The American Revolution was one of the most profound moments in history, a war for independence that turned the world on its head and influenced millions around the globe. From its neighbors on the green mountains of Vermont to the swamps of South Carolina and across the Atlantic to the Great Lakes and Gibraltar, America's untold story is an essential part of the American experience and continues to impact people today.
Whether you're looking for an engaging history documentary to watch with your kids, or want to learn more about America's untold story before you start school, there are a variety of different options available. From classics like Ken Burns' "The Civil War" to modern works like Ava DuVernay and Marlon Riggs', here are some of the best American history documentaries to watch now.
Ken Burns's 1990 film "The Civil War" remains to this day, the most popular history documentary aired on PBS. Garnering scores of awards, it has since shaped generations of Americans' perceptions about slavery and the Civil War, and remains a staple in history classes around the country.
But while "The Civil War" is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the events of the Civil War, it isn't without its flaws. While it does a great job of providing historical context and making the war seem inescapable, it also plays up a number of myths about the Civil War that may not be true.
Its most prominent example of this is its use of a Confederate apologist, Henry Foote, to provide the Civil War's final word in each episode. While Foote has a well-known anti-slavery agenda, and his quotes aren't entirely accurate, he is able to use the documentary's narrative to promote his views in an effective way.
For instance, during the film's closing scene, Foote claims that if President Lincoln had won the election instead of Andrew Jackson, slavery would still have been legal. In a sense, the film's use of Foote's quote was a psychological pass, as it helped Americans believe that the Civil War was inevitable and based on slavery alone.
Despite these flaws, it is still considered an important historical documentary for its insights into the Civil War and slavery. But while it has certainly helped shape America's beliefs about the war, its failure to provide an adequate account of the facts has left it vulnerable to scrutiny and criticism from historians.
Another great way to get more accurate and challenging accounts of the Civil War is through contemporary filmmakers who are not trained as historians. Ava DuVernay and Marlon Roggs, for example, have created powerful and relevant documentaries that delve into topics like Black power, gender, and the African Diaspora.
Likewise, Exterminate All the Brutes is a hybrid docuseries that uses rich archival footage and animation to challenge the very notion of how we write history. Its four episodes offer an incredibly visually arresting journey into the darkest hours of humanity, delving deep into the exploitative and genocidal aspects of European colonialism, from America to Africa and its implications for our society today.
FAQ
Have you ever wondered what amount of trash is generated each day worldwide?
According to the United Nations there are more than 25 billion tons of garbage produced each year.
Many of this trash ends in landfill dumps, or incinerators. But what happens if those dumpsters are full? Most of that trash is shipped out of the country. It is then shipped out and dumped in other countries. This pollutes the ecosystems. But now we know, thanks to one man. Mike Sexton is his full name. He runs a company called Waste Watchers.He spends his days watching the movements of trucks transporting trash across North America. Then he reports back to us about what happens next.
Sexton says he finds his job very satisfying. CNN spoke with Sexton that they have a lot fun. "We see big rigs coming through town and we'll follow them. "Sexton began following truck drivers almost 20 years ago.
He stated that he fell in love with the product.
His favorite story involved a driver who pulled off at an abandoned gas station near Los Angeles. Sexton recalls, "The guy was searching for somewhere to put his loads." "He drove down the road and saw this building. So he pulled over and went inside. "There were two huge roll-off containers there filled with stuff. The man got everything out of the truck and began filling it up again. He then looked around and decided to load everything. There were old tires and rags, furniture pieces, mattresses, mattresses and boxes. "It was a complete mess. But it had been cleaned out before he came along. There was no trash."
So why did this happen? It's because this area used to be a recycle center. People would drive from all over the country to recycle their trash. Sexton said that people would bring their household items to the building and then leave empty containers behind.
It can happen hundreds of thousands of times per week. This can happen hundreds of times a week.Eventually, the truck becomes so overloaded with junk that it stops running. The truck eventually stops running and the owner decides that it is time to get rid of the vehicle.
Trash, however, isn't the only problem facing our planet.As you may have noticed, things are getting worse.According to experts, pollution levels have risen dramatically in recent years.More than half of all water bodies on Earth are polluted.Pollution from industrial chemicals has increased by more than 30 percent since 1980.Even the air we breathe is becoming increasingly toxic.A study by the World Health Organization found that the average person inhales around 100 million particles daily.
Most of these particles are made up of tiny pieces of plastic.Some of these plastics end up in landfills or incinerators. Some end up in rivers and oceans, while others end up in fish's stomachs.
Experts warn of a possible global food crisis if nothing is done. Experts warn that "if we keep going the way we are, we're not going make it," although scientists agree that the world is heading toward disaster. Most people, however, don't seem to be concerned.
These are five interesting facts about livers
The liver is responsible in breaking down toxins, storing vitamins and mineral, and for regulating blood pressure. It also regulates blood pressure, and maintains our body's temperature.
How often do we hear someone say, 'I feel sluggish today' or 'my head feels heavy'? These symptoms may indicate problems with the liver.
You may notice symptoms such as dark urine, yellowing skin and fatigue. These aren't all warning signs. If you experience any of them, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
The liver, an essential organ, is vital. It is responsible for detoxification as well digestion, metabolism and immunity.
