agricultural geography, examining why food insecurity persists in a world that produces enough calories to feed everyone. Host Alizé Carrère guides viewers through the intricate web of historical, political, economic, and environmental factors that determine who has access to food. The narrative moves from local examples of farming to global systems, explaining how colonialism, the Columbian Exchange, and various agricultural revolutions have shaped our modern food landscape. The video covers critical themes including the distinction between subsistence and commercial farming, the shift from polyculture to monoculture, and the impact of the Green Revolution. It delves into the geography of hunger, explaining concepts like food deserts and the difference between food availability and food access. Significant attention is paid to how historical events, such as the triangular trade and colonization, disrupted indigenous food systems and established export-oriented economies that still influence global food distribution today. For educators, this resource serves as a powerful tool to connect geography, history, and economics. It moves beyond simple definitions to show students the systems thinking required to understand global challenges. The video provides excellent opportunities for classroom discussions on food justice, the environmental impacts of industrial agriculture, and the importance of biodiversity. It is particularly useful for units on human geography, economic development, and sustainability.

This high-energy educational video serves as the introductory episode to US History, challenging traditional narratives about pre-Columbian America and early Spanish colonization. Host John Green deconstructs the concept of "primitive" versus "civilized" societies, arguing against the Eurocentric view that Native Americans were backward simply because they lacked specific technologies like the wheel or written language. The video provides a sweeping overview of the diverse and complex Native American cultures that existed before 1492, ranging from the Pueblo peoples of the Southwest to the Iroquois Confederacy in the Northeast, highlighting their sophisticated political structures, religious beliefs, and approaches to property ownership. The narrative transitions to the arrival of the Spanish, detailing their exploration and colonization efforts in Florida and the American Southwest. It covers key figures like Ponce de León and Cabeza de Vaca, the devastating impact of European diseases, and the imposition of the Encomienda system. A significant portion of the video is dedicated to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, a successful indigenous uprising that forced the Spanish to retreat and subsequently alter their colonial policies. The episode concludes by introducing the "Black Legend"—the idea that the English exaggerated Spanish cruelty to justify their own imperial ambitions—and emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical biases inherent in written records. For educators, this video is an invaluable tool for launching a US History course because it immediately establishes critical thinking habits regarding historical perspective and historiography. It moves beyond rote memorization of explorers' names to explore deep cultural clashes regarding gender roles, religion, and land use. The content is specifically aligned with AP US History (Period 1) frameworks but is accessible to general high school audiences. It provides rich opportunities to discuss how history is constructed, who gets to tell the story, and the complexity of cultural interactions beyond simple conqueror/conquered narratives.

This educational video explores the critical concept of "Food Sovereignty" within Native American history, using the dramatic story of Billy Frank Jr. and the Fish Wars as a central narrative. It details how Native nations in the Pacific Northwest fought to protect their treaty-guaranteed fishing rights against state encroachment, culminating in the landmark 1974 Boldt Decision. The host explains that food sovereignty is not just about nutrition, but about the legal and cultural right of Indigenous peoples to define their own food systems and manage the resources that have sustained them for millennia. The video covers several key historical and cultural themes, including the devastating impact of colonization on Indigenous food sources—most notably the mass slaughter of the buffalo to subjugate the Great Sioux Nation. It also examines the complicated history of frybread, tracing its origins to the rations provided during forced displacements like the Navajo Long Walk, and discussing its dual status today as both a symbol of resilience and a contributor to health disparities. The narrative connects these historical events to modern revitalization efforts, such as the "Three Sisters" agricultural projects and the rise of Indigenous chefs. For educators, this video serves as a powerful interdisciplinary tool connecting American history, civics, environmental science, and health. It provides concrete examples of civil disobedience and legal battles outside the typical Civil Rights Movement curriculum. Teachers can use it to spark discussions about the importance of treaties, the ecological relationship between people and the land, and how historical policies continue to shape modern health and economic realities for Native communities.

This educational video explores the complex and often subjective definitions of "hero" and "traitor" through three distinct case studies from American history. The narrator challenges students to look beyond simple definitions and consider how historical context, personal values, and perspective shape these labels. The video examines John Adams' controversial defense of British soldiers after the Boston Massacre, Colonel John Chivington's role in the horrific Sand Creek Massacre, and Carry Nation's radical "hatchetations" during the temperance movement. The video delves into deep ethical questions about justice, duty, and morality. It asks students to evaluate whether John Adams was a traitor to the colonial cause or a hero of justice for defending the enemy. It contrasts Chivington's self-proclaimed heroism in protecting settlers with the brutal reality of massacring peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho people. Finally, it analyzes Carry Nation's crusade against alcohol, asking if her violent methods undermined her virtuous goals. Each segment includes pauses for reflection and specific guiding questions. Teachers can use this video to foster critical thinking and historical analysis skills. It serves as an excellent anchor for lessons on the American Revolution, Native American history, or the Prohibition era. By presenting historical figures who defy easy categorization, the video encourages students to engage with nuance and ambiguity. It is particularly useful for sparking debates about the rule of law, the ethics of war, and the validity of different protest methods.

