Why History?

Another excellent installment in Cambridge Educational's Why? series (see Why Geography? [VL-7/97]), this informative, well-written video follows a similar format: the host takes a road trip to answer the title question. This time, he follows an "h"-shaped route, taking us through Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. Stories from America's past are offered through a wide variety of topics, reflecting the diversity of what is considered "history": railroads, cowboys, atomic energy, Mark Twain, civil rights, the Oklahoma City bombing, and even Elvis. Various people interviewed provide a multi-faceted look at history, from the standpoint of personal experience to a chain of cause-and-effect events. Even the sensitive issue of historical point of view is addressed: the video rightly points out that minority groups tend to be marginalized or forgotten in the telling, but adds that history is often found in the changes which occur when a group's unique culture becomes a part of the larger social fabric. The wealth of stock footage skillfully intercut with views of middle America, combined with the creative script, makes this a great addition to any history curriculum. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H. (E. Gieschen)