Featured Media

You will now view one or more feature films that dramatically portray Progressive Era themes. For this, you will need access to your choice of the following films:

• Citizen Kane (1941). This film addresses the themes of media, journalism, muckrakers, and great wealth during the Progressive period and beyond. This is arguably one of the most important films in American cinema, and ought to be viewed by all students of American history and culture.
• Knute Rockne All American (1940). This movie's story of legendary Notre Dame football player and coach Knute Rockne touches on several aspects of Progressive thinking. One aspect it addresses is how the spread of sports in schools is a product of mandatory attendance laws. It is also an interesting look into the socialization process of different groups of diverse, though white, ethnic groups as Americans.
• Mary Poppins (1964). The "Sister Suffragette" scene helps cement an understanding of the word and concept of "suffrage" in students' minds. This is a helpful and entertaining way to begin work on the 19^th Amendment. NOTE: This film clip refers to the English suffragette movement that influenced the American effort.
• Newsies (1992). This musical introduces viewers to 1890s New York City child labor and living conditions, albeit in a highly fictionalized way. When combined with a viewing of Jacob Riis's powerful primary source photographs of turn-of-the-century street children, the theme of child labor and reform may begin to come to life for students.
• The Untouchables (1987). This dramatic film gives a glimpse of post-Progressive Era Prohibition fall-out (crime), and creates a good jumping-off point for a discussion of the 18^th Amendment.

After you have viewed the film(s), discuss the following questions with your colleagues or reflect on them in your journal:

1. What is your estimate of the time period covered by this film? (Include the years and name of the period(s) portrayed.)
2. What does the film show or imply about the expansion and reform that characterized American business, politics, and culture during this era?
3. Review the list of categories and related content you provided on the Reflect on Your Knowledge page. Which categories/content does this film depict?
4. In what ways is the film a good illustration of Progressive Era themes and events? What, if any, inaccuracies does it present?