Experiencing America: A Smithsonian Tour through American History Season 1 Episode 14 Cold War - Red Badges, Bombs, and the Berlin Wall

Experiencing America: A Smithsonian Tour through American History season 1 episode 14 takes a closer look at the Cold War era, examining the Red Scare and the impact it had on American society. The episode begins with a discussion of the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, which sought to root out communist sympathizers in the entertainment industry. Viewers will learn about some of the notable individuals who were blacklisted during this time, including actors, writers, and directors.

The episode then turns its attention to the arms race between the United States and Soviet Union. Viewers will see archival footage of the first hydrogen bomb test, as well as some of the propaganda that was used to promote the idea of nuclear deterrence. Experts on the subject will weigh in on the dangers of nuclear proliferation during the Cold War and the impact that it had on international relations.

The bulk of the episode is devoted to the construction of the Berlin Wall and its impact on the people who lived in East and West Berlin. Viewers will hear firsthand accounts from Germans who experienced the division of their city and the toll that it took on their families. The episode also examines the political implications of the wall, including the role it played in solidifying the division between the capitalist West and the communist East.

Throughout the episode, viewers will be treated to an array of artifacts from the Smithsonian collection that help to bring this period of American history to life. These include Red Scare propaganda posters, a replica of the Fat Man bomb, and pieces of the Berlin Wall itself.

Overall, Experiencing America: A Smithsonian Tour through American History season 1 episode 14 offers a comprehensive and insightful look at the Cold War era and its impact on American society. Through a combination of firsthand accounts, expert commentary, and fascinating artifacts, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of this turbulent time in global history.