Ep 2. The Polio Crusade

In season 21, episode 2 of American Experience, titled "The Polio Crusade," viewers are taken on a journey through the fight against polio in the 1950s, a time when the disease affected thousands of people across America, causing paralysis and even death. The episode explores the scientific breakthroughs that finally led to a vaccine, as well as the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals, volunteers, and everyday citizens who worked together to fight this devastating disease.

Narrated by David McCullough, the episode begins by setting the scene in the early 1950s, when polio was considered one of the most feared and widespread diseases in America. Pools and movie theaters were closed, and parents kept their children indoors, fearing the possibility of an outbreak. The episode then moves on to explore the scientific community's decades-long struggle to understand the virus, particularly the work of Jonas Salk, who was determined to develop a vaccine.

Salk's breakthroughs are brought vividly to life in the episode, including both his experimental vaccine trials and the groundbreaking announcement of its effectiveness. The struggles that followed, including widespread skepticism and mistrust, are also examined in detail. In addition to chronicling the scientific developments that made the vaccine possible, the episode also sheds light on the human side of the crusade.

Through interviews with survivors of the disease, medical professionals, and volunteers, "The Polio Crusade" explores the courageous and compassionate individuals who dedicated themselves to the fight against polio. This includes the "Polio Pioneers," a group of children who were among the first to receive the vaccine, as well as the countless healthcare workers, doctors, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to administer it to the American public.

Ultimately, "The Polio Crusade" is a powerful and moving testament to the power of scientific innovation, human resilience, and collective action. Chronicling perhaps the most significant medical breakthrough in American history, this episode is an inspiring reminder that, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, we can come together to achieve great things, and that hope and healing are always possible.