Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Interesting WWI short has lots of facts, some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
America’s World War I Centennial
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
AMERICA'S WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL is a short t.v. documentary feature produced to mark the 100th year anniversary of the United States' entry into World War I. With the help of archival footage, and interviews with historian Mitchell Yockelson, it highlights what led to President Wilson's decision to enter the United States into the Great War on April 6, 1917, three years after it began. It also reveals some of the challenges American soldiers faced while on the battlefield. But most of all, it celebrates how the contributions of the U.S. to the war is what largely led to the armistice, and how this marked the beginning of the country's rise as an international superpower.
Is It Any Good?
What makes this docu particularly interesting is what it tells us about the way the U.S. transformed politically, economically, and socially before, during, and after it entered the war effort. It also addresses how ill-prepared soldiers were for the mechanized fighting that was taking place abroad, and honors the over 100K men who died during the 19 months of battle. America's World War I Centennial manages to pack a lot of general information into 20 minutes. But if you're a history buff, it will probably leave you wanting to know much, much more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why World War I is often referred to as the Great War. What made this war unique, even by today's standards? How do contemporary media depictions of WWI compare with what the archives show us really happened?
America's World War I Centennial argues that the United States was less divided during the war because it brought Northerners and Southerners together against a common enemy. How is this argument supported? Do you agree with this assessment?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 1, 2017
- Cast : Mitchell Yockelson
- Network : Max
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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