American Experience

- Season 5

(1992)

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Doomed attempt to get to California in 1846. More than just a riveting tale of death, endurance and survival. The Donner Party's nightmarish journey penetrated to the very heart of the American Dream at a crucial phase of the nation's "manifest destiny. Touching some of the most powerful social, economic and political currents of the time, this extraordinary narrative remains one of the most compelling and enduring episodes to come out of the West.

Exploding dam kills thousands in massive flood catastrophe in Pennsylvania in 1889.

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The personal development of George Washington is the focus as Producer David Sutherland brings to life a uniquely human Washington who transformed himself from social climber into a patriot willing to give up everything for a higher cause.

The historic battle discussed from the perspective of both sides that participated in the conflict.

The last member of a diminished Native American tribe from California makes himself known at the beginning of the 20th century.

The story of "march king" John Philip Sousa and the connections between his music and the mood of the nation during his time.

The NAACP and future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall build a Supreme Court case against the policy of segregation.

The story of Walter Reuther and the struggle to unionize the automobile workers of the US in the 1930s.

The short but notable career of the coach and his team with stories from some of those who remember him.

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The distinctive music of Louisiana including Cajun and Zydeco performances.

A profile of the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma - once a flourishing but segregated community.