It was a worldwide catastrophe that touched the lives of every family on every street in every town in America. Now, bring the human dimensions of what it was like to live through World War II into the classroom.

The War, directed and produced by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, explores the history of the Second World War from an American perspective by following the fortunes of so-called ordinary men and women who were caught up in one of the greatest cataclysms in human history. The film tells the stories of citizens from four American towns — Waterbury, Connecticut; Mobile, Alabama; Sacramento, California; and Luverne, Minnesota. In every episode, veterans’ accounts of battle are interwoven with the poignant recollections of their loved ones back home, who, for four long years, carried on with their lives, contributed to the war effort, and lived in constant fear of telegrams containing news too terrible to bear.

Through these firsthand perspectives, students can explore the meaning and relevance of the Second World War — and its impact on American society, culture, identity, economy, politics, leadership, and citizenship.

By focusing on the stories of ordinary Americans, The War presents one of the biggest events in history on an intimate, human scale. In the end, we all begin to see that in extraordinary times there are no ordinary lives.

Contains adult language and violence. Viewer discretion is advised.

The War is a production of Florentine Films and WETA, Washington, D.C.
approx. 15 hours. Web: pbs.org/thewar.
  

*Bonus DVD for educators offers empowering lessons that last

The Bonus DVD for educators provides students and educators with the tools to go beyond the film to learn about World War II and that period in American history through an exploration of the experiences of their families and communities. The disc includes a personal message from Ken Burns; a Teacher’s Guide; standards-based lesson plans for grades 9-12 with related video clips; and the Power of Story Toolkit designed to engage students in the story collecting and documentary process. The Toolkit, along with Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s skillful approach to documentary filmmaking, provides a model for involving students in seeking out, understanding, and documenting history in their own communities using the technologies that are part of their lives.

  
Don't Miss Out – Order Your Copy Now!

Directed and Produced by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick; Written by Geoffrey C. Ward; Produced by Sarah Botstein: Co-Producers Peter Miller and David McMahon; Supervising Film Editor Paul Barnes; Editors Paul Barnes, Erik Ewers and Tricia Reidy; Cinematography Buddy Squires; Associate Producers Meghan Horvath and Taylor Krauss; Narrated by Keith David with Tom Hanks, Josh Lucas, Bobby Cannavale, Samuel L. Jackson, Eli Wallach, among others; Original Music Composed and Arranged by Wynton Marsalis; “American Anthem” music and lyrics by Gene Scheer.

Episode Descriptions

Episode Three “A DEADLY CALLING” November 1943 - June 1944
Americans are shocked by terrible losses on the Pacific atoll of Tarawa, while in Italy Allied forces are stalled for months at Monte Cassino and a risky landing at Anzio fails utterly. At home, as overcrowded “war towns” boom, economic transformation leads to confrontation and ugly racial violence.

Episode Four “PRIDE OF OUR NATION” June 1944 - August 1944
On June 6, 1944, D-Day, 1.5 million Allied troops take part in the greatest invasion in history, but then bog down in the Norman hedgerows for weeks. Saipan proves the costliest Pacific battle to date, while back home dreaded telegrams from the War Department begin arriving at an inconceivable rate.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Commentary by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick • Archival Film War Town

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Exclusive Deleted Scenes • Additional Interviews