History - Footage Vault

Historic Florida transfer from Spanish rule to the United States in 1821

Florida Becomes U.S. Territory: The 1821 Transfer

On July 17, 1821, Spain transferred Florida to the United States. See how the Adams-Onís Treaty, Andrew Jackson, and life on the frontier shaped the change.

By Footage Vault

June 29, 2026September 13, 2026

Historic Texas annexation and statehood era scene from 1845

History

Texas Annexation: The 1845 Vote Toward Statehood

In 1845, Texas moved from independent republic toward U.S. statehood. See how annexation, the Austin convention, and national politics shaped the change.

By Footage Vault

June 27, 2026September 13, 2026

Monterey Custom House during the 1846 transition from Mexican to U.S. control

History

Monterey 1846: When the U.S. Flag Rose Over California

On July 7, 1846, Commodore John D. Sloat raised the U.S. flag over Monterey’s Custom House. See how the act marked a turning point in California history.

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June 25, 2026September 13, 2026

History

Why OverSimplified’s WW2 Part 1 Still Works So Well

Why OverSimplified’s WW2 Part 1 still works: simple art, fast pacing, humor, and clear cause-and-effect make a huge war easier to understand.

By Footage Vault

June 21, 2026September 13, 2026

History

Why Study Art History? 7 Practical Reasons It Matters

Art history helps you read images, think clearly, understand people and power, and build useful research and writing skills. Here are seven practical reasons to study it.

By Footage Vault

March 10, 2026September 13, 2026

History

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: How to Use The Met’s Guide

Learn how to use The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History to explore art by time, place, theme, and object without feeling overwhelmed.

By Footage Vault

February 18, 2026September 13, 2026

Historic East India Company scene illustrating the shift from trade to armed colonial rule in India

History

How the East India Company Learned to Fight and Rule

See how the East India Company moved from trade to military power in India through forts, private armies, alliances, Plassey, revenue control, and Parliament’s response.

By Footage Vault

February 6, 2026September 13, 2026

January calendar representing major historical events and turning points

History

Important January History: Events That Changed the World

Explore major January events from Haiti and the Emancipation Proclamation to Alaska statehood, the euro, civil rights, space history, and remembrance.

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January 31, 2026September 13, 2026

President Eisenhower era image marking Alaska becoming the 49th U.S. state

History

Alaska Statehood: How It Became the 49th State in 1959

Alaska became the 49th U.S. state on January 3, 1959. Learn how the Statehood Act, Cold War concerns, land questions, and a long local campaign led to statehood.

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January 23, 2026September 13, 2026

Historical image representing the Haitian Revolution and Haiti's 1804 independence

History

Haitian Revolution: How Haiti Won Independence in 1804

Haiti declared independence on January 1, 1804 after a revolution led by formerly enslaved people. Learn how the revolt began, why France returned, and why Haiti’s victory changed world history.

By Footage Vault

January 19, 2026September 13, 2026