America: A Story of Us - A Teacher's Review

The History Channel started broadcasting "America: The Story of Us" in April. This series spans the course of American history from the English settlement of Jamestown on May 14, 1607, to the present day.


PROS

• The series is fast-paced, with a lot of trivial snippets mixed into the history that will keep students interested in the story.
• Celebrity commentators (such as Meryl Streep, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Rev. Al Sharpton, Donald Trump, etc.) frequently remark on the significance of events and movements. Recognizable faces are great for getting kids' attention.

CONS

• The series skips around a bit in terms of how events are paced and scoped in typical classrooms. However, this can be a benefit as it serves as a review of previous course material, as well as a preview of future course content.
• Celebrity reviewers offer opinions, not historical perspective or insight (as would a professional historian).
• The series begins with English settlers. This perspective completely overlooks the thousands of years of Indian settlement that predated European arrivals. (Teachers may want to examine this during a classroom discussion. Possible question: Who is the "Us" in the title of the series?)

Please bear in mind that the entire series has yet to air. A thorough review is not yet available. While History Channel does have educator materials online already (available here and here), not even the title of each episode has been released (and titles that have aired do not line up with what is officially listed). Not surprisingly, History Channel is already taking DVD preorders of the series. If you are an educator, the terrific news is that your school can obtain a free copy by clicking here.

The accompanying book (with a forward by President Barack Obama) contains the following chapters:

1. Rise of the Patriots
2. Revolution!
3. Westward
4. Seeds of War
5. Civil War
6. Conquering the Plains
7. City
8. Boom
9. Bust
10. America at War
11. Then and Now
12. Then and Now (continued)

The episodes which have aired (to the best of our knowledge) are:

1. Rebels
2. Revolution
3. Westward
4. Division
5. Civil War
6. Heartland
7. Cities
8. Boom
9. Bust
10. World War II (WWII)
11. Metropolis
12. Rise of a Superpower

Don't forget to visit the History Classroom website.