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Back to: Celebrate the Work of Ken Burns
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“Yearning to Breathe Free” (1938-1942)
September 20, 2022
As World War II begins, Americans are united in their disapproval of Nazi brutality but divided on whether to act. Some individuals and organizations work tirelessly to help refugees escape. Meanwhile, Charles Lindbergh and isolationists battle with Roosevelt to try to keep America out of the war. Germany invades the Soviet Union and secretly begins the mass murder of European Jews.
Country Music
“The Sons and Daughters of America” (1964 – 1968)
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New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)
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Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
“Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’” (1984 – 1996)
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Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
“The Rub” (Beginnings – 1933)
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So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers....
“Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)
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Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing....
“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
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Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
“I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)
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Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Hemingway
The Blank Page (1944-1961)
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Hemingway writes The Old Man and the Sea but is overcome by mental illness.
The Avatar (1929-1944)
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Hemingway, having achieved literary fame, goes to report on the Spanish Civil War.
A Writer (1899-1929)
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Hemingway moves to Paris and finds success with his second novel, A Farewell to Arms.
Muhammad Ali
Round Four: The Spell Remains (1974-2016)
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Muhammad Ali shocks the world by defeating George Foreman and becomes world famous.
Round Three: The Rivalry (1970 - 1974)
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Muhammad Ali returns from exile and twice faces his greatest rival, Joe Frazier.
Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970)
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Muhammad Ali is banished from boxing for refusing induction into the Army.
Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)
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Cassius Clay rises from boastful amateur boxer to contender for the heavyweight title.
The American Buffalo
The Civil War
1865: "War Is All Hell"/"The Better Angels of Our Nature"
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Richmond falls to Grant's army, Lee surrenders, Lincoln is assassinated, and the war ends....
1864: "Valley of the Shadow of Death"/"Most Hallowed Ground"
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While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
1863: "Simply Murder"/"The Universe of Battle"
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Follow the Battle of Gettysburg, draft riots, and the first African-American troops.
1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free"
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Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transforms to a war to emancipate the slaves.
1861: "The Cause"
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Find out what caused the war, examining slavery and questions of union and states’ rights....
The National Parks
Morning of Creation (1946-1980)
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Examine the proliferation of protected lands and the protection of predatory animals.
Great Nature (1933-1945)
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Learn about the changes to the national parks during the Great Depression and WWII.
The Last Refuge (1890-1915)
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Investigate the efforts of Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and others to protect the land.
The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890)
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Examine the radical idea of creating national parks for the enjoyment of everyone.
The U.S. and the Holocaust
“The Homeless, Tempest-Tossed” (1942 - )
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As the Allies liberate German camps, the public sees the sheer scale of the Holocaust.
“The Golden Door” (Beginnings-1938)
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Reversing open borders, a xenophobic backlash prompts Congress to restrict immigration.
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