World Revolutions for Students

Watch World Revolutions for Students

  • 2005
  • 1 Season

World Revolutions is an educational documentary series produced by Schlessinger Media. This series is aimed at students in middle school and high school and explores the political revolutions that have shaped the world as we know it. The series covers various important revolutions in history, including the French Revolution, Chinese Revolution, Indian Independence Movement, and the Arab Spring, among others.

Each episode of World Revolutions is around 25 minutes in length, and it combines expert commentary, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments to delve deeper into the historical events of these revolutions. These elements work together to provide students with a fascinating look at how and why these revolutions occurred, the factors that contributed to them, and the impacts they had on the world as a whole.

The episodes are presented in a clear and concise manner, making the information accessible and easy to understand for students. The expert interviews provide valuable insights into the historical context, and the archival footage and reenactments flesh out the details, making the episodes engaging and informative.

One of the key themes of the series is the idea that revolutions often occur as a result of longstanding societal issues, such as inequality, corruption, and oppression. The series emphasizes that these issues can build up over time, leading to a tipping point where the people have had enough and demand change. This idea is explored in depth in each episode, with real-world examples used to illustrate these concepts.

Another important aspect of the series is the focus on the human experience of these revolutions. World Revolutions emphasizes that political revolutions are not just about the ideas and ideologies involved, but also about the people who are impacted by them. Students learn about the personal stories of the individuals who played key roles in each revolution, putting a human face on these historical events.

Overall, World Revolutions is an excellent resource for students who are interested in history, politics, and social justice. It provides a fascinating look at some of the most important political revolutions in history, and the impacts that these events had on the world as a whole. The series is presented in a clear and engaging manner, making it an ideal tool for teachers looking to educate their students on these topics.

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Seasons
The South African Anti-Apartheid Movement
7. The South African Anti-Apartheid Movement
April 1, 2005
Nelson Mandela, an international symbol of resistance to oppression, led the global effort in the 20th century to dismantle South Africa's racist government. In The South African Anti-Apartheid Movement, rare footage, detailed primary accounts and expert commentary will provide students with a comprehensive look at the colonial history of South Africa, the devastating social, political and economic effects of apartheid, and the difficult, sometimes violent struggle of Mandela and the African National Congress to eliminate apartheid and create a free, democratic society. Part of the multivolume World Revolutions for Students Video Series. Grades 9-12.
The Russian Revolution
6. The Russian Revolution
April 1, 2005
Years of war and political and economic oppression destroyed the faith of the struggling Russian people in their once-beloved leader. This led to the October Revolution, which established the world's first Communist government. The Russian Revolution depicts how this movement was driven by the new ideas and strong leadership of Vladimir Lenin, and was sparked by the hope for a better way of life. Through superb archival footage, primary documents and expert commentary, students will learn how the political upheaval of 1917 led to a radical departure with the Czarist past and set Russia on the communist path -- a utopian dream that went largely unfulfilled. Part of the multivolume World Revolutions for Students Video Series. Grades 9-12.
Revolutionary Mexico (1910-1940)
5. Revolutionary Mexico (1910-1940)
April 1, 2005
Mexico experienced extreme political instability in the period following its independence from Spain. Under the dictator Porfirio Diaz, power, wealth and land were concentrated in the hands of very few, while injustice, poverty and domination by foreign interests grew. Revolutionary Mexico (1910-1940) reveals how various groups, such as nationalists, democrats and socialists, united to overthrow the Diaz dictatorship, triggering a prolonged and violent power struggle for control of Mexico. Through striking archival images, expert commentary and primary documents, students learn that this revolutionary period was characterized by repeated confrontations between rich and poor, peasant and landowner, native peoples and conservative governments -- a series of clashes that resulted in social reforms and political changes that have had a lasting impact on Mexican society. Part of the multivolume World Revolutions for Students Video Series. Grades 9-12.
Gandhi and India's Independence
4. Gandhi and India's Independence
April 1, 2005
Throughout much of its long history, India has been an unsettled place ruled by a series of empires and foreign powers. Centuries of British influence in the subcontinent resulted in outright British colonial control beginning in the 19th century, a rule characterized by European privilege, oppression and subjugation of the Indian people. Propelled by Mahatma Gandhi's passive resistance movement, India finally gained its independence from Great Britain in 1947. Through excellent footage, primary source documents and expert commentary, students will not only understand Gandhi's nonviolent struggle for India's independence, but will also discover the movement's tragic aftermath. Part of the multivolume World Revolutions for Students Video Series. Grades 9-12.
The French Revolution
3. The French Revolution
April 1, 2005
Ruled by an absolute monarchy and trapped in a system of feudal relationships, nearly all segments of French society were unhappy in the late 18th century. Despite widespread hardships, ongoing financial problems and challenges by enlightenment thinkers, King Louis XVI was more concerned with his own personal affairs than matters of state. The French Revolution examines how all classes of French society revolted against the King's regime and rejected a society based on heredity and privilege, resulting in an often violent struggle to determine the future of France. Expert commentary, primary documents and archival images bring the themes of the revolution to life, and students learn that while the revolution failed to permanently overturn the old order, the ideals and reforms of the revolution spread throughout the world. Part of the multivolume World Revolutions for Students Video Series. Grades 9-12.
The Chinese Revolution (1911-1989)
2. The Chinese Revolution (1911-1989)
April 1, 2005
China, today an emerging world industrial power, underwent almost continuous revolutionary change throughout the 20th century. In the fierce battle for control of China in the years following the 1911 revolution, Mao Zedong emerged as the dominant leader, promising a society free of inequality, poverty and foreign control. In The Chinese Revolution, archival footage, primary sources and expert insight will help students understand how Mao's communist ideals helped unify China and restore the country's national pride, but also led to political oppression and failed economic policies that resulted in the deaths of millions. Part of the multivolume World Revolutions for Students Video Series. Grades 9-12.
Castro and Cuban Revolution
1. Castro and Cuban Revolution
 
Students will trace Cuba's turbulent political past, moving from Spanish colonial rule to American intervention to a close association with the Soviet Union and ultimately true independence. Grades 9-12.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 1, 2005