FEATURES & DETAILS:
- Copyright: 2004
- Language: English, Spanish
- Color
- MARC records, Catalog Card Kit and Single Main Entry Cards are available
- Features: Chapter Select, Interactive Menu, Discussion Questions & Activities
- Technical: Single Layer, Single Sided, Full Screen
- DVD Region: ALL
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PRODUCT SUMMARY
When the early American settlers left Europe for the New World, they risked everything to start over in a strange land. Yet, there was something in this New World that made all the uncertainty worth it...and would eventually make it worth fighting for. In Origins of Democracy, students will get a detailed account of the social, political and economic conditions that created a spirit of independence, which would eventually put the Americans on the road to rebellion. Part of the multivolume American Revolution for Students DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"
...Another nice entry from Schlessinger Media, who can be counted on for solid educational products…Recommended."- Video Librarian (March/April 2004)"These films are well made, accurate, informative, and will appeal to students...a good choice for libraries serving middle level students."- School Library Journal (Feb 2004)
"This straightforward series is a fine supplement to the social-studies curriculum."- Booklist (July 2005)
"…includ[es]…British and American viewpoints, which is unusual in materials for this age…Highly recommended."- Library Media Connection (Jan 2005)
FULL REVIEWS
Video Librarian (March 2004)
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"Another nice entry from Schlessinger Media, who can be counted on for solid educational products, the five-volume The American Revolution for Students traces America’s struggle for independence from Great Britain. Origins of Democracy, 1688-1765 examines the concept of self-rule from ancient times up through the Magna Carta, the Glorious Revolution, and the English Bill of Rights, discussing how these ideas influenced the English-speaking colonists before the Revolutionary War, while also pointing out those who were left out of the quasi-democratic systems: slaves, Native Americans, and the poor. In addition, the program defines mercantilism, looks at products the different colonies shipped back to England, and covers the French and Indian Wars (a costly affair that laid the foundation for the hated “taxation without representation” battle). Interviews with historians are combined with scenes featuring re-enactors, as well as artwork and maps. The other titles in the series are: Causes of the Revolution, Declaring Independence, The Revolutionary War, and Creating a New Nation. Recommended.
School Library Journal (February 2004)
Gr 5-9-Students are introduced to the events and people of the Revolutionary War era. Origins of Democracy mentions Greek and Roman democracy and the English Magna Carta and Bill of Rights, but its main focus is on the development of an independent economy and self government in the American colonies. Causes of the Revolution, Declaring Independence, and The Revolutionary War all offer general coverage of people, events, and ideas related to their respective themes. Creating a New Nation explains the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation government and details the drafting and ratification of the Constitution. All the videos include some information about the status and contributions of women and free and enslaved African Americans. They are produced in traditional documentary format, with narration by a casually dressed young man. The narrative, which is generally admiring of the American experiment in revolution and self government, is supplemented with commentary from historians and narrated quotes from period primary sources. Visuals include period paintings and illustrations, reenactment footage, and footage of actors who portray important figures such as Patrick Henry and Benjamin Franklin. These films are well made, accurate, informative, and will appeal to students. The series could be used for either introduction or review. Although the videos cover much of the same material as the Revolutionary War titles in the Shaping America: U.S. History to 1877 series (Dallas Telelearning/PBS, 2001), their vocabulary and analysis are suited to a slightly younger audience, making them a good choice for libraries serving middle level students.
Copyright 2004 School Library Journal. Used with permission.