1754 – 1800

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videos + essays

Over the next two years, Seeing America will grow to include 100 videos, 18 essays, quizzes, discussion questions and lesson plans.

Sir Joshua Reynolds, <em>Portrait of Syacust Ukah</em>
Sir Joshua Reynolds, Portrait of Syacust Ukah

This portrait of a Cherokee man was painted during a peace delegation from the Indigenous nation to meet the King of England

Teaching guide<br>Constructing identity in the Spanish colonies in America
Teaching guide
Constructing identity in the Spanish colonies in America

In New Spain, Indigenous people, Africans, Spaniards, and their descendants mixed together. Casta paintings show one way Spaniards attempted to place these mixed-race families and their children into a hierarchy, although the realities of race and status in Spanish colonial society were much more complex.
APUSH: KC-2.1.I.A

The making of an American myth
The making of an American myth

Re-examining a founding American myth

1754–1800
1754–1800

The Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the birth of the two-party system..

Dressing for the American Revolution
Dressing for the American Revolution

Politics and fashion on the eve of the American Revolution

Architect of the Enlightenment
Architect of the Enlightenment

In addition to being an politician, Jefferson was an ardent supporter and practitioner of classical architecture.

Picturing George Washington
Picturing George Washington

Presidential portraits of George Washington were Stuart’s bread and butter when he returned to his native America.

Painting the French and Indian War
Painting the French and Indian War

West turned the conventions of history painting on their head by choosing a contemporary subject and dress.

The making of Paul Revere’s fame
The making of Paul Revere’s fame

Well known in his own day as a silversmith, Revere is shown in casual attire, with a teapot brimming with meaning.

Jean-Antoine Houdon, <em>George Washington</em>
Jean-Antoine Houdon, George Washington

Lack of an American sculptural tradition compelled Jefferson to look to France for this portrait of Washington.

Painting the Declaration of Independence
Painting the Declaration of Independence

Trumbull traveled up and down the Eastern Seaboard to paint the members of the Continental Congress from life.

Fashioning diplomacy
Fashioning diplomacy

This outfit was likely made for a British lieutenant and gifted to him in a ritual exchange to show mutual respect.