Colonial America: The Beginnings (16mm, color, 20m., 1970, McGraw Hill Films)
The history of the colonization of America is detailed from the late 16th century until the time of the revolution. From the beginnings at Jamestown, the stories of our forefathers and the difficult times they endured are chronicled. We learn about the Pilgrims, Puritans, and Quakers, about men such as Captain John Smith, Lord Baltimore, and Roger Williams, We see the division of North and South and learn of the early plantation system and slavery. Most importantly, we begin to see the values and need for individual freedom evolve into what will become pre-revolutionary America.

Colonial America in the 1760's (35mm filmstrip, color, 13m., 1967, Charles Cahill & Associates)
In 150 years, the Colonists had established themselves in a strange land. They had fought their way into a wilderness. They were self-sufficient. They elected their own Assemblies. The British government left them alone, and they prospered. Then England, with the added burdens and costs of a growing Empire, looked to the Colonies for money. She expected the Colonies to assume a greater share of these costs of government.

Children of the Colonial Frontier (16mm, b&w, 14m., 1968, McGraw Hill Films)
A dramatic telling of the hardships of life on the Colonial Frontier turns from a tale of tedious chores to trouble and more trouble when father breaks his leg. The three O'Connor children and 'ma' endure the amazing hardship of life in the wilderness and learn that they can survive 'just about anything'. Underscores the self-reliance, toughness, and tremendous will of our Colonial Frontier countrymen and reminds us that without them, none of us would enjoy the freedoms of living in the United States of America.

Picture Story of America: French & Indian War through the Revolution (35mm filmstrip, color, 1957, DavCo Publishing Co.)
"The story of few nations is as exciting and inspiring as the history of the United States. Here you will find the hope of colonists, the patriotism of Minutemen, the dream of pioneers. Here is the carving of a nation out of endless forests. Here are wars between red men and white men, between brother and brother, between freedom loving men and the tyrannies of their times. Here are the explorers, the settlers, the Indian fighters, the statesmen, the inventors, the soldiers, the industrialists, the men and women everywhere who gave America her greatness."

The Shot Heard 'Round the World (16mm, color, 4m., 1974, Scholastic Rock, Inc.)
Paul Revere, the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" and the start of the revolution are wonderfully animated in this Bicentennial America era Schoolhouse Rock Series public service production.

Birth of a Nation: A Nation in Crisis (35mm filmstrip, color, 13m., 1967)
The Americans had declared their independence, created a central government, which fought the war, and negotiated the peace. Under it, they had expanded west, enlarged their commerce, and changed from subjects of the King to citizens of the United States of America. The problem of government arose. the states wanted to keep the central government weak because they were afraid of tyranny. After the Articles of Confederation failed, however, it became obvious that there would have to be a strong, unifying federal government if the nation were to survive. Lawlessness, like Shay's Rebellion, spurred them to action. They cleared the way for a Constitutional Convention.

listen to A Nation in Crisis (QT3 or newer required)

America the Beautiful (16mm, color, 15m., 1967, Walt Disney Productions)
Our country from sea to shining sea is glorified in this stirring, patriotic, Walt Disney produced travelogue. The values, hopes, and promises of our nation are exemplified in the natural wonder of all that is America, America the Beautiful! Sweet land of liberty, let freedom ring!

Constitution Minutes (16mm, color, 1987, Lou Reda Productions)
A slew of celebrities; Jason Robards, Hugh Downs, George Plimpton, Ruby Dee, E.G. Marshall, Colleen Dewhurst, Barbara Walters, and Ossie Davis among others, present concise concepts from The Constitution of the United States of America in this series of Public Service Announcements broadcast during the bicentennial of the American Constitution, 1987-1991. As a Special bonus, many of the participants discuss their satisfaction with being able to be a part of "Constitution Minutes".

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