Ep 8. Boom

America The Story of Us season 1 episode 8, titled "Boom," explores the period of exponential growth and development in America during the early 20th century. Starting with the invention of the automobile by Henry Ford and the introduction of the assembly line, the episode delves into the economic and cultural changes that followed this game-changing innovation.

The episode highlights the role played by billionaires like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie in transforming America's economy through their vast business empires, and also examines the impact of technological advancements such as electricity and radio on the everyday lives of Americans.

One of the major events covered in the episode is the construction of the Hoover Dam, which was a huge feat of engineering that helped supply power to the western states. Through interviews with experts and archival footage, viewers learn about the challenges and sacrifices involved in building such a massive structure, and how it became a symbol of American ingenuity and determination.

The show also explores the role played by American women during this period, with a focus on the groundbreaking work of Amelia Earhart, who became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. The episode touches on the changing attitudes towards women's rights and the fight for suffrage during this time, and how these social changes helped pave the way for greater gender equality in the decades that followed.

Another significant topic covered in the episode is the rise of Hollywood and the influence of entertainment and media on American culture. Through interviews with film historians and experts, viewers learn about the impact of the silver screen on American society during the 1920s and 1930s, and how Hollywood helped shape perceptions of race, gender, and national identity.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals and immersive reenactments that bring the history of this transformative period to life. From the assembly line to the skyscraper, from the roaring twenties to the Great Depression, "Boom" is a fascinating exploration of the highs and lows of American progress during the early 20th century.