1. Ken Burns’s The Civil War Documentary Film and History

2. Viewing The Civil War September, 1990: 11-Hour Series Appeared on PBS Shattered all records for a PBS educational series 13.9 million watched the first complete broadcast 40 million watched one or more broadcasts Millions more have watched repeats, VHS, DVD, etc. The Civil War helped renew popular interest in American History.

3. Characteristics of the Film Deliberate decision not to use historical re- enactments Extensive use of “The Ken Burns Effect” (panning in and out over a photograph to show details). Many shots of landscapes & battlefields Reliance on historians as “talking heads” Precise use of authentic footage Soundtrack attempts to remain in period

4. History & Film What role(s) should documentary film play in teaching about history? Is the market success of programs such as The Civil War and even networks such as The History Channel good or bad for historians?