The Presidents Season 1 Episode 7 1945 - 1977

The Presidents is a documentary series that explores the lives and legacies of all the presidents of the United States. The seventh episode of the first season, titled "1945-1977," focuses on the presidents who served during the post-World War II era.

The episode begins with Harry Truman, who became president in 1945 after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Truman had to navigate the end of World War II, dealing with the aftermath of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and overseeing the early stages of the Cold War. The episode also covers his decision to recognize Israel, desegregate the military, and fire General MacArthur.

Next, the episode moves onto Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served from 1953 to 1961. Eisenhower is portrayed as a steady presence during the early years of the Cold War, who oversaw the creation of the Interstate Highway System and sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce desegregation.

The episode also covers John F. Kennedy, who was elected in 1960 and served until his assassination in 1963. JFK's brief presidency is examined through the lens of his foreign policy, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and his efforts to improve relations with the Soviet Union.

Lyndon B. Johnson, who took over after JFK's assassination, is also featured in the episode. LBJ is depicted as a transformative figure during the civil rights movement, passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, the escalation of the Vietnam War casts a shadow over his presidency.

The episode also covers Richard Nixon, who served from 1969 to 1974. Nixon is portrayed as a complex figure, overseeing the end of the Vietnam War and beginning diplomatic relations with China, but also facing allegations of corruption with the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to his resignation.

Finally, the episode touches on the brief presidency of Gerald Ford, who served from 1974 to 1977. Ford is portrayed as a president who tried to heal the country after the turmoil of the Watergate era through his policy of "the politics of healing."

Throughout the episode, historians and experts provide insights and analysis on the presidents and their legacies. Archival footage and photos are used to illustrate pivotal moments in each president's term.

Overall, "1945-1977" provides a comprehensive look at the presidents during a time of great change and upheaval in American history. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges each president faced and the decisions they made, as well as the impact they had on the country and the world.