Watch Ken Burns: America
- 1982
- 1 Season
Ken Burns: America is a documentary series produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon that debuted on PBS in 2021. The series is a comprehensive look at American history, culture, and society, tracing the evolution of the nation from its early days to the present. The show is divided into eight episodes, each focusing on a different era or theme, with interviews, archival footage, and narration by Burns himself. The first episode, "The New World," explores the early history of North America, from the arrival of Native Americans to the arrival of Europeans, through the American Revolution. The second episode, "Empire of Liberty," covers the end of the revolution through the War of 1812, the rise and fall of slavery, and the westward expansion. The third episode, "The West," examines the settlement of the American West, the gold rush, and the displacement of Native Americans. The fourth episode, "The Civil War," is a deep dive into America's bloodiest war, including the causes, major battles, and aftermath. The fifth episode, "The Age of Industry," covers the rapid industrialization of America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the rise of the robber barons and the labor movement. The sixth episode, "The Great War," explores America's role in World War I, including the political turmoil and social change that followed the war. The seventh episode, "The Jazz Age," is a lively look at the roaring twenties, including the social and cultural changes that took place, the rise of jazz as a popular music genre, and the emergence of flappers and Prohibition. The final episode, "The American Century," covers America in the 20th century, including two world wars, the civil rights movement, the end of the Cold War, and the impact of technology and globalization. Throughout the series, viewers will see interviews with leading historians, commentators, and writers, including David McCullough, Wynton Marsalis, and George Will. There is also never-before-seen footage and photographs of American life, culture, and politics, as well as interviews with ordinary Americans who lived through the events and changes of each era. Ken Burns: America is a fascinating and engaging look at American history, providing a fresh perspective on many key events and figures. While some of the content will be familiar to history buffs, the series also sheds light on less well-known topics and stories, and the interviews and archival materials help bring this rich history to life. Whether you're a student of American history or simply interested in learning more about the country and its people, Ken Burns: America is a must-watch series.