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American Masters

A brief history of Reconstruction

Season 40 Episode 4 | 2m 32s

From 1866-1877, Reconstruction marked a brief era of interracial democracy, with Black Americans holding office and expanding education and public policy. Supported by efforts like the Freedmen’s Bureau, these gains were met with white backlash, leading to a rollback of rights. This was a lost opportunity that W.E.B. Du Bois viewed as pivotal.

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Watch • 54:31
American Masters
José Clemente Orozco: Hombre de Fuego (En Español)
El artista José Clemente Orozco (1883-1945) encabezó el movimiento muralista en México.
Episode: S37 E10 | 54:31
Watch • 1:22:29
American Masters
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach.
Episode: S37 E9 | 1:22:29
Watch • 55:23
American Masters
José Clemente Orozco: Man of Fire
Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco led a life filled with drama, adversity & triumph.
Episode: S21 E7 | 55:23
Watch • 1:22:12
American Masters
A Song for Cesar
Trace the life and legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez through music and the arts.
Episode: S37 E8 | 1:22:12
Watch • 1:22:45
American Masters
Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely
Follow the 50-year career of First Amendment lawyer and legal expert Floyd Abrams.
Episode: S37 E7 | 1:22:45
Watch • 1:33:44
American Masters
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Experience the political and personal journey of California governor Jerry Brown.
Episode: S37 E6 | 1:33:44
Watch • 1:49:28
American Masters
Oliver Sacks: His Own Life (Audio Descriptive Version)
Explore the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller.
Episode: S35 E6 | 1:49:28
Watch • 52:28
American Masters
Keith Haring: Street Art Boy
Explore the life of artist Keith Haring who revolutionized pop culture and fine art.
Episode: S34 E8 | 52:28
Watch • 1:24:16
American Masters
Basquiat: Rage to Riches
He lived fast, died young and created thousands of drawings and paintings.
Episode: S32 E7 | 1:24:16
Watch • 1:25:19
American Masters
James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket
Explores the life, works and beliefs of the late writer and civil rights activist.
Episode: S4 E4 | 1:25:19
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