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In 1860, as the American Experiment threatened to explode into a bloody civil war, there were as many as four hundred thousand slave-owners in the United States, and almost four million slaves. The nation was founded upon the idea that all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The nation would pay a bloody cost for denying that right to more than twelve percent of its population. But when slavery was first brought to America's shores, this war, and even the nation it tore apart, was centuries in the future. With incredibly detailed historical reenactments, expert commentary and the stories of slavery told through first-hand accounts, this is an epic struggle 400 years in the making. A journey into the past like none other. This is the story of these men and women who by their hands laid the foundation of what would become the most powerful nation on Earth. Join us as we rise...UP FROM SLAVERY.
Seasons
Episode 1
Part One - 1619 Virginia - The First African Slaves arrive
38m
Up From Slavery is a powerful, compelling documentary series that examines the history of slavery in America, from the arrival of the first African slaves through Nat Turner's Rebellion to the Civil War.
Episode 2
Part Two - 18th Century Colonial America and Slavery under the rule of the British Empire
47m
The section of the series presents the changes in slavery in North America due to the beginning of British dominance over the territory and the evolution of the farming and trade practices in the Northern and Southern colonies.
Episode 3
Part Three - Slavery in the United States after the Revolution
46m
The US was founded upon the idea that all men are created equal with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but would pay a bloody cost for denying that right to more than twelve percent of its population.
Episode 4
Part Four - Nat Turners Rebellion, 1831
44m
This part of the series presents the reaction by individuals and parties to the continued use of slave labor in portions of the United States.
Episode 5
Part Five - Abolition from the North grows
43m
This segment of the series speaks about the efforts by Northern Abolitionists to eliminate slavery prior to the start of the Civil War. The participants in this cause and the actions taken by them are recounted.
Episode 6
Part Six - The Civil War. Emancipation Proclamation
46m
This portion of the series talks about the causes of and start of the Civil War; the evolution of the drive to win on each side of the conflict and of President Lincoln's bold step towards freedom for all slaves in the United States.
Episode 7Latest episode
Part Seven - Aftermath of the Civil War and new freedom
45m
This section of the series looks at the conclusion of the War Between the States and the effects of the outcome for slaves, slave owners and the entire country.
