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.
This episode concerns the early years in the French-Indian War. Although the British and their allies (including the Colonists and some Native tribes) eventually prevailed, this episode is mostly one-sided--with the French and their Native allies carrying the day again and again. However, there were some problems which arose during these victories--the French treated their allies like 2nd class allies and the Indian practice of killing or enslaving their defeated foes rubbed the French and Brits wrong (as well it should have). Although I appreciate how the show tried to discuss the viewpoints of everyone (especially the tribes) in these documentaries, it seemed a bit too apologetic for massacres of prisoners. Now I am not saying that the Indians were evil and the white folks were angels--though I think the show glossed over this too quickly, as these killings must have provided ample fodder for hatred of the American Indians. I am NOT justifying any of this--but felt the show didn't emphasize the cause and effect of such killings. Still, it was a very good show--yet another in a terrific series.
