Watch Our Generation

Our Generation from History is a historical documentary series that first aired in 2006. The show is hosted and narrated by Steve Gillon, a scholar, and professor of history at the University of Oklahoma. The premise of the series is to dive deep into the history of the United States during the 20th century, examining the lives and experiences of the generation that lived through it, and how events from that era continue to shape America today.

The show is divided into six episodes, each dedicated to a different theme. The topics covered include the World Wars, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and the Space Age. Each episode features archival footage, photographs, and interviews with experts and witnesses who lived through the events being discussed. The series also incorporates commentary from Gillon, who provides historical analysis and context.

The first episode, "The World Wars," begins with the events leading up to the outbreak of World War I, exploring the impact that this conflict had on the world and the US. Gillon provides detailed insights into the political and cultural shifts that occurred during this time period, as well as the effect that the war had on the US economy, including the growth and decline of specific industries.

The second episode, "The Roaring Twenties," examines the social and cultural movements that arose in the 1920s, such as the rise of jazz, prohibition, and the women's suffrage movement. Gillon also discusses the newfound prosperity and consumerism of the era, examining the rapidly changing landscape of American cities and the emergence of new technology.

In episode three, "The Great Depression," Gillon delves into the impact that the stock market crash of 1929 had on the US economy and the global political landscape. The episode features interviews with individuals who lived through the era, providing first-hand accounts of the challenges faced by ordinary Americans during this time period. Gillon also examines the New Deal policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt and their impact on the US economy.

Continuing the series, episode four, "The Civil Rights Movement," examines the fight for civil rights and equality in the US, from the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 to the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Gillon focuses on the key players of the movement, including Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks, and explores their strategies and tactics for sparking change. This episode also covers the tragic assassinations of King and other civil rights activists.

In episode five, "The Cold War," Gillon examines the political and cultural tensions of the era, with a focus on the US-Soviet arms race and geopolitical tensions. The episode explores the impact of events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War on the American public, both in terms of political activism and the impact on families and communities.

Finally, the series concludes with episode six, "The Space Age," examining the rise of the space race and the cultural impact of space exploration on American society. The episode explores the impact of the Apollo missions on Americans, from the famous moon landing to the tragic loss of the Challenger and Columbia space shuttles.

Overall, Our Generation from History is a fascinating and comprehensive examination of the 20th century through the lens of American history. Gillon provides insightful commentary and historical context, while the archival footage and interviews with witnesses and experts bring the era to life. This show is perfect for anyone interested in US history or for those who want to learn more about the events and social changes that shaped the modern world.