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
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. That's right, we have more than 50 parts of our bodies, but one thing is missing. A heart.
A heart is a pump, which circulates blood throughout our bodies. Blood travels through the arteries and veins, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells and removing carbon dioxide and waste products.
The heart pumps about 5 liters blood per minute. This is equivalent to a person drinking 2-3 cups coffee daily.
Blood flows throughout the heart 24 hours per day, 365 Days a Year. Your heart beats nearly 100 times a minute while sleeping.
The color of someone's skin can tell if they are healthy or not. The capillaries are tiny blood vessels that can be seen on the skin's surface. These small vessels carry blood away from the large blood vessels in the skin back to the heart. The skin turns purple or blue when there is a blockage in blood flow.
People suffering from sickle cell disease have no red blood cells. Their blood becomes very sticky and hardened, leading to serious illness.
Bandages are used to stop bleeding after you have cut yourself. The wound must remain open for blood to flow properly. Doctors will insert a needle under the skin to access the vein near the injury. This allows blood to drain from the area.
A doctor can also insert tubes (catheters), into an artery in the vicinity of where blood clots form. This keeps the patient occupied until the clot is broken down naturally.
Is there any Hollywood blacklist for actors?
There is a Hollywood blacklist.
The list is not made public. According to our knowledge, the names of these people aren't known. This is why it matters.
The secret reason is that directors and actors who are on the blacklist would not be able to find employment. Thus, they would leave the industry and studios will lose money. This would mean that they would cut back on movie production. This would result in fewer opportunities available for blacklisted filmmakers. They would then go bankrupt.
This could lead to more victims.
A contract may be required to agree to not speak against employers if someone attempts to make an Oscar winning movie. The same goes for any director or producer who wants to get nominated for an award.
Producers often pressure directors to cut scenes from their films. Or directors threaten to walk out of projects that don’t match their vision.
This is the reason there is a Hollywood blacklist. Negative comments about your employer will most likely lead to you being unemployed. And that's not good for anyone.
The problem is that many people have been falsely accused. They have had to fight for their freedom.
This kind of thing must stop before it can happen again. We need to ensure everyone has the right of expression.
So we need to take down the Hollywood blacklist.
How does the brain control the functions in your body?
To ensure that they work together, messages are sent by the brain to other organs. Everything that happens within your body is controlled by the brain. It tells your stomach how to digest food and your lungs how to inhale oxygen; it also tells your arms, legs and feet to move.
Your brain is made of billions, or neurons, of nerve cells. Action potentials are electrical signals that neurons send to one another. Each neuron has a cell membrane surrounding its nucleus. Channels within the membrane allow ions such potassium and sodium to enter and leave the cells. Ion movement creates the electric charge that causes the neuron to fire.
Neurotransmitters, chemical substances that are released when a neuron fires. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the second neuron, opening ion channels so ions can pass in and out of the channel. As a result, second neuron fires as well.
Neurotransmitter production occurs when a neuron in the presynaptic receives an impulsive signal from another. The impulse travels along the synapse connecting the two neurons. The transmitter binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering the firing of the postsynaptic neuron.
For communication within the nervous systems, neurotransmitters are essential. They also help coordinate activity between different parts of the brain.
What are some dark secrets in Hollywood?
Hollywood is filled secret societies. Some secret societies are cultlike groups that have strict rules and rituals. Other clubs are for people who share common interests.
Some of the most powerful organizations in the industry are even more dangerous. 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. The majority of major television networks and movie studios are owned by large corporations.
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 these facts. Because they offer us information that can help us make better decision.
They can tell us which movies and songs are likely to be successful, as well as what books and novels will be most popular.
In short, they help us decide what we'll buy, watch, read, and listen to.
We can trust them and can disregard their advice if it is not in line with our preferences.
They are more powerful than ever because we chose to ignore them. They become the ultimate arbiters for taste.
You are free to ignore their messages if that bothers you.
Let's now take a look into some lesser-known but very real Hollywood secret societies.
Observe why they are important.
Statistics
- "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)
- The average human adult male heart rate is between 70 and 72 beats per minute, while the average for adult women is between 78 and 82 beats, which is significantly faster, according to 2014 published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. (romper.com)
- You spend about 10% of your time awake blinking (romper.com)
- 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)
- 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 shocked the world
There is nothing more shocking than witnessing someone get famous for the wrong reasons. But there's also nothing worse than seeing them fall from grace.
It is amazing to see how an industry handles its mistakes. We have all heard of celebrities who overdosed on drugs and alcohol. Some even died young because of it.
It's worse when stars make public their problems, and then are ignored by everyone. We were there last week.
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 friends were unable to accept his death, and the media was quick to criticize him.
Heath was once considered one of the most talented actors working today. His performance in Brokeback Mountain earned him two Academy Awards nominations.
Heath was not only an actor, but also directed and wrote films like A Knight's Tale and Monster's Ball.
Hollywood loved Heath but he grew too large for his boots. He started taking drugs and drinking heavily. He finally went to rehab, and he was clean.
He wanted to make amends now that he was sober. He then made "Room 237," a documentary that chronicled The Shining's making. It was supposed to hit theaters this year. However, it won't until next year.
Heath was unsuccessful in his attempts to get back into Hollywood. He was actually arrested twice for drug charges.
We're not saying Heath should have been allowed back into show business. It would have been nice for him to have received some assistance before things spiraled outof control.
We hope Heath's story will serve as a warning to others who may think they can still have everything.