1783-1809

Chronicles the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, discusses events leading up to the development of these documents, and includes comments from historians.

Ken Burns' portrait of a two-and-a-half year expedition, that when completed and reported, provided Americans with a compelling look at the Louisiana Purchase, and the prospect of boundless opportunities to be made west of the Mississippi River.

Reenactments, dramatic readings, and interviews with historians examine significant events during the Age of Expanision including the Westward movement, Industrial Revolution, Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark expedition, and the War of 1812.

Looks at how the thirteen individual colonies came together as a unified nation in the wake of the American Revolution, discussing the Articles of Confederation, and the process by which the Constitution was forged.

"The America that Alexander Hamilton knew was largely agricultural and built on slave labor. He envisioned something else: a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. He believed that such an America would be a land of opportunity for the poor and the newcomers. But Hamilton's vision put him at odds with his archrivals who envisioned a pastoral America of small towns, where governments were local, states would control their own destiny, and the federal government would remain small and weak. The disputes that arose during America's first decades continued through American history to our present day. Over time, because of the systems Hamilton set up and the ideas he left, his vision won out. Here is the story that epitomizes the American dream--a poor immigrant who made good in America. In the end, Hamilton rose from poverty through his intelligence and ability, and did more to shape our country than any of his contemporaries. Related subjects and concepts discussed in the book include: Law and Legal Concepts Due process Bill of Rights Freedom of Speech and the Press Originalism / nonoriginalism (theories of Constitutional interpretation) Government Checks and Balances Democracy Electoral College Republic Financial Concepts Capitalism Credit Inflation Interest Mercantilism Securities: Stocks and Bonds Tariffs Taxes Miscellaneous Demagogues Dueling Pastoralism"--.

Surveys the life of the American statesman, lawmaker, writer of the Federalist Papers, and first secretary of treasury under George Washington.

An account of one of the most ingenious and complex founders of the United States traces his life, from his birth on the Caribbean Island of Nevis to his untimely demise in Weehawken, New Jersey in 1804.

Presents a concise biography of George Washington, and traces his early life as a farmer and entrepreneur, military career and leader of the American forces against the British, first president of the U.S., and more.

Provides brief character sketches of the key figures of the American Revolution, revealing the ambiguities, complexities, and uncertainties of the founding generation as well as their achievements.