American Experience Season 1 Episode 15 The World That Moses Built

In the American Experience season 1 episode 15, titled "The World That Moses Built," viewers are taken on a journey through the life and legacy of Robert Moses, one of the most powerful and controversial figures in the history of urban planning.

The episode begins with a look at the state of New York City in the mid-20th century, as it struggled with social unrest, overcrowding, and crumbling infrastructure. Enter Robert Moses, a brilliant and ruthless bureaucrat who held multiple positions of power within the city and state governments. Over the course of his career, Moses was responsible for the construction of many of the iconic public works projects that still define the city's landscape today, including the Triborough Bridge, Lincoln Center, and the United Nations headquarters.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are given a closer look at Moses' methods and motivations. On one hand, he was a visionary whose innovations helped transform New York City into a modern metropolis. On the other hand, he was a megalomaniac who ruthlessly bulldozed neighborhoods, displaced thousands of people, and exhibited a shocking disregard for the democratic process. Viewers will witness how Moses expanded the highway system at the expense of public transport, leading to a car-dependent culture that has had lasting negative impacts on the environment.

Through interviews with historians, urban planners, and New Yorkers who lived through the Moses era, "The World That Moses Built" tells a complicated story of power, ambition, and the ongoing struggle over the future of America's cities. The episode contextualizes Moses within the larger movements of urban planning and renewal, showing how his decisions and policies were shaped by broader social and political forces. Ultimately, viewers are left to ponder the legacy of Moses' reign, and the lessons that can be learned from the city that he created and the one he destroyed.

"The World That Moses Built" is a fascinating and nuanced look at one of the most important figures in the history of American urban planning. Through archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our cities, and the ongoing struggle to create equitable and sustainable urban spaces.