LEGACY COLLECTION, The Great Changemakers in America

Image Credit: Mill Creek Entertainment

Disclosure:  I received free product for review purposes and all opinions expressed here are my own.

SYNOPSIS FROM MILL CREEK ENTERTAINMENT:

Over 20 Hours of Historic Moments

Changemakers are described as being relentless, non-partisan and fearless in their pursuit of solving issues to improve the world.  No word better describes three of the most influential men who fought for human rights throughout American history: Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.  This expansive documentary collection chronicles their courageous and monumental legacy in the United States and around the world.

Contents:

MARCH TO FREEDOM is the chronicle of a struggle 400 years in the making. From the first African slaves in the colonies to today, the rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness have been tested throughout the history of America and are examined in this 14-part documentary series. 

Explore the life and times of Abraham Lincoln in ABRAHAM LINCOLN – TRIAL BY FIRE.  Witness the stirring events leading up to Lincoln's assassination and the aftermath that quickly followed. Discover the power struggle between Lincoln and General George McClellan and unravel the events that lead to the Emancipation Proclamation. Uncover the story of the Confederacy's last attack that almost brought the north to its knees! Also, through full-color, live-action, authentic record learn about the fight for freedom and abolishment of slavery through the eyes of the African-American Civil War Soldier. Its a historical journey through one the most significant times in our nation's history. 

Fifty years after his death, John F. Kennedy’s life, legacy and youthful vigor continues to intrigue and enthrall an entire nation! Relive and introduce, to younger generations, the compelling story of this unforgettable leader and the inspired dynasty he left behind in JFK: A NEW WORLD ORDER.

My Thoughts:

This is a huge collection with over 20 hours of film which tells much of the history of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King.

Abraham Lincoln Trial By Fire  includes five documentary collections plus a bonus feature. I started watching the first documentary which is narrated by Cliff Robertson. It tells of the civil war which began in 1861, and of Lincoln's advocacy against slavery. General George McClellan is pro-slavery. It's hard to believe 600,000 men died, some to preserve the union and some to secede from it.

It told of Lincoln being hated in the south and often was ridiculed in the north. There were already rumors of an assassination with heavy guards and forcing him to have a secret arrival to the White House after he was elected.

I learned that an escaped slave and black spokesman named Frederick Douglas, was received by President Lincoln and Lincoln told him he wouldn't retreat from his decision about slavery. He thought all men should be free.

So far I am enjoying this video very much. It is very detailed and tells a lot about Abraham Lincoln's presidency that I did not know. The video includes realistic characters dressed in that time era and is very interesting.

JFK: A New World Order was just as great. It told of his growing up, the second son of Joseph Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald in 1917. From the very beginning Jack (as he was called) grew up in wealth and privilege. 

Kennedy discovered an interest in politics after his freshman year at Harvard.  I found out that Kennedy's passion in politics were for matters of foreign affairs after his interest was sparked from touring Europe in his senior year in Harvard. He wrote his senior thesis from those experiences.

Kennedy felt it was his duty to join the war effort but failed to pass the required examination because of his chronic health issues, from both the Army and the Navy. His father Joe rearranged the administration requirements to get him in the Navy.

It showed the presidential debate between Kennedy and Nixon, which Kennedy outs shined in the debate. In a 1958 television interview Eleanor Roosevelt accused Kennedy's father of having a paid representative in every state. Roosevelt also questioned his ability to separate church from state. The film showed a 1960 speech Kennedy spoke at, confronting the issue, which was delivered to the greater Houston Ministerial Association.

I'm looking forward to continue watching more of  JFK: A New World Order. It's so interesting to find out about so many things I never knew about Kennedy and his history.

MARCH TO FREEDOM: A 400 Year History From Slavery to Salvation

I learned that in 1860 there were as many as 400,000 slaves in the United States. The slaves in large part came from the interior regions of Africa. West African chiefs controlled the local slave trade  It told of the terrible and inhumane conditions they went through. Once they reached the European coast, they were placed in holding pens, sometimes for weeks. By the time they were loaded on the ships they were hungry, sick, and exhausted. It told that 12 million of the Africans would take this journey across the ocean. 

It also told that the first sugar grown by African slaves in the Caribbean reached Spain in 1516. The production then spread to Puerto Rico and in the 1540's to Brazil. The "Triangle Trade" in which it was called, slaves, sugar and rum were traded for profit, except for the African slaves.

I learned that in 1676 a young planter named Nathaniel Bacon, led an uprising against the Virginian's governor. He and his followers were angry at the refusal to exterminate the local native Americans. Many servants, both white and black took part in the rebellion, which burned Jamestown to the ground.

It told that slaves on tobacco plantations were able to develop family systems, in Virginia. In South Carolina slaves were sold to rice farmers. Most of the early English settlers in South Carolina had come from Barbados and brought slaves with them. They received more land if they brought more slaves. Slaves generally worked 6 days a week with Sundays as a day of rest and religion. The owners generally allowed slaves to be married to provide a next generation of labor.

This is very educational to learn about the history of slavery so far. There is so much that I didn't know and am anxious to continue watching. There are 4 discs in the March To Freedom set so there is a lot of film to continue watching, until I get to learning about Martin Luther King.

You can find this amazing collection of history on Mill Creek Entertainment for $19.98.