The Year in Revolution: 1782 National Identity video explores the iconography of the new United States, and its official Great Seal, adopted by Congress in 1782. In the 18th century, each of British America’s thirteen colonies had a unique history and individual identity, but as the American Revolution drew them together—first in resistance to new imperial regulations and taxes, then in rebellion, and finally in a shared struggle for independence—their shared experience created a common narrative and new symbols to represent national ideals and aspirations. Heroes, villains, and events referring heavily to the ideas and ideals of the Revolution gradually built a shared national identity—most evidently embodied in the Great Seal of the United States.
The Year in Revolution Series was produced with classroom use in mind. Beginning with 1775 and ending with 1783, students and lifelong learners alike will learn about each year of the Revolution through a comprehensive overview video and five “who, what, where, when, and how” videos. The animated series draws heavily from the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati’s library and museum collections.
Funding for Year in Revolution: 1782 National Identity was made possible by a grant from the George S. Rich Family Foundation. The creative team for this series was assembled by the American Revolution Institute and the talented educational production leads at Makematic Limited/ClickView.