This educational video takes students on a virtual field trip to explore the concept of "cultural landscapes" through the lens of human geography. Hosted by a guide named Justin, the video uses Flushing Chinatown in Queens, New York, as a primary case study to demonstrate how human culture leaves visible imprints on the physical environment. Viewers learn to "read" a neighborhood by analyzing its built environment, land use patterns, signage, architecture, and cultural markers, revealing deep insights into the values and identity of the people who live there. The video delves into complex geographical concepts such as "sequent occupance"—the notion that successive societies leave their cultural imprints on a place, contributing to the cumulative cultural landscape. It traces the history of Queens from the indigenous Lenape people through European colonization, industrialization, and modern immigration. The lesson then shifts to Istanbul, Turkey, providing a comparative analysis of how history (Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkey) is layered within the architecture of the Hagia Sophia. Ideal for geography and social studies classrooms, this resource transforms abstract definitions into concrete visual examples. It encourages students to become active observers of their own communities, prompting them to look for evidence of history, economy, and culture in their everyday surroundings. The video models critical thinking skills by asking students to make inferences based on visual evidence, making it a strong tool for developing visual literacy and geographical reasoning.

Hosted by Lily Gladstone, this episode of Crash Course Native American History explores the pivotal and diverse roles of Native women, Femmes, and Two-Spirit people from pre-contact times to the present day. It challenges the monolithic view of Native gender roles by highlighting the existence of matriarchal and matrilineal societies, such as the Diné (Navajo), where women hold significant economic and decision-making power. The video details historical figures like the warrior Buffalo Calf Road Woman and the diplomat Jikonsaseh, who helped found the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, illustrating that Native women have always served as leaders, healers, and protectors of their nations. The video also tackles the dark history of colonization and its specific targeting of Indigenous women to destabilize tribal societies. It addresses difficult topics including the imposition of European patriarchal values, the forced sterilization of thousands of Native women in the 1970s, and the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The narrative explains how settler colonialism disrupted traditional gender balances and how systemic failures in law enforcement continue to impact Native communities today. Despite these challenges, the video emphasizes resilience and modern activism. It profiles influential leaders like Elouise Cobell, who successfully sued the U.S. government for billions in mismanagement of funds, and Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet secretary. For the classroom, this resource is invaluable for teaching about gender studies, civil rights, and the complex legal and social history of Native Americans. It provides students with a nuanced understanding of how historical trauma and contemporary triumph coexist in Indigenous communities.

In this installment of Crash Course US History, John Green explores the complex landscape of the American colonies beyond the typical stories of Jamestown and Plymouth. The video delves into the diverse origins of colonies like New Amsterdam (later New York) and Pennsylvania, highlighting the role of the Dutch and Quakers in shaping early American commerce and religious tolerance. It also examines the darker aspects of colonial expansion, including the 'Walking Purchase' fraud against the Lenape Indians and the establishment of a slavery-based economy in South Carolina.

This episode of Crash Course Native American History explores the tumultuous "Relocation and Termination Era" (1953-1968), a period when the United States government sought to end its treaty obligations to Native nations. Host Che Jim explains how post-WWII economic pressures led to policies designed to assimilate Native Americans by moving them to urban centers and legally dissolving tribal governments. The video details the devastating economic and cultural impacts of these policies, specifically using the Menominee tribe of Wisconsin as a case study. The narrative examines the specifics of the Indian Relocation Act and the Termination Act, highlighting the gap between the government's promises of "freedom" and equality versus the reality of poverty, loss of land, and discrimination. It illustrates how tribes like the Menominee, who were economically self-sufficient, were targeted and subsequently plunged into financial ruin when their federal status was revoked. The video also touches on the experiences of those who moved to cities, facing systemic barriers and isolation. Critically, the video concludes with a story of resilience and civic action. It details how the Menominee, led by figures like Ada Deer and the organization DRUMS, successfully fought to reverse these policies and achieve the restoration of their tribal status in 1973. This video is an excellent resource for teaching about tribal sovereignty, the impacts of federal policy on marginalized groups, and the power of political organizing to effect change.