During the heady days of the Constitutional Era, America's Founding Fathers set the future of a nation on its course. Washington helps define the Presidency that evolves through Monroe's administration, while Adams sees the country through the XYZ Affair and Jefferson signs the Louisiana Purchase.
In a period of rapid growth for the nation and contentious politics in Washington, Jackson heralds in the era of the Common Man and Manifest Destiny. Quincy Adams threatens to undo the virtues of American politics, while the economy tumbles during Van Buren's term. Harrison dies in office and Polk declares war on Mexico.
The most volatile period in U.S. history leads to the American Civil War. Follow the Presidency from the rough style of Taylor--the second president to die in office--and relative ineffectiveness of Fillmore and Pierce, to the near treason of Buchanan's administration, to Lincoln's shocking assassination.
The Age of Reconstruction follows the Civil War. Three of the five presidents during this period are former generals of this war. Highlights include Johnson's impeachment trial, Grant's triumphs, the back room politics of Hayes, and Arthur's Civil Service reforms.
During an era of unbridled economic growth called the Gilded Age, Cleveland becomes the first president to serve two non-consecutive terms, McKinley is assassinated, Teddy Roosevelt launches an all-out anti-trust assault on Big Money monopolies, and Taft becomes estranged from his mentor and friend, Teddy Roosevelt.
While America emerges as a super-power, Wilson promises to "make the world safe for democracy," Harding's administration is wracked by scandal, Coolidge ushers the nation to a dangerous economic precipice that leaves Hoover with the Great Depression--which finally ends as FDR leads the nation through WWII.
Truman leads the United States into the Atomic Age and the beginning of the Cold War. The most likeable president in U.S. history and hero of D-Day, Eisenhower is followed by the youthful charisma of Kennedy, until his tragic assassination. LBJ finally pulls out of Vietnam, while Nixon resigns and Ford stumbles. Along the way the moon is reached.
From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the inauguration of 2005, Carter suffers through an economic depression and the Iran Hostage Crisis; Reagan survives assassination, Iran-Contra, and the Strategic Defense Initiative; George Bush initiates the Gulf War; Clinton presides over a booming economy, sex scandals, and impeachment; and George W. Bush follows 9/11 with his cowboy Doctrine of Pre-emptive Strikes.
Following the historic 2008 election, incumbent President Barack Obama is profiled.
Included in the 2010 "The Presidents" DVD Box Set, this bonus episode describes the history of Mount Rushmore and its presidents. Here is the controversial history of this unorthodox masterpiece, including the remarkable design specifications, the tragedies and setbacks that marred its construction, and the awe it inspires to this day.
From George Washington's Mount Vernon to George Bush's Kennebunkport retreat, the private homes of America's presidents have offered peace, seclusion and privacy for the most public of men. America's Castles offers a remarkable, privileged look at some of the most impressive of these Presidential Palaces. Visit the final resting place of Andrew Jackson on the grounds of his sprawling Hermitage estate. With its dignified facade and stately elegance, Hermitage was built to honor Jackson's wife, who died weeks before his inauguration. Tour the magnificent Hudson Valley home of Martin Van Buren, which features a 40-foot banquet hall, lavish decoration and Moorish details. And marvel at the gorgeous Spiegel Grove, the beloved home of Rutherford Hayes, whose love of nature led him to build "a large verandah with a house attached." The stunning home features Chippendale furniture, a 12,000 volume library and a majestic curving staircase.
