For years, some of the best documentaries you can find have been made for Public Broadcasting here in the States. Shows like "The American Experience" and the documentaries of Ken Burns are just some of these great shows that not only educate but entertain. "The War That Made America" is every bit as good!It's expertly crafted--a quality production throughout. And, surprisingly, it was made with a very significant budget for PBS--$14,000,000. It shows, as the acting, narration and re-creations are great.
I was surprised that the French were defeated in America rather early on in the episode. While the British victory at Quebec City did not end the war, it was the beginning of the end and the surrender of Montreal was inevitable. As for the rest of the episode, it concerns the Indian tribes--and how the French surrender did NOT mean that they would capitulate. What came to be known as 'Pontiac's War' was an uprising of several tribes against British rule--and various massacres occurred on both sides. It must have been a horribly scary time, as the war was quite brutal. Eventually, however, the British come up with a truce with many of the tribes and the problem appears to be settled as the British agreed to leave the tribes and their land in peace. This and an imposed tax on the Colonies to help pay for the war were bad ideas by the Brits--not realizing how these would help push many colonists towards revolution. It's the old law of unintended consequences. What seemed reasonable to the British was intolerable to the Americans. And, although the peace treaty was signed in 1763, much of the episode focuses on event after this--events that led to revolution. Overall, yet another fine episode of an exceptional mini-series--and the best documentaries you can find on the topic.
An interesting part of the episode is learning that the idea of giving the natives smallpox infested blankets was actually begun by the British--something that is often attributed to have been created by the Americans a century later. Regardless, an amazingly nasty tactic to say the least.
I was surprised that the French were defeated in America rather early on in the episode. While the British victory at Quebec City did not end the war, it was the beginning of the end and the surrender of Montreal was inevitable. As for the rest of the episode, it concerns the Indian tribes--and how the French surrender did NOT mean that they would capitulate. What came to be known as 'Pontiac's War' was an uprising of several tribes against British rule--and various massacres occurred on both sides. It must have been a horribly scary time, as the war was quite brutal. Eventually, however, the British come up with a truce with many of the tribes and the problem appears to be settled as the British agreed to leave the tribes and their land in peace. This and an imposed tax on the Colonies to help pay for the war were bad ideas by the Brits--not realizing how these would help push many colonists towards revolution. It's the old law of unintended consequences. What seemed reasonable to the British was intolerable to the Americans. And, although the peace treaty was signed in 1763, much of the episode focuses on event after this--events that led to revolution. Overall, yet another fine episode of an exceptional mini-series--and the best documentaries you can find on the topic.
An interesting part of the episode is learning that the idea of giving the natives smallpox infested blankets was actually begun by the British--something that is often attributed to have been created by the Americans a century later. Regardless, an amazingly nasty tactic to say the least.