“The Great War” is a new three-part, six-hour AMERICAN EXPERIENCE documentary that premiered on Monday night, April 10, on PBS, and wrapped up last night, Wednesday, April 12, airing from 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on each night.
Drawing on the latest scholarship, including unpublished diaries, memoirs and letters, and featuring the voices of Courtney Vance, Campbell Scott, Blythe Danner and others, “The Great War” is an epic documentary directed by award-winning filmmakers Stephen Ives, Amanda Pollak and Rob Rapley, that tells the rich and complex story of World War I through the voices of nurses, journalists, aviators and the American troops who came to be known as “doughboys.” The series explores the experiences of African American and Latino soldiers, suffragists, Native American “code talkers” and others whose participation in the war to “make the world safe for democracy” has been largely forgotten.
“World War I was the soil from which so many things today really grew, starting with America’s place in the world,” said AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Executive Producer Mark Samels. “Before the war, America was isolated and uninvolved in world affairs. After the war, America stepped onto the world stage, and that continues today with our troops becoming involved in conflicts around the world. The current debate on the balance between national security and civil liberties also began with World War I. The debate over immigration reached its apex during World War I. The film is not only about what happened 100 years ago, but how what happened then transformed our nation and the world in ways still being felt today.”
“The Great War” is executive produced by Mark Samels and is airing on PBS in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into the war on April 6, 1917.
“The Great War” will also be available on DVD from PBS Distribution and can be purchased at ShopPBS.org.
However, the full 6-hour documentary is now available to stream on the web courtesy of PBS.org. Watch all 3 parts below (each is about 2 hours long). Note that online availability is for a limited time only, so take advantage.
Part1: American neutrality is eroded by reports of German atrocities and submarine attacks, leading Wilson to proclaim that the world must be made safe for democracy.
Part 2: As patriotism sweeps the nation—stifling free speech and dissent—a diverse group of men become the country’s first mass conscripted army:
Part 3: As the war ends, America is forever transformed by the violent and bloody conflict. And while many herald the peace, others worry about democracy at home:
