John Adams (October 30, 1735 (O.S. October 19, 1735) – July 4, 1826) was an American Founding Father, and the second President of the United States (1797–1801). He was also a lawyer, statesman, diplomat, political theorist, and a leading champion of independence in 1776. Hailing from New England, Adams, a prominent lawyer and public figure in Boston, was highly educated and represented Enlightenment values promoting republicanism. A Federalist, he was highly influential and one of the key Founding Fathers of the United States.
Adams came to prominence in the early stages of the American Revolution. As a delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress, he played a leading role in persuading Congress to declare independence and assisted Thomas Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence. As a diplomat in Europe, he was a major negotiator of the eventual peace treaty with Great Britain, and chiefly responsible for obtaining important loans from Amsterdam bankers. A political theorist and historian, Adams largely wrote the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780 which soon after ended slavery in Massachusetts, but was in Europe when the federal Constitution was drafted on similar principles later in the decade. One of his greatest roles was as a judge of character: in 1775, he nominated George Washington to be commander-in-chief, and 25 years later nominated John Marshall to be Chief Justice of the United States.
David Gaub McCullough (pronounced /məˈkʌlə/; born July 7, 1933) is an American author, narrator, historian, and lecturer. He is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian award.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, McCullough earned a degree in English literature from Yale University. His first book was The Johnstown Flood (1968); and he has since written eight more on such topics as Harry S Truman, John Adams, and the Brooklyn Bridge. McCullough has also narrated multiple documentaries, as well as the 2003 film Seabiscuit; and he hosted American Experience for twelve years. McCullough's two Pulitzer Prize-winning books, Truman and John Adams, have been adapted by HBO into a TV film and a mini-series, respectively. McCullough's most recent work, The Greater Journey, about Americans in Paris from the 1830s to the 1900s, was released on May 24, 2011.
McCullough was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Ruth (née Rankin) and Christian Hax McCullough. He is of Scotch-Irish descent. He was educated at Linden Avenue Grade School and Shady Side Academy, in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of four sons, McCullough had a "marvelous" childhood with a wide range of interests, including sports and drawing cartoons. McCullough's parents and his grandmother, who read to him often, introduced him to books at an early age. His parents talked openly about history, a topic he feels should be discussed more often. McCullough "loved school, every day"; he contemplated many career choices ranging from architect, actor, painter, writer, lawyer, and even attending medical school.
George Washington (February 22, 1732 [O.S. February 11, 1731] – December 14, 1799) was the first President of the United States of America, serving from 1789 to 1797, and the dominant military and political leader of the United States from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of the Constitution in 1787. Washington became the first president, by unanimous choice, and oversaw the creation of a strong, well-financed national government that maintained neutrality in the wars raging in Europe, suppressed rebellion, and won acceptance among Americans of all types. His leadership style established many forms and rituals of government that have been used since, such as using a cabinet system and delivering an inaugural address. Washington is universally regarded as the "Father of his country."
Payback is a...
Plot
Special examines the origins of the Freemasons and their putative roots in the stonemasons of the Temple of Solomon and the Knights Templar, the impact of the Freemasons on the Age of Enlightenment and the founding of the American republic, populist anti-Masonic hysteria of the 19th century, and freemasonry today.
Keywords: american-history, founding-fathers, freemason, george-washington, reenactment, secret
Plot
America: A Call to Greatness, relates the story of the American Nation from its founding through it's rise to greatness. It reflects the historical roots of the United States as the program tugs at the nation's heartstrings. This patriotic special features many distinguished hosts as well as notable political figures from both sides of the political aisle also appear. Fourteen large-scale patriotic music numbers are showcased. Gene Autry, former cowboy, businessman, film and recording star makes a special appearance. In what was to be his final performance, Autry introduces the first song since his retirement in 1994. Using heavily researched historical re-creations, special moments in American history are captured with the look and feel of the period. A careful analysis of original period sculptures, drawings, photographs and paintings, helped create a 3-D "likeness" of each individual portrayed in the production. Through the magic of film and prosthetic makeup, important Americans from John Adams to Clara Barton are created for film. Highly experienced character actors expertly bring their roles to life on the big screen.
Who is the Love Goddess on earth?
Plot
The swashbuckling adventures of the hero of the Revolutionary War. His contributions weren't always appreciated by the new U.S. government. After the way Congress show their displeasure by sending him to the Russia of Catherine the Great.
Keywords: 18th-century, abaco-islands-bahamas, admiral-chester-nimitz, african-american, american-flag, american-revolution, anchor, applause, arm-amputation, bagpipes
John Paul Jones: [about his crew] Work 'em hard, train 'em hard, and keep 'em happy.
John Wilkes: You have many enemies, Captain.::John Paul Jones: Aye! The British are the best!
Esek Hopkins: Whoever heard of sending Marines to fight on the land?
Captain Richard Pearson: Captain, are you surrendering? Do you ask for quarter?::John Paul Jones: No sir! I have no yet begun to fight!