America: Promised Land

Everyone knows America is a land of immigrants, but how much do we really know about what drove those migrations in the first place? America: Promised Land uncovers the great forces in history that helped shape the country we live in today. Told primarily through enhanced graphics, this History Channel special follow the migratory journeys of real people in history, revealing surprising facts along the way. Each chronological hour focuses on a specific theme—Land, War, Opportunity, and Disaster—to tell the story of how the experiences of our ancestors determined how we ended up where we are. Among the historical events covered are the creation of the postage stamp by the Irish, the aid Germans provided to the Union Army in the Civil War, and the Great Migration of African-Americans to the North. With geographical imagery and spectacular CGI effects, the series features interviews with descendants of the historical figures whose stories are told throughout the documentary. (Gary Reber)