Things that make me happy... Men Who Built America

Things that make me happy... Men Who Built America series on the History Channel

The History Channel has featured a amazing mini-series called Men Who Built America this fall.  The eight hour docudrama focuses on the lives of five legendary business giants. The series is broadcasted in four episodes and is available on demand currently.

But first... Test your knowledge of history with this quick trivia quiz at the link below.

http://www.history.com/shows/men-who-built-america/interactives/men-who-built-america-trivia-quiz

What is interesting about this documentary is how we delivers the history lessons using special effects, dramatizations, and interviews to tell the story of how America was built through the lives of key business leaders in American history.

So know you've taken the quiz...

The series starts at the end of the civil war in as the country starts to rebuild. The first titan of industry featured is Cornelius Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt became the most powerful man in the country as he built his railroad empire.  The next titan, John D. Rockefeller, takes over the top spot as founder of Standard Oil and creates a oil monopoly with the control of all refinement and distribution of oil in the US.  In the second part of the series Andrew Carnegie builds his steel empire and transform the skylines of America forever. In the third part the fourth legend of industry, J.P. Morgan, becomes the most powerful banker in the US, partners with Thomas Edison to electrify the world.  Lastly Henry Ford brings wheels to the masses as the industrializes the automotive industry. Other historical figures are featured in the series including Westinghouse and Tesla to name a few.

All in all and fan of business history will get a kick out of this documentary that was featured at the Toronto Film Festival this past September.

History Channel Trailer

Vanderbilt Clip

Henry Ford

Pros
1. The story is compelling and keeps your interest for all 8 hours... really!
2. Really cool special effects used. And the the director is very good.
3.  JP Morgan and Rockfeller are total gangsters... Great casting.

Cons
1. The business mogul interviews were not that insightful and kind of boring.
2. Its on the History Channel. Good luck finding it on your cable network.

S.F. Guru