Just the Facts: The Emergence of Modern America DVD

Just the Facts: The Emergence of Modern America uses fascinating historical footage to explore six decades that shaped modern America. The series examines the Gilded Age in the late 19th century, the Progressive Era of the early 20th century, the Roaring Twenties, and the Great Depression.

The Gilded Age -- In 1873, Mark Twain co-authored a satirical novel entitled The Gilded Age. The process of gilding involves applying a thin layer of gold to an object to make it appear more valuable. Historians adopted Twain's title to describe a period of American history characterized by prosperity and industrialization that thinly disguised blatant corruption in politics and business. This program explores many facets of the Gilded Age, including industrialization and the growth of big business, the urbanization of America, the grueling working conditions many endured, and the influence of Victorian culture on American society.

The Progressive Era -- This program explores our history and culture during the early 20th century, when a wave of reforms changed our political system and attempted to remedy the social and economic inequities arising from industrialization and urbanization. Progressive President Theodore Roosevelt helped set the tone of the era by supporting regulation of industry, initiating government reforms, and promoting conservation of public lands.

The Roaring Twenties -- In the presidential election of 1920, war-weary Americans elected Warren G. Harding, who promised a return to "normalcy." His inauguration in 1921 ushered in an exciting era of prosperity, rapid industrialization, social experimentation, and artistic renaissance -- the Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age. This program explores the enormous social and cultural changes of this era.