How The States Got Their Shapes

Watch How The States Got Their Shapes

  • TV-PG
  • 2011
  • 2 Seasons
  • 8.2  (705)

How The States Got Their Shapes is a captivating and informative historical television series that explores how the United States of America was shaped, and how it got its unique characteristics. The show is hosted by Brian Unger, who takes viewers on a journey across the country, to learn about the different geographical features, cultural influences, and historical events that contributed to the formation of each state.

The series is divided into ten episodes, each of which focuses on a different aspect of American history and geography. In the first episode, titled "State of Rebellion," Unger explores how the southern states seceded from the Union during the Civil War, and how that division still influences the political and cultural landscape of the country today.

Throughout the show, Unger uses maps, graphics, and animations to help illustrate the different factors that contributed to the formation of each state. He also interviews experts and historians to provide insight into the cultural and historical significance of each state.

Other episodes in the series include "Mouthing Off," which explores how the diverse range of American accents developed across different regions of the country, and "Borderlines," which delves into the complex and often contentious history of the U.S.-Mexico border.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is how it highlights the unique characteristics of each state, and how those characteristics have shaped American culture and identity. For example, in the episode "The Great Divide," Unger explores how the Rocky Mountains have influenced everything from the music and art of the West Coast to the politics and economy of the East Coast.

Overall, How The States Got Their Shapes is a fascinating and entertaining look at American history and geography. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the country you live in, this show is packed with interesting facts and insights that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the United States of America.

How The States Got Their Shapes is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (31 episodes). The series first aired on May 3, 2011.

How The States Got Their Shapes
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Seasons
The United Shapes of America
19. The United Shapes of America
December 22, 2012
A closer look at American values.
Big vs. Small
18. Big vs. Small
December 15, 2012
What is the impact of the size of states?
Rich vs. Poor
17. Rich vs. Poor
December 8, 2012
The impact of the quest for resources.
State vs. State
16. State vs. State
December 8, 2012
Conflict between the states.
Mess with Texas
15. Mess with Texas
November 24, 2012
Everything is bigger in Texas. It's the only state that acts like a country, but has it grown too big for its britches? We'll mess with Texas to settle this ten-gallon rivalry.
Rebels & Outlaws
14. Rebels & Outlaws
November 17, 2012
A closer look at misconduct within states.
East vs. West
13. East vs. West
November 10, 2012
A closer look at the differences between the East Coast and West Coast.
City vs. Country
12. City vs. Country
November 3, 2012
A closer look at city living vs. country living.
Is West Best?
11. Is West Best?
November 3, 2012
Americans have been racing to tame the West since they first set foot on the continent, but now that the West has been won, what's next? Is the West still the best.
Is West Best
11. Is West Best
November 3, 2012
Exploring the American West.
Midwest vs. the Rest
10. Midwest vs. the Rest
October 27, 2012
A closer look at the Midwest.
Vice vs. Virtue
9. Vice vs. Virtue
October 27, 2012
A closer look at vices within each state.
Battle of the Bible Belt
8. Battle of the Bible Belt
October 20, 2012
A closer look at how the influence of religion shaped the U.S.
Great Lakes, Big Stakes
7. Great Lakes, Big Stakes
October 20, 2012
A closer look at the value of property in the Great Lakes region.
Bigfoot vs. Aliens
6. Bigfoot vs. Aliens
October 13, 2012
How geographic location stirs up fear of unexplained phenomena.
North vs. South
5. North vs. South
October 13, 2012
A closer look at cultural differences that exist between the northern and southern U.S. states.
Hatfields vs. McCoys
4. Hatfields vs. McCoys
October 6, 2012
The influence of the Hatfield-McCoy family feud of the 1880s on West Virginia and Kentucky.
Hillbilly vs. Redneck
3. Hillbilly vs. Redneck
October 6, 2012
A closer look at the influence of rural communities on American culture.
White Collar vs. Blue Collar
2. White Collar vs. Blue Collar
September 29, 2012
It's a rivalry that tears us apart every four years, but how did our nation divide into red states vs. blue states, and what happens to the states caught in the middle?
Red State vs. Blue State
1. Red State vs. Blue State
September 29, 2012
It's a rivalry that tears us apart every four years, but how did our nation divide into red states vs. blue states, and what happens to the states caught in the middle?
Description
Where to Watch How The States Got Their Shapes
How The States Got Their Shapes is available for streaming on the History website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch How The States Got Their Shapes on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, History Vault, Hoopla and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    May 3, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    8.2  (705)