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Discusses how the size, shape, and location of the land mass of the United States accounts for our country's growth to a world power. Features a brief travelogue of the United States.
Professor Peek, Mr. Ravenholt, and Charles Davis, professor of geography at the University of Michigan and recently returned from the Far East, discuss the nature of the U. S. military aid in the Far East. Mr. Ravenholt points out that the U.S. is sending more military aid to the Far East than to Europe. This aid is directed primarily at Korea, Japan, Formosa, Siam, Indochina, and the Philippines. These six countries are in the "twilight zone," the zone between the bamboo curtain and the U.S. dominated Pacific. Two worlds are vying for this critical area. Members of the panel use two case studies to describe the aid extended to the Philippines and the aid directed toward Formosa. In the Philippines, U. S. officials made many mistakes such as mismanaging guerilla recognition after the war. After 1950 and the outbreak of the Korean War, however, the U.S. reorganized its methods of aid to the new republic and helped the Philippines in their thorough clean up of the Army. By contrast, Formosa has received more U.S. military aid than the Philippines. Here, however, there has been no attempt to educate the people in a democratic fashion or to help give the military the idea of being loyal to a country and a Constitution rather than to an individual. Here the U.S. has been successful in equipping the Island, but not in giving organizational assistance. The panel agrees, that, if we can send military aid and ideals, it is a cheap price for our boys' lives. The Philippine peoples are friendly toward the U.S. because the U.S. aid has been demonstrated to be in their interest. This is not so in other countries. Many of the Asiatic peoples feel they have no control over the American military aid. Ravenholt concludes the discussion by stressing the need for demonstrating that the U.S. aid is in the interest of the people in order for it to succeed.
Discusses contemporary opera, outlines the movements and more notable productions form various countries since World War I. Identifies the three idiomatic schools of contemporary writing--expressionistic, impressionistic, and neo-classical--and explains why each developed. Presents the story and contemporary work by Foss, JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY. (University of California Ext.) film.
Points out the American legacy from the English along the seaboard, including the English law, the English language, representative government, land hunger, the regime of "Opportunity Unlimited," self-reliance, and even the acceptance of Negro Slavery, and the attitude of "getting away with it." (KETC) Kinescope.
Professor Peek, Mr. Ravenholt, and Professor John W. Lederle, Director of the Institute of Public Administration at the University of Michigan and recently returned from the Philippines, discuss the questions "How successful has the U.S. been in the Philippines?", "How strategic is the Philippines to the U.S.?", and "What does the future hold for the Philippines?" Since the Islands were ceded by Spain to the U.S. in 1898, the U. S. Government's mission there has been to prepare the people for independence. On July 4, 1946, the 7,150 islands finally became the Philippine Republic, but many problems remain. Lederle explains that the Philippine Government is similar to that of the U.S., but that the central government, with the president in control, is far more powerful than our own Federal Government. This accounts for the weakness at the grassroots level--the apathy of the private citizen toward the government. Mr. Ravenholt points out that the U.S. program to advance the educational system in the Islands has been successful. So, too, the public health program has progressed. However, the economic and social aspects of the situation have not been developed under American guidance. The panel agrees that the Philippine Islands are in a key position in the Far East. Aware of this the U.S. Government has built a large air base and is constructing its largest naval base in the area on Luzon Island. The future potential is great for the Philippines with its undeveloped natural resources, vast timber lands, and some 20 million acres of rich farm land yet to be plowed. It is conceivable that the Philippines could help to feed Japan and India if the Burma rice fields fall under communist control. The Philippines are independent, but the job of the U.S. is not over. New techniques need to be devised to develop the Philippine resources. And Asia is judging America by what happens in the Philippines.
This program addresses westward expansion. The first westward movement took the pioneers across the Appalachians into Kentucky and Tennessee, then to the Ohio country. Gradually, several new states in the Old Northwest were built. Here, two important pieces of national legislation were put on trial: the Land Ordinance of 1785 became the basis for federal land policies for decades, and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set the pattern by which new territories could move through progressive stages to statehood.
