In a Dark Time
#4 of 6 of Making Sense of the Sixties (1990). Produced by WETA, Washington, D.C. Advisory Committee: Dr. David DeLeon, historian; Dr. James Gilbert, historian; John Judis, journalist; Larry Lichty, media studies consultant; Dr. Sheilah Mann, political scientist
Synopsis: In the late sixties, the Vietnam War was fought in the streets of America as well as in Vietnam. The battle spilled over into American churches, homes, campuses, and the Congress. The program looks at the effects of this war on America and the increasing polarization of its supporters and opponents. It also examines the mounting racial tensions that sparked riots in cities nationwide, and the elements of fear, disenchantment, and frustration that were evident across the country. Finally, the episode leads viewers to the violent year of 1968 as political protest began to fuse with social ferment.
Context of the film
- Type of film?
- Who are the producers/writers?
- Context in which it was made?
- What issues became important battlegrounds in the social conflict of the Sixties?
- If the Sixties was a time of social and cultural warfare, who were the warriors? (What individuals and social groups does the film treat as significant?)
- How did political activism change over the Sixties? (The film was written to answer this historical question.)
- What is the film’s explanation for why social movements in the Sixties changed? (Good theses must be debatable. Otherwise, they’re not worth stating, because everyone knows it already. This film’s thesis about change is highly debatable.)
1968 is often said to be one of the most important years in American history. Can you reconstruct what happened that year from the film? (Use Zinn and Johnson to complete your notes later.)
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
More evidence to examine for Monday’s history Workshop can be found on the following web sites: