In Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania, learn how Grybauskaitė rose to leadership in a country shaped by Soviet control and conflict. Although she never planned to become a leader, she accepted the responsibility and later defended Lithuania’s independence with confidence, even when facing powerful leaders who expected her to be afraid. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story: The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Michelle Bachelet, Chile's First Woman President, learn how Michelle Bachelet challenged traditional expectations in a conservative country. As an atheist and a divorced single mother, she promoted gender equality by appointing an equal number of men and women to her cabinet, reshaping leadership norms. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story: The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
The article "Charlotta Bass: The Civil Rights Fighter Who Ran for U.S. Vice President" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a compelling story about Charlotta Bass, the first Black woman to run for vice president in the U.S. It traces her journey from journalist to political pioneer, highlighting her activism, bravery against the Ku Klux Klan, and surveillance by the FBI during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
In Obama’s Presidential Victory, journalist Clive Myrie shows Barack Obama’s presidential victory as a historic turning point and the passing of a long-fought baton to a new generation of leadership. Drawing on voices from advisors, supporters, and Rhea McCauley, the niece of Rosa Parks, the video explores themes of dignity, perseverance, hope, and the belief that progress is possible when people reject cynicism and act together. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Obama: His Story, which traces Obama’s extraordinary journey to the presidency and its meaning within the broader African American freedom struggle.
In From Refugee to Presidential Candidate, host Radzi Chinyanganya introduces Fadumo Dayib, a refugee who overcame adversity to become a presidential candidate in Somalia. Fadumo reflects on her journey, how her background shaped her mindset, and how she visualized a better future for herself as a young girl. Fadumo’s story serves as an example of how believing in oneself can lead to transformative success. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
The article "Who Really Built the White House? The Hidden Story Behind America’s Presidential Home" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the creation of the White House, from George Washington’s vision to James Hoban’s design. It highlights how enslaved people and immigrant craftsmen built the home, revealing the untold history behind one of America’s most iconic buildings.
Meet the Leaders Who Shaped a Nation.
They were visionaries and leaders, but they were also imperfect people shaped by their times. From bold founders and wartime decision-makers to reformers and risk-takers, these U.S. presidents guided the nation through moments of hope, conflict, and change.
In this video playlist, explore BBC clips featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and others, examining both their achievements and their shortcomings. A thoughtful playlist that encourages students to see history with nuance, question leadership, and understand that progress is often driven by complicated people making difficult choices.
How Well Do You Know U.S. Presidents?
Presidents’ Day is a time to celebrate the leaders who have shaped the United States — from George Washington, the very first president, to Abraham Lincoln, who kept the country together, and Barack Obama, the first Black president. But how much do you really know about these famous figures, their fun hobbies, surprising pets, and historic accomplishments?
From presidential inventions and favorite pastimes to clever facts about the White House and the people who have lived there, this quiz is packed with fun and a few tricky twists. Will you be the Commander-in-Chief of Trivia?
In William Henry Harrison and a Presidency Cut Short, learn how a military leader from the War of 1812 rose to national fame and became the ninth president of the United States. His campaign presented him as a common man, and his sudden death just months into office made him the shortest-serving president in U.S. history.
In Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, explore the experiences of female political leaders. Thatcher attributed her success to her abilities, and didn't focus on being a woman, though some critics say she didn’t create paths for other women. Clinton faced criticism for not emphasizing women’s rights in her 2008 presidential campaign. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story: The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania, learn how Grybauskaitė rose to leadership in a country shaped by Soviet control and conflict. Although she never planned to become a leader, she accepted the responsibility and later defended Lithuania’s independence with confidence, even when facing powerful leaders who expected her to be afraid. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story: The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Michelle Bachelet, Chile's First Woman President, learn how Michelle Bachelet challenged traditional expectations in a conservative country. As an atheist and a divorced single mother, she promoted gender equality by appointing an equal number of men and women to her cabinet, reshaping leadership norms. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story: The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
The article "Charlotta Bass: The Civil Rights Fighter Who Ran for U.S. Vice President" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a compelling story about Charlotta Bass, the first Black woman to run for vice president in the U.S. It traces her journey from journalist to political pioneer, highlighting her activism, bravery against the Ku Klux Klan, and surveillance by the FBI during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
In Obama’s Presidential Victory, journalist Clive Myrie shows Barack Obama’s presidential victory as a historic turning point and the passing of a long-fought baton to a new generation of leadership. Drawing on voices from advisors, supporters, and Rhea McCauley, the niece of Rosa Parks, the video explores themes of dignity, perseverance, hope, and the belief that progress is possible when people reject cynicism and act together. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Obama: His Story, which traces Obama’s extraordinary journey to the presidency and its meaning within the broader African American freedom struggle.
In From Refugee to Presidential Candidate, host Radzi Chinyanganya introduces Fadumo Dayib, a refugee who overcame adversity to become a presidential candidate in Somalia. Fadumo reflects on her journey, how her background shaped her mindset, and how she visualized a better future for herself as a young girl. Fadumo’s story serves as an example of how believing in oneself can lead to transformative success. This video is excerpted from BBC’s My World, a program created for teenagers eager to learn more about the important stories shaping our world.
The article "Who Really Built the White House? The Hidden Story Behind America’s Presidential Home" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the creation of the White House, from George Washington’s vision to James Hoban’s design. It highlights how enslaved people and immigrant craftsmen built the home, revealing the untold history behind one of America’s most iconic buildings.
Meet the Leaders Who Shaped a Nation.
They were visionaries and leaders, but they were also imperfect people shaped by their times. From bold founders and wartime decision-makers to reformers and risk-takers, these U.S. presidents guided the nation through moments of hope, conflict, and change.
In this video playlist, explore BBC clips featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and others, examining both their achievements and their shortcomings. A thoughtful playlist that encourages students to see history with nuance, question leadership, and understand that progress is often driven by complicated people making difficult choices.
How Well Do You Know U.S. Presidents?
Presidents’ Day is a time to celebrate the leaders who have shaped the United States — from George Washington, the very first president, to Abraham Lincoln, who kept the country together, and Barack Obama, the first Black president. But how much do you really know about these famous figures, their fun hobbies, surprising pets, and historic accomplishments?
From presidential inventions and favorite pastimes to clever facts about the White House and the people who have lived there, this quiz is packed with fun and a few tricky twists. Will you be the Commander-in-Chief of Trivia?
In William Henry Harrison and a Presidency Cut Short, learn how a military leader from the War of 1812 rose to national fame and became the ninth president of the United States. His campaign presented him as a common man, and his sudden death just months into office made him the shortest-serving president in U.S. history.
In Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, explore the experiences of female political leaders. Thatcher attributed her success to her abilities, and didn't focus on being a woman, though some critics say she didn’t create paths for other women. Clinton faced criticism for not emphasizing women’s rights in her 2008 presidential campaign. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story: The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.