Listen to former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Jeane Kirkpatrick speaking on human rights and foreign policy

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Learn how the United States elects the offices of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the president, and the vice president in the 21st century and how this system compares to that of other countries, such as the United Kingdom.

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Learn how the American Revolution and the War of 1812 fit into broader global conflicts involving Great Britain and France.

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The bald eagle is a conservation success story—and a national symbol.

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Learn about the major events of the Revolutionary War (1775–83), which won 13 American colonies their political independence from Great Britain.

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Learn about the Hessians, German mercenary soldiers who fought as auxiliary troops on the British side in the American Revolution.

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Learn more about Maryland and its geography, people, economy, and history.

Public Domain video

William Jennings Bryan's “Cross of Gold” speech, given at the Democratic National Convention, Chicago, July 8, 1896.

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After the takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran in November 1979 by Iranian students aligned with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, more than 50 Americans were held hostage for 444 days.