Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--This thorough documentary narrated by Martin Sheen explores the life of one of America's most controversial presidents. A bevy of distinguished and diverse historians create the context for the film's use of re-enactments, lithographs, and letters. Although Jackson, or "Old Hickory," came from impoverished beginnings and was orphaned by age 13, he rose to become a Major General in the United States Army, founder of the Democratic Party, and the seventh President of the United States. Jackson owned over 100 slaves, and was responsible for the forced, brutal removal of several Native American tribes from the southern territories. As a war hero, he led the American Army into a tremendous victory at the Battle of New Orleans, and launched a successful, yet unsanctioned, invasion of Florida. Not only was his campaign for the presidency contentious and scandal-ridden, he was the first candidate to use early mass media techniques (lithography) to win votes. He was also the first president to open the White House to "blue-collar" Americans. Although the material in the documentary is densely presented, it offers excellent segment breaks for in-class viewing. American history, social studies, and political science educators will find this a useful supplement to help highlight multiple aspects of the American experience, including governmental racism, the impact of mass media on politics, and the military history of the United States.--Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