During the first thirty-odd-years of the young nation’s independent existence, despite the fact that it had political freedom, the USA found itself most unpleasantly and generally quite inextricably involved in Old World affairs. The Young USA was snubbed first and then bullied by England; it was treated patronizingly and then double crossed by France; for a time it was pushed around by Spain and even bedeviled by the tiny Barbary states of North Africa. These were painful, exasperating, humiliating years. More and more it became painfully evident to the Young USA that there are times in international life when war becomes the only alternative to national dishonor and humiliation. The choice of the adversary, which might have been France quite as much as Britain, was in large measure resolved by pressures from the West. The “war hawks” wanted to fight England in order to have a chance to settle old scores and justification for taking Canada. The War of 1812 was not exactly a glorious venture. Poorly prepared and her armies badly led, the young nation was lucky to come out of it unscathed. Nothing was lost, but nothing was really settled.
Reviews early sixteenth century efforts to cross or circumvent the American land masses. Reveals the change in attitude towards the Americas after the exploits of Cortes and Pizarro among the Aztecs and Incas. Discusses later Spanish attempts to find "another Mexico" and their plans to hold both continents for themselves. (KETC) Kinescope.
Presents the story of the rise of totalitarianism and the failure of the democracies to produce effective answers to world problems. Discusses the American attitudes towards Fascism, Nazism, and Communism. Appraises the validity of these attitudes. (KETC) Kinescope.
There was an overwhelming decision in November 1932 to change leadership. Early New Deal legislation sought to accomplish the first two R’s, Relief and Recovery. The later years of the New Deal were pointed toward the third, Reform. An English historian of the modern American scene has offered a sound theme for this part of the story: “One many not agree with the answers which he gave, but one must admit that FDR asked the right questions.”
Imperialism was in the air as the nineteenth century ran toward its close. The USA proved not to be immune. A new “manifest destiny” took hold of American minds; expansion beyond continental limits had its attractions. The early twentieth century saw the USA taking its part in world affairs as a solid full-grown member of the family of nations.
This program addresses the Civil War; even before Lincoln took office, the retreat from the Union had begun. He did not want war but was determined that, if the preservation of the Union demanded it, he would not refuse the challenge. Fort Sumter was bombarded and on April 13th its garrison surrendered. The next four years would be bloody, painful, unfortunate ones in the American story.
The skirmishes at Lexington and Concord and even the more determined fighting around Boston were only meant to show the mother country that the colonials were serious in their demand to be treated fairly as Englishmen. But then events moved rapidly. In July, 1776, the die was cast and the challenge thrown in the face of the British. The next years were full of heartbreaks and setbacks. Almost to the end, the outcome of the struggle was in serious doubt. While the war was on, the new nation often found distressing troubles of an internal nature. The independence for which the fight was being waged at times seemed to be anything but that sweet thing glimpsed in the dreams of freedom. But in the end, victory came to the Americans. In 1783 Great Britain officially recognized the United States of North America. The introductory chapters of the American story were concluded. The main chapters were to follow.
By means of maps and diagrams, enumerates the various means of transportation made possible by the topography of our land. States that one of our country's major strengths is the comparative ease and speed with which we can move people and goods across our continent. (WOI-TV) Kinescope.
Dr. Sumner explains how land surface is considered the most precious of all natural resources since it and climate together produce soil and determine the nature of vegetation. As an example of uncultivated plants which are a rich natural resource, Dr. Sumner cites our nation’s timber supplies. He points out that recent progress in reforestation has not equalized our consumption and growth of timber.
Presents a background of Verdi's life and discusses his early operatic productions, including Rigoletto. Discusses the characteristics of the Italian opera, describes Verdi's love for and his contribution to his country, and tells of his awakening interest in Shakespeare which later influenced some of his compositions.
