American Experience | Official Site

Hard Hat Riot | Article

These Are the Faces of the Hard Hat Riot

Wall Street, New York. May 8th, 1970. A bloody conflict that foreshadows America’s class and culture wars in the decades to come.

Hijacked! | Article

The Cold War in 1970

Although the United States and Soviet Union had begun a process of détente in 1970, both sides were still anxious that the other not achieve any advantage in the overall balance of power

Woodstock | Article

The Star-Spangled Banner during Times of War

Jimi Hendrix’s Star-Spangled Banner brought the sounds of Vietnam to the crowd at Woodstock. But he wasn’t the only musician to reimagine the national anthem during a time of war.

Film

1964

America came apart in 1964 and has since been reborn.

RFK | Article

What if?

It's one of the tantalizing questions in American history: what if Robert Kennedy had not been assassinated?

RFK | Article

Eugene McCarthy

In 1968, Eugene McCarthy revealed major divisions among Democrats, changing the political landscape in a way few American politicians ever have.

Two Days in October | Article

Student Protesters

As the Vietnam War escalated, more and more students at the University of Wisconsin were drawn into the demonstrations.

Daughter from Danang | Image Gallery

Bill Burke's Gallery

Boston-based documentary photographer Bill Burke has made extensive trips throughout Southeast Asia.

Nixon's China Game | Article

Richard M. Nixon

For Richard Milhous Nixon, the trip to 1972 Beijing would be the journey of a lifetime. He would be the first U.S. president to go to China.

Film

For more than 30 years it would be known as "the blackest day in aviation history." On September 6, 1970, members of the militant Palestinian group, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (P.F.L.P.), hijacked four commercial airplanes. They commandeered a fifth aircraft three days later. Wanting to attract attention to the Palestinian cause and secure the release of several of their comrades, the P.F.L.P. spectacularly blew up four of the planes.

Nixon's China Game | Article

Shanghai Communiqué Issued

On February 27, 1972, the United States and China issued a joint communiqué, the culmination of Nixon and Kissinger’s historic week-long visit to the People’s Republic.

Film

The Living Weapon

The international race to develop biological weapons during the 20th century.

JFK | Timeline

1961-63: Timeline of Events

JFK's short time in office was marked by several major events. Explore them in this timeline.

Film

Nixon's China Game

In February 1972, after a quarter-century of mutual antagonism between the United States and China, President Richard Nixon traveled to Beijing for an historic encounter with Chairman Mao Tse-tung.

Video Gallery

How Important is Military Service?

A combat pilot, a nuclear submarine officer and Mr. U.S.A? Find out more about U.S. presidents and their military experience.

Riveted: The History of Jeans | Image Gallery

Fifty years of Jeans Fashion

From leisure suits to low-rise cuts, a brief history of the all-American fabric.

Film

Summer of Love

A fleeting moment in the turbulent history of the 1960s, the Summer of Love's underlying message left an indelible impression on those who witnessed it.