American Experience Season 12 Episode 2

Ep 2. New York (Part 2): Order and Disorder

  • November 15, 1999

The show American Experience is a documentary series that explores the history of the United States through the lens of different events, people, and places. Season 12, episode 2, titled "New York (Part 2): Order and Disorder," continues the exploration of New York City's history, particularly in the years leading up to the Civil War.

The episode begins by examining the rise of the abolitionist movement in New York City, which was a hub of anti-slavery activism in the mid-19th century. The show highlights the work of figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe, who used their writing and speeches to rally support for the abolitionist cause.

However, the show also acknowledges the deep racial tensions that existed in the city at the time, particularly in the aftermath of the 1857 Dred Scott decision, which declared that African Americans could not be considered citizens of the United States. The episode explores the growing animosity between Irish immigrants and African Americans, who competed for jobs and living space in the city.

The show also delves into the political corruption and unrest that characterized New York City in the years leading up to the Civil War. The infamous Tammany Hall political machine, led by Boss Tweed, was notorious for its graft, bribery, and manipulation of elections. The episode explores the ways in which Tammany Hall controlled the city, as well as the efforts of reformers to challenge its power.

Throughout the episode, the show interweaves individual stories and anecdotes that bring the history of New York City to life. Viewers will hear from descendants of abolitionists and Irish immigrants, as well as scholars and experts who offer insights into the broader social and political context of the time.

Ultimately, the episode paints a vivid portrait of New York City in the mid-19th century, a city that was both a center of industry and culture, and a hotbed of political corruption and social unrest. As the nation hurtled toward Civil War, New York City was a microcosm of the conflicting forces that threatened to tear the country apart.

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Description
  • First Aired
    November 15, 1999
  • Language
    English