Here was a man whose music was often misinterpreted, says Dr. Popper as he discusses the life and works of operatic composer Verdi. He tells how Verdi was influenced by Shakespeare and talks of his master work, “Rigoletto.” The program also features demonstrations of Verdi’s music.
Dr. Popper bares the life and works of another great composer, Wagner, as he continues on his journey through opera for the layman. Several vocal illustrations are included, and Dr. Popper again spends much of his time at the piano.
Discusses the later works of Wagner and the conditions under which various of his operas were written. Describes the process of writing the Ring, ending with four complete works--Das Rheingold, Die Walkure, Siegfried, and Die Gotterdammerung. Demonstrates with piano and voice, portions of Wagner's two shorter works, Tristan and Isolde, and Die Meistersinger.
The problem of co-existence between rival nations is pin-pointed as a student from Israel takes issue with his counterpart from Egypt on the situation in the Middle East. The two appear with students from Iceland and Norway on the panel. The solution of the Israel-Arab problem, according to Per Friis Rusten of Norway, lies in education that will provide the peoples of the world with an international mind and spirit. "That's the hardest part - understanding another point of view, " adds Icelander Miss Gudrun Erlendsdottir.
"I want to tell American students how lucky they are," states Nakchung Paik of Korea. "Education is a privilege in my country. Here, it is a right." The other three participants, from Brazil, Britain, and Japan, agree in the panel discussion that American students have many advantages not equaled by students in their homelands. Choice in selecting subjects and sports are cited by the panel as beneficial factors in education here.
Explains the ways in which rumors develop, and presents typical errors people make when telling their experiences to others. Illustrates the transmission of information by using a verbal chain demonstration in reporting a familiar situation and a pantomine demonstration in reporting an unfamiliar situation. Outlines the ways in which the reporting of an incident is accomplished from person to person and the changes that take place during the transmission.
This series, aired from 1954 through 1958, is built around the annual New York Herald Tribune World Youth Forum, which hosts approximately thirty foreign high school students from around the world in the US. The World Youth Forum features the high school students discussing problems of concern to America and the world. Discussions are presided over by Mrs. Helen Hiett Waller, World Youth Forum Director, with a maximum of encouragement to free expression. In this program from 1955, students from Australia, Singapore, Italy, and India discuss the proper purpose of a high school education.
The Friendly Giant reads the book, Where's the Bunny?, by Ruth Carroll, published by the Oxford University Press. The Kittens, Me-ow and Me-ow Too, and Rusty the rooster play a game of tag. (WHA-TV) Kinescope.
This program stresses two main points: The internal problems of Japan and Japan’s position in the Far East as it affects the United States. A film segment suggests highlights of the history of Japan since World War II, and a second film clip illustrates the conditions of life in Japan, pointing up the great difficulty of such a small country in providing enough food for such an enormous population. It is agreed that the key issue of American policy is how to convert a defeated, completely demilitarized enemy into a strong ally against Communism.
A Swiss student declares that he would be willing to have his country give up its traditional neutrality, if it would help to unify Europe, during this discussion. He cautions, however, that the purpose of this unification is to help each other and, if Europe is unified against Russia, that purpose will be defeated. The four other countries represented on the panel are Germany, France, Belgium and Yugoslavia.
Discusses Dutch holdings on the Hudson, in the East, and in Brazil. Appraises the Dutch efforts at empire building and governing. Relates Henry Hudson's discovery of the fur-rich Hudson valley in his search for a Northwest passage. (KETC) Kinescope.
Walter Kerr, drama critic for the New York Herald Tribune interviews distinguished American poet, Archibald MacLeish. Mr. MacLeish outlines his ideas on what poetry is and should be, including ideas on its uses. For him, poetry must come from experience and give form to experience. He sees younger writers as turning inward toward more spiritual and emotional themes and expressions.
