American History through Films (2)

After the issue of the Civil War was settled, a process began that would transform the United States into a global power. The discovery of gold in California greatly accelerated westward migration. The United States expanded rapidly toward the West across the vast continent. The Gold Rush (1925) and Far and Away (1992) depict this westward expansion, which took place before and after the Civil War. To fully grasp this movement, it is useful to remember that the distance between the East and West Coasts of the U.S. is almost twice that between Istanbul and Paris.

This period also saw massive waves of immigration. Italians, Irish, and Russians flocked to America in great numbers. However, their hardships are rarely portrayed in American cinema. A recent exception is Cabrini (2024), which depicts the struggles and discrimination faced by Italian immigrants during this era.

By the early 1900s, oil discovered in California became a major driver of industrialization. There Will Be Blood (2007) explores this period. It’s worth noting that five of the films listed so far feature Daniel Day-Lewis in leading roles. The three-time Oscar-winning actor has become synonymous with historical dramas.

Industrialization and the resulting economic growth lifted the United States. Yet, some works satirize this transformation. Modern Times (1936) offers an early critical perspective. Brave New World, though a novel, remains one of the best satires of mechanical modernity. While the film adaptations are generally not well received, Brave New World (1998) can still be added to the list.

Compared to other eras, Americans seem to have produced fewer films about World War I. The Lost Battalion (2001) could represent this period. America’s unchecked growth, reinforced by its role in WWI, was interrupted by the Great Depression (1929–1939). This economic crisis contributed to the rise and expansion of organized crime. Many mafia films set between the two world wars reflect these dynamics in the background. The Untouchables (1987) and Once Upon a Time in America (1984) are two such films included here at my discretion. Steinbeck’s famous novel The Grapes of Wrath is also set in this era, and its 1940 film adaptation deserves a place on the list.

There are numerous films about World War II. If one must be included, Saving Private Ryan (1998) stands out as a well-crafted yet heavily propagandistic film. Paradoxically, WWII did not harm the American economy; it actually helped the U.S. recover from the Great Depression. With its global power affirmed for a second time, the U.S. began constructing a new enemy abroad through the Cold War against the USSR, while simultaneously reinforcing racial segregation at home. Though slavery had been abolished for a century, Black Americans still could not vote, attend white schools or churches, ride white buses, or even wash their faces in the same sinks. The Ku Klux Klan’s third wave, driven by a zealous hatred and organized through churches, is portrayed in films that paradoxically seem to boast of these crimes. Mississippi Burning (1988) and Till (2022) cover this period. Although set much later, A Time to Kill (1996) (set in the year 1984) addresses the same issues. Of course, no list on racism would be complete without Malcolm X (1992).

In the 1960s, the Vietnam War became a front where the U.S. suffered heavy losses. Several powerful films depict this era: Platoon (1986), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Apocalypse Now (1979), and Full Metal Jacket (1987). Although primarily a mafia film, American Gangster (2007) also touches on events related to the Vietnam War. Forrest Gump (1994), which blends key events from 1956 to 1981 into its background, also provides a cinematic overview of modern American history.

Spy films depicting the Cold War era include No Way Out (1987) and Aldrich Ames: Traitor Within (1998). In the 1980s, the noble American hero (!) journeyed to save oppressed Afghan mujahideen from the evil Soviets—a narrative that might surprise younger audiences. Rambo III (1988) fits this mold.

By the 1990s, major wars had faded. From this decade, I’ll include a science fiction film: Independence Day (1996) offers the most banal form of American narcissism and “savior of the world” propaganda.

After 9/11, American cinema began to distance itself from tales of selfless heroes. The new American protagonist became a wounded (!) pragmatist who had to get his hands dirty (!) to save millions (!). Facing the new enemy of the century—Islamist terrorism—these heroes were no longer as ethical as Rambo, since the enemy was portrayed as far more dangerous (!). I won’t dwell too much on these 2000s-era propaganda films. I’ll simply add The Hurt Locker (2008), related to the Iraq invasion.

I did not include TV series in the list, though many strong period dramas could also be placed along this timeline. And let’s not forget that most of these films are Hollywood productions—unfortunately, the scattered indecent content is often part of a long-term marketing strategy. In compiling this list, I’ve focused on films anchored in historical events. Of course, the list could be expanded with films that explore American society or modern American individual. But the theme here is popular history. That said, I’ll close the list with The Truman Show (1998), which, though not tied to a specific time period, offers a brilliant satire of American society with its 1960s-like aesthetic.