"Give me liberty or give me death" is the infamous cry of Patrick Henry. Better known as the "Skullcrusher", he laid the groundwork for the first Continental Congress. [2:07]

Puritans and Pilgrims came to America because they could freely practice their chosen religion and not worry about persecution. Do we still uphold religious freedom in today's society?

Why was Sam Adams a controversial figure in American history? Find out from this Shmoop video. [1:42]

The Spanish Conquistadors were explorers and military leaders who conquered new lands for Spain. Find out how their adventures gave birth to the modern world. [2:02]

Susan B. Anthony is often credited with helping women gain the right to vote. However, there were many factors that led to the passage of the 19th amendment. Watch this video to learn what impact she had on the suffrage movement. [1:43]

Watch the story of the Jamestown colony that almost didn't survive! Disease, starvation, and attacks by Indian tribes almost brought the colony to its knees. But, they had one saving grace - tobacco! [3:21]

The government has been trying to figure out how to solve the drug crisis for years. They've waged a three trillion dollar war. Nancy Reagan's solution to drugs was "Just Say No." which didn't solve the problem. Can anything be done to...

Watch Shmoop's quirky summary of George Orwell's 1984. [3:38]

Can killing another human being ever be justified? Shmoop takes a look at Crime and Punishment which sets forth this moral dilemma. [1:36]

What is the American Dream? Is it popularity? Or is it being content with what you have? In Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman, the American Dream is Willy Loman's goal. He tries so hard to reach perfection that it ultimately kills...

Delve into the classic Grapes of Wrath in this Shmoop video. [3:27]

Is practicing some form of art essential to the human experience? Or can we do without? This video discusses how the House on Mango Street explores this question. [2:24]

Why do we have so much trouble resisting peer pressure? The novel Monster serves as a great conversation starter on this topic. Watch this video for a quick recap on this young adult novel. [2:03]