Dates: 2010 – 2012
Country of Origin: United States
Presenter: Brian Unger
Time: Approx 43 minutes
Web Site: How States Got Their Shapes
Review of How States Got Their Shapes
The documentary How States Got Their Shapes, based on Mark Stein’s book of the same name, explores the geographical forces. These forces shaped the borders of the United States. It also examines the historical and cultural forces involved. Brian Unger hosts this History Channel production. It blends humor, storytelling, and expert interviews. The show unravels the fascinating tales behind each state’s distinctive outline.
The documentary explores various factors that influence state boundaries. These factors include politics, economics, and natural geography. Sometimes even personal grudges or accidents play a role. Unger’s engaging narrative style, merged with archival footage, modern-day interviews, and creative maps, keeps the viewer intrigued. The film highlights how rivers, mountain ranges, and historical compromises played crucial roles. For instance, the Missouri Compromise was significant in determining state borders.
A particularly strong aspect of the documentary is its ability to make history accessible and entertaining. It avoids being overly academic while still providing a wealth of information. The documentary balances quirky anecdotes, like the story of West Virginia’s secession from Virginia during the Civil War. It also includes broader discussions of national events like the Louisiana Purchase. This approach ensures a comprehensive yet digestible viewing experience.
On the downside, the documentary occasionally sacrifices depth for breadth. It touches on some topics too briefly to satisfy those with a keen interest in American history. Additionally, the pacing can feel uneven, with some states or regions receiving more attention than others.
How States Got Their Shapes is an insightful and entertaining documentary. It offers a fresh perspective on a topic most people take for granted. It’s an excellent choice for history enthusiasts, students, or anyone curious about how America’s patchwork of states came to be. While it leaves viewers wanting more detail on certain aspects, it succeeds in sparking interest. It also cultivates appreciation for the rich stories hidden within America’s borders.
Special
2010
SP1 How the States Got Their Shapes
Series 1
2011
S01-E01 A River Runs Through It
S01-E02 The Great Plains,
Trains and Automobiles
S01-E03 Force of Nature
S01-E04 State of Rebellion
S01-E05 Living on the Edge
S01-E06 Use It or Lose it
S01-E07 Church and States
S01-E08 A Broom with a View
S01-E09 Culture Clash
S01-E10 Mouthing Off
Series 2
2012
SO2-E01 Red State vs. Blue State
SO2-E02 White Collar vs. Blue Collar
SO2-E03 Hillbilly vs. Redneck
SO2-E04 Hatfields vs, McCoys
SO2-E05 North vs. South
SO2-E06 Bigfoot vs. Aliens
SO2-E07 Great Lakes, Big States
SO2-E08 Battle of the Bible Belt
SO2-E09 Vice vs. Virtue
SO2-E10 Midwest vs. The Rest
SO2-E11 Is West Best
SO2-E12 City vs. Country
SO2-E13 East vs. West
SO2-E14 Rebels & Outlaws
SO2-E15 Mess with Texas
SO2-E16 State vs. State
SO2-E17 Rich vs. Poor
SO2-E18 Big vs. Small
SO2-E19 The United Shapes of America