This is the first lesson on how to write a clear and forceful sentence, whether in a lyric poem or in a technical report. Examples of good sentences are read from Poe, Conrad, Lamb and others.
Discusses five devices for putting power into sentences. Includes (1) arranging words in order of importance, (2) keeping the main idea in the main clause, (3) keeping the minor clause at the beginning, and the major clause at the end, (4) keeping the reader in suspense until the end, and (5) arranging words in an unnatural order. Examples of simple, powerful sentences are read.
Reviews our use of labels to classify people when these labels actually refer to but one characteristic of a single person. Points out the way in which we tack many other ideas onto these labels and form stereotypes. This is illustrated when several people are brought before a group and the group is asked to make choices concerning their occupations from a list provided them.
Discusses how prejudice might affect our actions, and points out that it is one of the most important of all the false impressions that occur within us. Demonstrates, with a group of students, how prejudice is promoted through "labels" which people attach to certain individuals or groups.
The last meeting of the Herald Tribune Youth Forum was a meeting of the complete group at the U.N. General Assembly hall. Episode nine deals more or less with world problems. The role of the U. N. in world affairs is considered, particularly the problem of colonialism and the U. N.s ability to regulate trusteeships and mandates. The problem of "power politics", and the necessity to align with one side or the other, is presented by Vangala Ram, the delegate from India: "The only real moment of strangeness I recall was during a conversation about world politics. The participants seemed to think that the only powers worth considering in today's world are the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R." Peter Hudson of the United Kingdom later countered this, saying: "Today neutral countries are not the strong countries. They use neutrality to justify their weakness, either because they don't want to be strong or because they are too small to be strong."
The delegates tell about their reactions to their visit, and discuss the attitudes that they have formed while here. The students represent Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, Jordan, and Norway
Summarizes discussions in previous UNDERSTANDING THE CHILD films dealing with patterns and measurements of growth in children. Indicates the need for scientific knowledge in child rearing practices and how this knowledge is constantly changing. Discusses how changing attitudes toward habit training are affecting the approach to learning in the schools. (University of Michigan Television) Kinescope.
In discussing communism as an internal problem, students from Britain, Norway, India and the Philippines deal in a rather inclusive manner with this difficult issue. In a most lively discussion, the panelists examine the topic from numerous angles, but stress particularly how we can at the same time control communism and protect civil liberties. Whether politicians should deal with internal communism, and whether it would be advisable to outlaw the communist party are also considered. In this connection several related problems are brought to light: Would the party be more difficult to control if it were forced completely underground; would there be danger of confusing liberals and other nonconformists with communists? An attempt is also made to define subversion, and several opinions are presented. Whether or not congressional committees are operating fairly and successfully is also discussed. One student expresses the fear that men may be unnecessarily hurt because of the fact that a committee may publicly suggest that he is guilty of some act, and yet is not empowered actually to establish that guilt or innocence. While much of the discussion centers, around the problem in the United States, several of the students describe what is being done in their own country about the problem, and the point is made that the solution for one country may not necessarily be the answer for another.
Delegates from Australia, the Union of South Africa, and the Gold Coast discuss the problems of education both in the United States and abroad. Each of the delegates to the forum was the guest of a school during his twelve-week stay, and during that time, each had a good opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the American school system. One of the students attended a private school here, while the other two attended public schools. Like the blind men who "see" the elephant with their hands, and then attempt to describe it, each of the three has a somewhat different impression of school life here. However, each of the schools which they have attended seems rather typical of one trend or another in American education. In discussing education in this country, they deal with, among other problems, the question of objective as opposed to essay-type examinations, private and public schools, and the differences between the standards in wealthy and less prosperous communities. Both of the delegates from Africa seemed to feel that, while American students are fairly well-versed on the history and problems of Europe, they seem to know comparatively little about other sections of the world. The exchanges between the delegates from the Union of South Africa and the Gold Coast concerning segregation are interesting. Since two of the participants are from the English Commonwealth, it was inevitable that there should be examination of the educational problems growing out of colonial rule.
Delegates from Australia, the Union of South Africa, and the Gold Coast discuss the problems of education both in the United States and abroad. Each of the delegates to the forum was the guest of a school during his twelve-week stay, and during that time, each had a good opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the American school system. One of the students attended a private school here, while the other two attended public schools. Like the blind men who "see" the elephant with their hands, and then attempt to describe it, each of the three has a somewhat different impression of school life here. However, each of the schools which they have attended seems rather typical of one trend or another in American education. In discussing education in this country, they deal with, among other problems, the question of objective as opposed to essay-type examinations, private and public schools, and the differences between the standards in wealthy and less prosperous communities. Both of the delegates from Africa seemed to feel that, while American students are fairly well-versed on the history and problems of Europe, they seem to know comparatively little about other sections of the world. The exchanges between the delegates from the Union of South Africa and the Gold Coast concerning segregation are interesting. Since two of the participants are from the English Commonwealth, it was inevitable that there should be examination of the educational problems growing out of colonial rule.
Students from Switzerland, Thailand, Pakistan, and India discuss the habits and customs of their countries. The individual flavor of each of their cultures is shown in their often strongly divergent points of view. While the discussion begins with a brief description by each of the students of his religion, in a rather relaxed manner, the topics which are aired later in the program produce a lively give-and-take discussion. The student from Pakistan describes Islam as a faith which stresses the belief in one God and the equality of all men, while the student from India speaks of Hinduism as emphasizing transmigration -- the attainment of oneness with reality -- with God as a means to that end. Thailand's representative characterizes Buddhism as being closely related to Hinduism, particularly in the belief in transmigration, but she goes on to point out the qualities of passivity and contentedness which Buddhism encourages. The most significant aspect of Christianity is seen as its sense of "nearness to God" by the student from Switzerland. Some discussion of the desirability or feasibility of a single world religion seems to show that each was loathe to sacrifice his own way of life, despite the fact that they all felt they had much in common. The role of religion in education is also discussed. United States foreign policies come in for some scrutiny, particularly the question of military versus economic aid. While the discussion does not always seem to stick to the topic too closely, this is most welcome, since, as the participants become more involved, they become less inhibited. This shows very clearly how much each has been influenced by his country's culture, and this presents a lively picture of that culture in action.
The question of the future of Europe is discussed by students from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, and Belgium. Each of the participants has a good knowledge of European history and culture, and each contributes some very interesting ideas. The role of West Germany in a united Europe is closely examined, particularly the advisability of re-armament and re-industrialization. Much attention is devoted to the economic aspects of European recovery, particularly relaxation of tariff barriers, and the close relationship of Europe's economy to that of the United States. In this connection, some attention is given to the export-import policies of the United States. While much of the discussion centers on these economic and political problems, the consensus of the group seems to be that certain cultural problems must be solved before any lasting solution to these practical problems can be evolved. The tendency of Europe to live in its past is critically examined, and all of the group seemed more or less to agree that before Europe can fully recover, it must learn to look forward. Also, there is an attempt to evaluate nationalism, and possibly to evolve a new concept of nationalism. They all feel that the strength of Europe lies in its young people, and thus are anxious for opportunities to know one another. This is a most mature and thoughtful discussion. There seems to be little rancor, even between the student from Germany and the one from France. While all are aware of the great problems confronting them, they are anxious to solve them intelligently and fairly.
Discusses the concepts of maturation and nurture, and examines their relation to physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Two girls, ages 5 and 8, are used to demonstrate intellectual achievement.
