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7.7 / 10(5 votes)IMDbTV-PGFirst Aired: 20051 Season

Slavery and the Making of America

Series Overview

The history of American slavery from its beginnings in the British colonies to its end in the Southern states and the years of post-Civil War Reconstruction. Looks at slavery as an integral part of a developing nation, challenging the long held notion that slavery was exclusively a Southern enterprise. Simultaneously focuses on the remarkable stories of individual slaves, offering new perspectives on the slave experience and testifying to the active role that Africans and African Americans took in surviving their bondage and shaping their own lives.

Broadcast Schedule & Network Information

Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.

EndedMiniseries
Original Network
PBS
Episodes & Seasons

1 Season • 4 Episodes

55 min per episode

Air Date Window

2005 – 2005

Premiered: Wed, Feb 9, 2005

Created By
William Grant

Latest Aired Episode

Aired: Wed, Feb 16, 2005

Season 1, Episode 4: “The Challenge of Freedoms”

Civil War and Reconstruction. The war shifts from a struggle for union to a battle over slavery. Blacks, such as South Carolina slave and future congressman Robert Smalls, contribute to the war effort and experience gains and losses from Reconstruction. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments abolish slavery and guarantee black civil rights, and the Freedmen's Bureau offers aid to former slaves throughout the 1870s. But militant groups such as the Ku Klux Klan threaten the future of racial equality, and segregation laws begin appearing across the country. Slavery's eradication does not end black oppression.

Seasons & Episodes Breakdown

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

William Grant

Original Score & Music

Michael Whalen

Department Leadership Roster

Karen Keyes

Costume Design

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: TV-PG

TV-PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — Contains material parents may find unsuitable for younger children.

International Certification Matrix

United States (MPAA)TV-PG

Parental Guidance Suggested — Contains material parents may find unsuitable for younger children.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Slavery and the Making of America.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Slavery and the Making of America

Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.

What is Slavery and the Making of America about?

The history of American slavery from its beginnings in the British colonies to its end in the Southern states and the years of post-Civil War Reconstruction. Looks at slavery as an integral part of a developing nation, challenging the long held notion that slavery was exclusively a Southern enterprise. Simultaneously focuses on the remarkable stories of individual slaves, offering new perspectives on the slave experience and testifying to the active role that Africans and African Americans took in surviving their bondage and shaping their own lives.

How many seasons does Slavery and the Making of America have?

Slavery and the Making of America comprises 1 season available to explore.

Who stars in Slavery and the Making of America?

Key cast members in Slavery and the Making of America include Morgan Freeman, Chauncey Herring, Justin Jackson, Larry Floyd.

Who created or directed Slavery and the Making of America?

Slavery and the Making of America was developed and directed by William Grant.