Woodrow Wilson: The Decider
Clip: Season 29 Episode 8 | 1m 12s
For Woodrow Wilson, the Great War was a chance for America to become a global citizen.
For President Woodrow Wilson, the Great War was a crusade “to make the world safe for democracy” — a chance to transform the international order in America’s image. “No one had articulated a kind of vision of America as a global citizen,” says filmmaker Stephen Ives. But at the close of the war, Wilson’s arrogance and inflexibility ultimately undermined his own lofty goals.
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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Woodrow Wilson: The Decider
Clip: Season 29 Episode 8 | 1m 12s
For President Woodrow Wilson, the Great War was a crusade “to make the world safe for democracy” — a chance to transform the international order in America’s image. “No one had articulated a kind of vision of America as a global citizen,” says filmmaker Stephen Ives. But at the close of the war, Wilson’s arrogance and inflexibility ultimately undermined his own lofty goals.
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A composer's research process and the challenges he faced in creating music for the film. (2m 2s)
How could President Wilson call for democracy abroad while suppressing it at home? (1m 46s)
Creating music to reflect the mood and feelings of the film, without editorializing it. (2m 30s)
How a race-car driver came to be one of the most famous fighters of the Great War. (1m 40s)
George Creel — the man tasked with selling the Great War to the American people. (1m 37s)
Video has Closed Captions
After more than two years, thousands of American soldiers boarded ships bound for France. (8m 28s)
How WW1 to “make the world safe for democracy”—altered America’s place in the world. (30s)
American Experience Executive Producer Mark Samels discusses the film and why we made it. (2m 24s)
How an editor selects images, footage, and expert interviews to convey The Lost Battalion. (2m 15s)
Private Ralph John’s training for the Great War was two days’ practice with a rifle. (1m 38s)
How WWI transformed America through those whose participation has largely been forgotten. (30s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.