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An adult liver weighs around 1,400 grams.
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At birth, a baby's liver is half the size of an adult. By age three, it is about four times larger than that of an infant.
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The liver is located just below the rib cage on the left side of the abdomen.
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The liver is divided into 16 major lobes. However, there are many smaller lobules that are within these lobes.
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Red blood cells make up approximately 10 million of the liver's total.
What is the most intriguing fact about the human anatomy?
There are two eyes, two ears. Two nostrils. Four limbs. A mouth, nose and penis. You're correct, there are more than 50 parts in our bodies. But, one thing is missing. A heart.
A heart is a pump, which circulates blood throughout our bodies. The blood moves through the veins. It transports oxygen and nutrients to your cells. It also removes carbon dioxide.
Each minute, the heart pumps approximately 5 liters. This amount is equivalent to an adult drinking 2-3 cups of coffee daily.
Blood flows through the heart 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When you're asleep, your heart beats approximately 100 times per hour.
Color of your skin is a good indicator of whether someone is healthy. If you examine the skin closely, you will see tiny blood vessels called capillaries. These vessels carry blood back to the heart from the large blood vessels beneath the skin. The skin becomes blue-colored or purple when blood flow is restricted.
Red blood cells are not available to sickle cell patients. Their blood becomes extremely sticky and hardened, which can lead to very serious illnesses.
A bandage can be used to stop bleeding if you have cut your own skin. Blood must flow in order for the wound to heal properly. To do this, doctors insert a needle through the skin into the vein next to the injury. This allows blood flow to the area that has been injured.
Doctors also insert tubes (catheters) into the artery near the site where the blood clot forms. This keeps patients alive until the clot has broken up naturally.
What dark secrets do Hollywood have?
Hollywood is filled with secret societies. There are many secret societies in Hollywood. Some are cult-like, where members adhere to strict rules and rituals. Others are clubs for people who share similar interests.
There are also other, more evil organizations that control large parts of the industry. These include companies such as the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), which sets film ratings, and the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), which sets music licensing fees.
Numerous unions, guilds, and associations represent actors, writers, producers, editors, and other creative professionals. These large corporations control the majority of major film studios and television networks.
The point is that no matter how secretive any group may seem, someone somewhere knows exactly what they do. But we don't have to fear them.
Instead, we should embrace and celebrate them. Because they help us make better choices.
They tell us what movies will likely succeed, what songs will be popular, and what books will best sell.
They allow us to make informed decisions about what we buy, watch and listen to.
We can trust them so we can ignore their advice when it doesn't suit our taste.
Because we have chosen to ignore their power, they are even more powerful. They become the ultimate arbiters for taste.
You are free to ignore their messages if that bothers you.
Let's now look at some lesser-known, but still very real Hollywood secret organizations.
You can see why they are so vital.
Statistics
- In one 2014 study published in the Archives of Medical Science that sought to study the prevalence of these mites, research showed that 41% of the people had them hanging out in their eyelashes. (romper.com)
- Your mouth makes a lot of saliva every day It might seem like way too much, but your salivary glands typically produce anywhere from 0.5 and 1.5 liters a day, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Medicine and Life. (romper.com)
- "It is estimated that 75% of people have at least mild gum disease, with the most common symptoms being bleeding when brushing, bad breath, and dark and swollen gums," Dr. Ron Baise, a London-based dentist, tells Romper. (romper.com)
- It might not sound like something that's truly plausible — and it is quite rare — but according to a 2015 study published in the Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals, it's possible to hurt yourself and even break a rib just by sneezing. (romper.com)
- In fact, nearly 24% of U.S. women are affected with one or more pelvic floor disorders, according to research funded by the National Institutes of Health. (romper.com)
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Hollywood scandals that stunned the world
It's shocking to see someone make a name for themselves. There's nothing more shocking than watching someone fall from grace.
It's fascinating to see how industries react to their mistakes. We've all heard stories of celebrities who used drugs and alcohol excessively. Some even died young because of it.
But the worst part is when those same stars go public with their problems and are shunned by everyone. Last week, that's exactly where we were.
Heath Ledger, after a long and successful professional career, finally gave in to his demons. He overdosed on prescription pills, and after a brief battle with death, he passed away.
His family and close friends had difficulty accepting his death. The media took to him publically.
Heath was once one of the most gifted actors currently working. His performances in Brokeback Mountain earned Heath two Academy Award nominations.
Heath did more than act. He also directed films including A Knight's Tale. Monster's Ball and Iron Man.
Hollywood loved Heath. But he was too big for his boots. He began to drink heavily and took drugs. Eventually, he went to rehab and came out clean.
After he had gotten sober, he decided to make amends. So he made a documentary called "Room 237," which chronicled the making of The Shining. The film was originally supposed to be released in this year's theaters, but it will not make its way into the cinemas until next year.
Heath attempted to get into Hollywood every time. Heath was in fact arrested twice on drug charges.
We don't believe Heath should have been allowed to go back into the entertainment industry. However, it would have been nice if he could have gotten some help before things spiraled out of control.
We hope Heath’s story can be an example to other people who believe they can still have it all.