10 Things You Don't Know About Season 2 Episode 1 Presidential Assassinations
- TV-14
- November 2, 2013
- 43 min
-
8.6 (24)
10 Things You Don't Know About is a documentary series that explores little-known facts about various topics. In season 2 episode 1, titled "Presidential Assassinations," the show delves into the tragic history of assassinations of American presidents.
The episode starts with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States who was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, in Ford's Theatre. The show explores the facts surrounding the assassination and the mystery surrounding Booth's co-conspirators.
Next, the show explores the assassination of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, who was shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881, at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. The show examines Guiteau's motive for the assassination, which was his delusional belief that he was owed a political appointment for his support of Garfield's election
The next assassination that the show covers is that of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, who was shot by Leon Czolgosz on September 6, 1901, at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. The show explores the anarchist movement in America that led to the assassination and the role of the media in shaping public opinion about anarchists.
The episode then moves on to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, who was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. The show explores the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination, including the idea that there was more than one shooter and the alleged involvement of government agencies.
The final assassination covered in the episode is that of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, who was shot by John Hinckley Jr. on March 30, 1981, outside a hotel in Washington, D.C. The show examines the motive behind the assassination attempt, which was Hinckley's obsession with actress Jodie Foster.
Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with little-known facts about each assassination. For example, viewers learn that before the assassination of Kennedy, he had ordered the withdrawal of 1,000 troops from Vietnam but after his death, the number increased to 15,000. Additionally, viewers learn that after the assassination of Garfield, the U.S. government began the use of metal detectors, which were first used in the trial of his assassin.
The episode also features interviews with experts, including historians and authors, who provide their insights into the assassinations. They offer their perspectives on the circumstances surrounding the assassinations, as well as the impact they had on American society and politics.
Overall, the episode offers a fascinating, in-depth look at some of the most tragic moments in American history. Through its exploration of little-known facts and expert insights, it provides a new perspective on these tragedies and their significance.