8.1/10122 votes#1 - Truman (1): An Accident of Democracy
Season 10 Episode 1 - Aired 10/5/1997
A study of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president. Part 1 covers his service during World War I; his accomplishments as a small-time Kansas City politician; his two terms as a Missouri senator.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.7/1072 votes#2 - Truman (2): The Moon, the Stars and All the Planets
Season 10 Episode 2 - Aired 10/6/1997
Harry S. Truman recalls his post-WWII economic policies; his 1948 presidential campaign; the Korean War; and his celebrated clash with Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.7/10105 votes#3 - A Midwife's Tale
Season 10 Episode 3 - Aired 1/19/1998
Chronicling the efforts of historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich to gather facts about early American life through the diaries of Maine resident and midwife Martha Ballard (1735?-1812). Included: dramatizations of some of the passages; and the use of town documents to supplement some of Ballard's accounts.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
NaN/100 votes#4 - Mr. Miami Beach
Season 10 Episode 4 - Aired 2/2/1998
Recalling the life of Carl Fisher, the entrepreneur who “sold the glamour of Florida” and turned a swampland into Miami Beach. Included: how he developed the resort town using topsoil from the Everglades and sand from Biscayne Bay.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.8/10196 votes#5 - Influenza 1918
Season 10 Episode 5 - Aired 2/9/1998
Chronicling the epidemic of the Spanish flu in 1918, which claimed “more than 600,000 lives.” Included: futile attempts to develop a vaccine; and how the virus spread to Europe.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.8/10205 votes#6 - Reagan (1): Lifeguard
Season 10 Episode 6 - Aired 2/23/1998
The life and legacy of Ronald Reagan are examined in a two-part study, beginning with his impoverished childhood; his start as a radio sportscaster and career as an actor; his two terms as governor of California; and his 1980 election to the Presidency. Among those interviewed: Nancy Reagan and Ron Reagan Jr.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.8/10108 votes#7 - Reagan (2): An American Crusade
Season 10 Episode 7 - Aired 2/24/1998
The conclusion of a biography of Ronald Reagan focuses on the president's second term and includes his defense-spending policies and the Iran-Contra scandal.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.4/1095 votes#8 - Surviving the Dust Bowl
Season 10 Episode 8 - Aired 3/2/1998
Children of 1930s Plains farmers recall the Dust Bowl, the eight-year drought that was made far worse by the 30 years of aggressive farming that preceded it. "A lot of people thought it was the end of the world," one survivor says.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
6.9/1039 votes#9 - Riding the Rails
Season 10 Episode 9 - Aired 4/13/1998
During the Depression-era 1930's, tens of thousands of teenagers hopped freight trains in search of a better life elsewhere. What they found was a mixture of adventure, camaraderie, hardship and loneliness. The evocative stories of teen hoboes crisscrossing America during tough times.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of American Experience Season 10
Every episode of American Experience Season 10 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Experience Season 10!
TV's most-watched history series brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.
Genre:Documentary
Network:PBS
Season 10 Ratings Summary
"Truman (1): An Accident of Democracy" is the best rated episode of "American Experience" season 10. It scored 8.1/10 based on 122 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 10/5/1997. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Truman (2): The Moon, the Stars and All the Planets".