Yet another Civil War documentary with poor reenactor performances. There is, of course, the typical run-down of the history with knowledgeable scholars that can assist the CW novice when they are not in the mood to pick up a book. Nothing is said here, however, that most Civil War books don't already cover. If you can make it through the choppy editing, the historical artifacts are interesting. Although, I would recommend a google search on Civil War artifacts before I'd recommend this series. The "respective star power" of Ashley Judd, Trace Adkins, and Dennis Haysbert (the Allstate guy) try to carry your enthusiasm throughout, yet they manage to do very little for the overall momentum. Without naming the best of in CW documentaries and films, really one should just gravitate over to the Ken Burns series and get your fix there. Again, there is no real difference in information here than from most other CW summary pieces- there's poor acting, decent commentary on the part of the historians and somewhat on the big name performers. You would be best to just pick up some books on the subject.
4 Reviews
Does Anybody Research?
andrew_shaw-7700315 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Not bad, if you have no knowledge of the U. S. Civil War, it's a start but riddled with incorrect, hidden, or orchestrated information to promote propaganda. As an academic, from England, it feels more like watching Who Do You Think You Are than a realistic documentary concerning the U. S. Civil War. Because the episodes are more personalised they mention happenings during the war that normally wouldn't reach the average documentary. However, information is hidden or removed, it doesn't tell the full truth. For example, in episode 3 John the slave is sold for $500, so how much is that worth today, the show doesn't state. It's actually worth between $15,000-$20,000 today. And no that wasn't necessarily for a "skilled" slave that the show declares.
Unfortunately history is written by the victors, why the Civil War began is partially incorrect, yes slavery had a big reason for it but the economic treatment of the American South in general by the U. S. Government was far worse than the North.
The details of the war, in general, are minimal in the first 2 episodes. They attempt to provide information to its guest that brings tranquility rather than validate what actually happened, whether good or bad, not really a valid historical report.
For those interested in this subject I recommend watching Ken Burn's Civil War. Arguably the best documentary concerning the subject of the U. S. Civil War.
Unfortunately history is written by the victors, why the Civil War began is partially incorrect, yes slavery had a big reason for it but the economic treatment of the American South in general by the U. S. Government was far worse than the North.
The details of the war, in general, are minimal in the first 2 episodes. They attempt to provide information to its guest that brings tranquility rather than validate what actually happened, whether good or bad, not really a valid historical report.
For those interested in this subject I recommend watching Ken Burn's Civil War. Arguably the best documentary concerning the subject of the U. S. Civil War.
Misinformation
mrhodesmr-6153818 February 2023
Horribly inaccurate. Some out right lies, more propaganda and disinformation than truth. America is a Republic with a democratic form of government. Keeps referring to America as a Democracy. Also, they push the point that America was the largest slave country, slavery is a disgusting, horrible thing, but failed to mention that America the country, was responsible for about 7% of all slave trade during the years it was legal in America, in the entire world. There were/are far worse transgressors and traders in slavery than the US. Seem that all people in the South owned slaves or you're led to believe in this "documentary". Again not a fact. Please, if you're to make a documentary, use facts not your opinions.
Typical "Lost Cause" revisionist tripe
gpbosarge25 November 2022
The third episode told from the traitors point of view and is loaded with pseudo-historical revisionist mythology. For example did you know some slaves hid their masters from Union authorities? Really? And some woman refuse to press charges against abusive their abusive husbands. Neither act absolves the perpetrators of guilt so why toss that unsubstantiated claim into what purports to be a documentary? Another example of shameless slavery apologetics is the claim "that most southern families had only two or three slaves and many had none." Do yourself a favor and watch "Gone with the Wind" if you want to wallow in Confederate grievance. The acting is better.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
