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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.
Extras
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American Masters
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Preview: S40 E5 | 2:37
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American Masters
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Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka returns to the show to talk about her creative process.
Special: 30:00
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American Masters
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Watch as Oglala Lakota musician Mato Wayuhi draw on ancestral knowledge to inform his process.
Special: 16:11
Watch • 1:59:02
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause [EAD]
This version contains EAD. Explore the life of notable Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois.
Special: 1:59:02
Watch • 1:52:45
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause [ASL]
This version contains ASL interpretation. Explore the life of notable Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois.
Special: 1:52:45
Watch • 15:40
American Masters
Warren King: King of Cardboard
Follow Warren King as he transforms cardboard into intricate sculptures.
Special: 15:40
Watch • 27:33
American Masters
Greg Kinnear on Acting, AI, and Why Movies Still Matter
Oscar-nominated actor Greg Kinnear shares some "big thoughts."
Special: 27:33
Watch • 2:29
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Preview: S40 E4 | 2:29
Watch • 2:25
American Masters
Du Bois used visualized data to confront racism at the 1900 Paris Exposition
At the 1900 Paris Expo, Du Bois used data to present a visually captivating case against racism.
Clip: S40 E4 | 2:25
Watch • 3:10
American Masters
The formation of the NAACP and Du Bois’ magazine, “The Crisis”
How Du Bois used "The Crisis" and NAACP efforts to expose racism and celebrate Black achievement.
Clip: S40 E4 | 3:10