This is the second episode of Ken Burns' huge biography of the Roosevelts--Teddy, Franklin and Eleanor. Much of the episode focuses on Teddy--mostly because the show finds him assuming the presidency. Much of his agenda is discussed including his trust- busting work, how he orchestrated the war for Panamanian Independence, his ending the miners' strike, his negotiations which helped end the Russo-Japanese War and his great African safari post- presidency. As for the other Roosevelts, much of the show is about Young Franklin and his time at Harvard as well as his courtship and marriage with Eleanor. Much time is also devoted to her upbringing- -a very sad life due to a father's death and insanity in the family. Fortunately, finishing school abroad proved to be a very welcome relief from these problems and Eleanor apparently blossomed.
This was generally very good but to me it seemed to have one major problem--the entire 7+ years of the Teddy Roosevelt administration was crammed into only one episode...and much of the episode actually concerned Franklin and Eleanor! As a result, you miss out on hearing about some important aspects of the Roosevelt administration, such as his Great White Fleet. Odd in its omissions, but generally still quite good.
This was generally very good but to me it seemed to have one major problem--the entire 7+ years of the Teddy Roosevelt administration was crammed into only one episode...and much of the episode actually concerned Franklin and Eleanor! As a result, you miss out on hearing about some important aspects of the Roosevelt administration, such as his Great White Fleet. Odd in its omissions, but generally still quite good.
