This unique five-documentary collection includes a two-part overview of American military flight and three documentaries about notable conflicts that used aircraft to achieve victory. The first segment is titled Kitty Hawk to Pearl Harbor and discusses the earliest years of military aviation in the United States.
The next film follows the post-WWII advances in jet technology and the major conflicts that utilized American air support. America's Great Victory looks at the use of American air power during World War II, focusing on the B2 long-range bomber and the infamous use of atomic weapons on Japan.
World War 2 looks at the long-range bomber’s counterpart, diving into dogfights and technical advances in all-metal fighter planes. The final documentary, The Cold War, looks at the Korean War, the threat of the Soviet MIG fighter, advances in missile technology, and the complex game of nuclear brinksmanship.
The Complete History of U.S. Military Air Power is an excellent collection for those looking to expand war and military documentary collections. Utilizing archival footage and photos with a skilled voiceover, this documentary brings to mind the early History Channel documentaries I enjoyed as a child and teenager.
Dramatic readings of primary sources like letters, reports, and journal entries keep the content varied and informative without overloading the viewer. While the focus of the documentaries is on war, there are often interjections of advances among civilian aircraft including popular culture, entertainment, exploration, and transit advances.
This collection of documentaries includes surprisingly varied content: The first two segments could be used as supplementary material for American history classes while the final three segments offer information valuable to some courses including military history, engineering, and politics.
Patrons at public libraries looking for military or aviation documentaries will be thrilled by these titles. Easy to digest and informative, they will provide an excellent draw for teenage and adult patrons interested in military aircraft. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
This documentary would be an excellent addition to war documentary shelves.
What kind of instructors could use this title?
Those studying American history, early modern warfare, or aviation will find a lot of useful information in The Complete History of U.S. Military Air Power