Anti-Communism Propaganda Newsreel

I think you will find this very interesting. If you really want a sense of how Americans viewed communism and the threat it represented, this newsreel certainly give you that. I found the commentary about the shopping centers strange and almost amusing. What are your impressions of this clip?

Japanese Surrender on the U.S.S. Missouri (Sept. 2nd, 1945)

Thanks to SM2 for sharing this video link. It is quite interesting to see and hear MacArthur speak. I also thought it was neat to see all of the individuals who signed the surrender document. Can you imagine what was going through the minds of the Japanese diplomats? How about the Americans?

Jackie Robinson (slideshow)

This slideshow provides a terrific photographic record of the amazing baseball player, Jackie Robinson. His story is a truly great one, and it would be well worth reading a good biography of him if you are interested.

The Berlin Airlift (Newsreel)

Described in the newsreel as "the most outstanding transport achievement in the history of aviation," the Berlin Airlift was critical to keeping West Berlin "alive." Until I watched this, I was unaware of the use of "flying boats" as part of the operation. If you watch carefully, you will see a young boy eating some of the chocolate that one of the pilots tosses from his cockpit window. Overall, I found this informative, even though it is far from being of documentary quality. Does anything stand out to you?

Nazi Labor Camp Survivor Makes Football History

Thanks to Mrs. Lewis for sharing this story. Of course, you knew that Texas football had something to do with it. I think you will find the story very interesting, even if you aren't a Texas fan.

"Iron Curtain" Speech (Winston Churchill)

This is one of the more famous speeches of the 20th century. Churchill delivered this speech on March 6th, 1946, at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He was one of the first to recognize the new threat that was the Soviet Union. The Cold War would last for another 45 years ending in 1991. When you hear the cities he lists, see how many you can place in the proper country. Your 6th grade geography teachers would be happy to see you use what you learned last year.

The Nuremberg Trials (Newsreel Footage)

Based on our discussions in class about the trials, do you have additional comments or questions about anything you see or hear in this clip? I always find the newsreel music of the time to be distracting from the information being shared.