Modern America
Reel History Final
Cold War
Civil Rights
Vietnam War
Watergate Scandal
Post 9/11 United States
Impression on "Modern America"
Favorite Movie: We Were Soldiers; this film was an amazing demonstration of the Vietnam War. We Were Soldiers showed how the United States used helicopters to transport troops in and out of the battlefield. Although the ending was historically inaccurate, this movie was interesting, suspenseful, and intense.
Least Favorite Movie: Green Berets; the Green Berets played an important role in the Vietnam War to strategically capture North Vietnamese officers. However, this film was boring and I was hardly able to keep my eyes open. Made in the 60's, the effects in the movie were not attracting to me at all.
Most Interesting Unit: Cold War; the Cold War was an interesting unit because of amazing films, such as 13 Days and Miracle. These films showed the importance of the CIA, the dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the impact the 1980 Hockey Olympic team had on the country. The Cold War was the best unit of the class.
Least Interesting Unit: Civil Rights Movement; although important to American history, the Civil Rights unit was very boring and confusing. I did not completely understand Malcolm X's life and his role as a civil rights activist, or the situation shown in Mississippi Burning.
Biggest Impression: Miracle; the film, Miracle, was very appealing to me because of my love of sports. Watching the film was an excellent ending to the Cold War era because it gave me a sense of nationalism due to the victory over the Soviet Union. After all of the tension and anger expresses throughout the nation, the 1980 U.S. Hockey Olympic team changed America's view on the Cold War and the public turned optimistic.
Reaction to the Class
After watching these films and expanding my knowledge of American history, the United States went through a tough time in the past. In this era, the united States had to deal with foreign intervention, domestic protests, and the war on terrorism. The time period of 1945-2011 has shaped the United States of today and has led to civil rights, the destruction of the Soviet Union, and the entrance to war in Iraq. These films have changed the way I view Modern America because in AP Us history, we only learn up until the 1980's. The Post 9/11 unit was very interesting and expanded my knowledge.
I believe the United States is in a better position after this time period because this time period placed a lot of stress on the country. In dealing with the Cold War, Civil Rights, the Vietnam War, and post 9/11, we have secured the threat of communism from the Western Hemisphere, given equality to ALL citizens of the nation, and have captured the attacker of 9/11. Although we are still at war, the United States' homefront in is a better position and have experienced a great sense of nationalism.