Silent film star Buster Keaton in a scene from the Civil War-era comedy "The General".

From the very start of cinema, film-makers have turned to historical themes in their movies.  Although many of these films succeeded in capturing the flavour of the time periods they portrayed, unfortunately they were often flawed regarding historical accuracy.  In many cases – especially when they contained social commentary of the era depicted – they are more a window into the time-period during which they were produced, rather than a reliable depiction of the past.  A classic example is the film "MASH".  Purporting to be about a medical unit during the Korean War, it is really a commentary about the Viet Nam War, which was raging at the time the film was released.  In spite of such deficiencies, it is still possible to use film for educational purposes.  In the weeks ahead, a collection of movies worth viewing will be posted to this web site (as time permits).

• Colonial Period and the Revolutionary War

• Early National Period

• Antebellum Period

• Civil War and Reconstruction

• The West

• Gilded Age

• Progressive Era

• World War I

• The Roaring Twenties

• Big Government and World War

If you ever need to contact me, I can be reached at:

• N. O. Nelson Complex, 656-8800, extension #5813 (weekdays)

• Home, 692-4456 (most evenings and weekends)

• jparkin@ecusd7.org (anytime)

Check your student's current grade at TigerView

Return to American History Page │Return to Main Page

Please contact me at jparkin@ecusd7.org if you encounter any links that do not work.

- Site last updated Wednesday, 21 January 2009 at 14:51 -