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The History Channel did a great job of melding old Edison film with screen play. Takes us to accurately assess the significance of the Spanish-American War especially in light of the Cuban and Philippino questions that led to an uprising in the Pacific and the strong feelings of anti-USA in Cuba. Of course there were good outcomes too. The North and South healed and finally came together to build a US Nation and a pseudo-mini empire. Thus, we were better prepared to extend our international influence with our Great White Fleet, and enter the coming conflict with Germany as an anglo-franco ally with unlimited resources and power. Often ignored, this short war says a great deal about US nation-forming.
The wars for Cuban Independence began long before the arrival of the Americans, however, on the night of February 12, 1898, 266 American lives were lost when the United States Battleship Maine was ripped in half by an explosion in Havana Harbor. War with Spain ensued. Interestingly enough it was for the first time a war was covered by members of the media creating an unprecedented impact at home. Much of the footage shown were actual film produced by Thomas Edison's film crew that were found in various archives around the United States. A fascinating cast of characters emerge including Spanish General Jose Toral, Cuban Generals Maximo Gomez and Calixto Garcia, Stephen Crane, Frederick Remington, Admiral George Dewey and Clara Barton. Doctor Walter Reed fought against the outbreak of tropical diseases in Cuba and in the process discovered the cure for malaria. Theodore Roosevelt, then Assistant Secretary of the Navy, felt America had grown soft and vulnerable and was the central figure in all of motives surrounding the war. The film also examines the impact of the war upon the United States, particularly with its relationship with Cuba.Read full review
As described
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I rate this movie a C+, maybe a B on historical content. It could/should have been more. Every once in a while film makers DO get it right. Sorry boys not on this one. Historical fact was stepped over, but still fun to watch. Gets the general idea across.
I teach high school American history and this dvd will help my students connect to the era. It is always good to supplement lectures with video clips that my students can understand.
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