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How Slavery Shaped America

The enslavement of black people in America is often discussed as a tragic chapter in our nation's past. But slavery influenced nearly every chapter in U.S. history. Slaves were officially freed 140 years ago, but slavery's effects on all Americans shaped events long afterward.

A powerful new documentary series, premiering on PBS stations nationwide on February 9, tells the stories of enslaved black people in North America from the 1600s through the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. Slavery and the Making of America uses reenactments of key historical events and personal stories to bring this part of our country's past to life. Many scenes are based on written accounts by slaves, known as slave narratives. The series also reflects recent research that has enlightened historians about the role of slaves in America's past.

"Enslaved people taught white American farmers to grow rice," says Bill Grant, the executive producer of the series. "They fought in wars; they built our cities and our economy. There are great pieces of this story that many of us have never heard."

The four-hour series is narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. It introduces slaves who led rebellions, who attempted to escape, who risked grave punishment to tell their stories to other slaves. Viewers learn that most of the first 16 U.S. Presidents owned slaves. They see that slavery was not only a southern institution but also widespread in the North.

"We want to challenge what people think they know about slavery," says Grant. "Slavery is the history of all of us, not just of black people."

Editor's note: Slaves' lives were filled with violence and sadness. We recommend that adults preview this series before watching it with kids.

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