This PBS-aired documentary explores what happened in the wake of Christopher Columbus' famed voyages, when the “Old World” encountered the “New,” setting the stage for a historic clash between two sophisticated and dramatically different societies while also laying the foundation for today's rich Latino culture. Hosted by author and professor Ruben Martinez, who co-wrote the script with producer-director Carl Byker, When Worlds Collide travels to various sites, including Spain, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Mayan locales in Central America, to tell the remarkable story of how advanced pre-Columbian peoples, who had flourished for thousands of years, were thrown into violent contact with explorers who brought new diseases and an alien way of life. Martinez's narration, interspersed with occasional comments from historians, tells of the Europeans' wonder at such new foods as corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and chocolate, as well as tobacco and vibrant dyes; their quick recognition of the lucrative potential of slave trafficking; and the dilemma created when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella's proclaimed desire to convert the natives to Christianity was overwhelmed by their lust for gold and silver to finance an empire. Also touched upon are the development of a caste-like division in Spanish and Latin American society, and the eventual mixture of Catholic and indigenous traditions and beliefs. Presenting provocative insights within a first-class production, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)
When Worlds Collide
(2010) 87 min. DVD: $24.99 ($44.95 w/PPR). PBS Video. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-224-6. Volume 26, Issue 2
When Worlds Collide
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