Slavery and the Making of America

Slavery and the Making of America (2005)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Slavery and the Making of America is a four-part series documenting the history of American slavery from its beginnings in the British colonies to its end in the Southern states and the years of post-Civil War Reconstruction. Drawing on a wealth of recent scholarship, it looks at slavery as an integral part of a developing nation, challenging the long held notion that slavery was exclusively a Southern enterprise. At the same time, by focusing on the remarkable stories of individual slaves, it offers new perspectives on the slave experience and testifies to the active role that Africans and African Americans took in surviving their bondage and shaping their own lives.

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday (55 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E04The Challenge of FreedomsMärz 2, 2005
S01E03Seeds of DestructionFeb. 23, 2005
S01E02Liberty in the AirFeb. 16, 2005
S01E01The Downward SpiralFeb. 9, 2005
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Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When was the Slavery and the Making of America series premiere?

Slavery and the Making of America premiered on February 9, 2005.

Who was the narrator of the documentary series?

The narrator of the documentary series was Morgan Freeman.

What is the focus of Slavery and the Making of America?

Slavery and the Making of America focuses on the history of American slavery, from its origins in Africa to its final abolition.

Who created Slavery and the Making of America?

Slavery and the Making of America was created by Dante J. James and Stephen Segaller.

How many episodes are in Slavery and the Making of America?

Slavery and the Making of America consists of four episodes.

What era of American history does Slavery and the Making of America cover?

Slavery and the Making of America covers the period between the arrival of the first African slaves in Virginia in 1619 and the end of the Civil War in 1865.

In what ways did slavery shape early American society?

Slavery played a significant role in shaping early American society, contributing to the growth of the nation's economy, the development of its political system, and the perpetuation of racism and white supremacy.

What were the conditions like for enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage?

The conditions for enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage were deplorable, with many being subjected to disease, dehydration, and brutal physical abuse during the weeks-long journey across the Atlantic.

What contributions did enslaved Africans make to early American society?

Enslaved Africans made significant contributions to early American society, from building the infrastructure of the colonies to developing new forms of music and cultural expression.

What sparked the Civil War, and how did slavery play a role in it?

The Civil War was sparked by a variety of factors, but slavery was a central issue that divided the country and ultimately led to armed conflict.

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