Watch The Machines That Built America: Snack Sized

The Machines That Built America: Snack Sized is a docuseries that focuses on some of the most innovative and game-changing machines that have shaped America's economy and history. It is a six-part series that highlights the stories of those who pioneered these machines and the impact they had on society.

Each episode focuses on a different machine and its significance, starting with the steam engine, which powered the industrial revolution, to the telephone, which revolutionized communication, and finally to the microchip, which transformed how we interact with technology. The series mixes interviews with historians and experts, alongside dramatic reenactments that transport viewers back to pivotal moments in history.

One of the key strengths of the series is that it covers a wide range of industries and machines, which showcases the varied impact that technology has had on American society. For example, the series discusses the cotton gin and how it transformed the agricultural industry, instead of just focusing on more typical subjects such as cars or planes.

The Machines That Built America: Snack Sized doesn't shy away from the controversies and challenges that these machines caused. For instance, the series acknowledges the labor issues surrounding the assembly line and how it impacted workers' safety and well-being. Similarly, it explores the ethical concerns raised by the telephone that revolutionized communication but also gave rise to long-distance scams and other criminal activities.

Besides the technology itself, the series also shines a light on the people behind these innovations, from the famous names such as Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, to lesser-known pioneers who nevertheless made significant contributions to their industry. Interviews with experts are effectively intercut with vivid scenes of the inventors’ experiments and setbacks, which provide fascinating insights into their journey.

Despite its historical focus, The Machines That Built America: Snack Sized doesn't get bogged down in dry facts or dates. The reenactments recreate the excitement and intrigue that surrounded the groundbreaking machines, while the interviews lend context and analysis to the events in a way that is both informative and entertaining.

Another aspect that sets the series apart is the "snack-sized" format. At around 20 minutes per episode, it's a convenient format for viewers who are short on time but still want to learn something new. By focusing on a single machine per episode, the series also allows viewers to dive deep into the subject without feeling overwhelmed by too much information.

Overall, The Machines That Built America: Snack Sized is a well-produced, fast-paced documentary series that provides a fascinating look at the historical significance of machines that changed the course of American history. It's perfect for technology enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone looking to understand the role of innovation in shaping the modern world.

The Machines That Built America: Snack Sized is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on August 22, 2021.