Ep 4. Going Home (1920-1933)

In "Going Home (1920-1933)," the fourth episode of Ken Burns' "The National Parks - America's Best Idea," the focus shifts to the post-World War I era and the ways in which the burgeoning popularity of the national parks began to influence American culture at large.

The episode opens with the story of Stephen Mather, the wealthy businessman who became the first director of the National Park Service after leading a successful campaign to advocate for the parks to become a federally managed system. Mather saw the national parks as a way to promote American identity and patriotism in the wake of the war, and worked tirelessly to market them to a wider audience.

One of the major themes of the episode is the changing demographics of the national park visitor population. As more and more Americans gained access to automobiles and leisure time, the parks began to attract a wider range of visitors than ever before. The episode explores the experiences of different groups, from families seeking adventure to newly emancipated African Americans seeking a form of liberation in nature.

The episode also touches on some of the controversies that arose during this time period, including the debate over damming Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to provide water for San Francisco, and the backlash against the creation of more national parks in the western U.S. by locals who feared losing access to land they had long relied on for hunting and grazing.

One of the most poignant threads of the episode is the story of John Muir, the naturalist and activist who was instrumental in the creation of Yosemite National Park and many other protected areas. Muir died in 1914, but his legacy continued to inspire a new generation of Americans who saw the national parks as a way to connect with the natural world and find spiritual renewal.

Overall, "Going Home" offers a fascinating look at a pivotal time in the history of the national parks, when they began to transition from a relatively niche interest to a beloved symbol of American identity. With stunning visuals, insightful interviews, and a rich historical context, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of conservation, American culture, or the natural world.