The problem of communist aggression is discussed by representatives of India, the Philippines, Korea, and Norway. This discussion concerns itself mostly with the situation in the East, since three of the four panelists come from that region. Much of the discussion involves the recent emergence of strong nationalist tendencies in the far East. The delegate from the Philippines explains how the leaders of these young countries, only recently having gained their independence, are loathe to consider regional federation out of a fear that they will once again sacrifice that independence. Some of the problems facing Korea in her attempts to reunite are also discussed at some length. The problem of admitting Red China into the United Nations is also examined, and the possibility of using that admission as a bargaining point to curtail further aggression, or to obtain some workable solution to the Korean problem. Whether or not Japan should be re-armed, and under whose auspices, is another question the group considers. This raised several interesting viewpoints, particularly the fact that there is still considerable suspicion of Japan by other peoples in that area. There is also much consideration of the role of the United Nations in curtailing aggression, and of whether or not the organization could act more efficiently if more of the Red bloc, such as China, were members.
Discusses intelligence and achievement and the methods of testing intelligence. Points out the necessity for appreciating the difference between intelligence and achievement. Four children help in demonstrating the testing for a particular kind of intelligence. (University of Michigan Television) Kinescope.
Discusses the physical growth of children, emphasizing that parents should realize that each child grows at his own rate. Also deals with appetite, sleep, communicable diseases, and accident prevention. (University of Michigan television) Kinescope.
Discusses how growth can be looked upon as a process which enables the infant to move away from the home. Emphasizes the importance of encouraging this kind of growth which takes him from the crib to his whole house, to the neighborhood, to the town, and to the world. (University of Michigan Television) Kinescope.
Students representing Spain, Burma, Denmark, France and Egypt evaluate their visit to the United States. Most of the discussion is concerned with the students' reaction to life in the United States. The students contrast the American culture with their own, emphasizing the fact that each of their cultures is comparatively ancient, and thus, there seems no need consciously to "be'' a member of that culture, while they sense the need of American youngsters to "be" consciously American. The problem of segregation is also considered. "Teamwork," and the way in which competition and cooperation are treated in American schools are quite interestingly examined, as is the question of conformity and individualism. One student was particularly intrigued with what American youngsters mean by "personality," and why such a premium is placed on it.
Discusses the importance of measuring a child's capabilities by his organismic age rather than his calender age. Explains how organismic age is figured. (University of Michigan Television) Kinescope.
The reactions of the countries of the free world to American foreign policy along with the reactions of the panelists to the American people are discussed on this program. Taking part are students from Great Britain, the Philippines, Israel, and the United States. The student from the Philippines raises many interesting points regarding the Asian attitude toward US foreign policy. Although he makes quite clear the fact that these are not his own views, he feels that many people in that part of the world exhibit a distrust of US policy because of a fear that there are "strings attached.” He goes on to show how this fear grows out of Asia's bitter experiences with colonialism, and her identification of the United States with that policy. Some of the problems growing out of America's desire for European and Asian Federation are also examined by the group, such as the fear of the smaller nations that they will be dominated by the larger ones, and Britain's fear of losing her Asian holdings. A comparison by the students of the situation in Asia as compared to that in Europe, showed a strong feeling that each faced many different problems in achieving federation. The inability of many people in the United States to distinguish between communism and socialism is strongly criticized by the delegate from Britain, who points out that he, after all, "comes from a welfare state." Some very alert discussion centers around the reactions of foreign students to the attitudes of American youngsters, and what is described as their "fear of solitude. The American student offers as explanation the necessity to stress citizenship, teamwork, and a sense of "American-ness" in order to bring together all of the varying cultures that make up America.
A third-grade class decides who will be the week's host, shows one youngsters pretending she is a visitor while another acts out the part of the host. Pictures children making introductions, and using "magic-words" such as thank you, excuse me, and please.
Discusses business and labor in terms of the formulation of public policy. Considers the questions of denomination of the two parties by either of these interest groups. (KETC) Kinescope.
Traces the eighteenth century struggle for control of North America. Discusses the English-French rivalry and the French defeat. Considers England's pause to consolidate her position before attacking Spain and the consequences of her delay. (KETC) Kinescope.
