500 Nations (1995)

I learned a great deal from this video. In one condensed hour, the film discussed the life of many Northeast "Indian" nations encountered in the years before and during the American Revolutionary War. The film is clear and easy to understand, yet explains the changing political and economic terrain of Indian nations as they confronted the arrival of "Whites."With clear maps, plain-spoken narration, and lovely illustrations, the film evokes a time when Indians chose military alliances with French, British, and American forces--a time when Indians had to come to grips with the power of several European forces encroaching on their lands. We learn of changes in the Indian political-economy (as trading with Whites took precedence over normal activities), the slaughter of wildlife for gain in trade, and the vicious enslavement of Indians by Europeans.The film is sympathetic to Indians, without being nostalgic or naive. Indians are not victims or monolithic in the film. They are political actors trying to survive. At times they are at war with one another, at times they effectively resist European power, and at times they are brutally slain and attacked with a cruelty mastered by Europeans. For example, the film discusses biological warfare (blankets w/ smallpox were given to many tribes), and George Washington's all-out assault on Indian villages and crops. (See Max Mintz's _Seeds of Empire_ for a rich account of Washington's brutal campaigns.)Many more topics are briefly addressed: Pontiac's Rebellion, the US Revolutionary War, and the political amalgamation of Indian nations (who formed confederacies). And, in a refreshing change, White-Americans are given their voice in 18th century quotes, rather than 20th century ones. In other words, they are not politically corrected--Whites are given their full racist voice and hatred of Indians. This is not only a great series about the plight of the Native American Nations who lived in North America for tens of thousands of years, but American history that is not taught. The Iroquois Confederation had a system of government on which the US Constitution is based. The Indian nations fought alongside of the colonists against the British. The Lenape tribe [Delaware Indians] fielded a regiment in the Continental Army. Their chief was one of Washington's colonels. You will change your view about Columbus. After the Nations helped to create the USA, the new American government stole their lands and moved them from the east coast to Oklahoma by force. The US government killed every Indian that they found either by shooting them or by introducing deadly diseases.

I bought this DVD for my dad. He's really into documentaries, specifically ones about the history of Native Americans and African Americans. He looked for this for a while and I found it for him. It arrived on time and in great condition. He watched it the day after it arrived and he loves it. This is part of his collection and watches it whenever he gets the chance.

Very happy to receive new dvd's , now to watch them!

So much history in this dvd.

I’m learning a tremendous amount of History, about Native American Indians.This is a Great documentary, of what they endured, and the Travesties they were faced with.This is a Must Buy item!!!

It was very good. I was hoping there would be more stories about how people lived before their country was invaded.

This DVD version of the documentary was exactly as I remembered it. I’m very happy I was finally able to purchase it for my grandchildren.

Finally! The true story of the genocide of the Native American people. I'm surprised that it wasn't censored...lol.

"500 Nations" is a very unique series, featuring stories of the indigenous peoples of North America prior to Columbus and after that I haven't seen available in any other documentary series.The first two episodes focus on civilizations before Europeans, while episodes three and four focus on the arrival of the Spanish and the English. Episode five features the French and Indian War, while the last three episodes feature the 19th century history of the Native Americans.While the box of the DVD says otherwise, no subtitles are available.

A sad indictment of the origins of modern day USA. It makes the call "make America great again" somewhat distasteful. The elimination of countless tribes and their way of life, and how brutally it was done was shameful - and eminently discussed at the beginning of each episode by Kevin Costner. Can Wounded Knee ever be forgiven?

Sadly this possibly excellent documentary has no subtitles therefore no use to deaf people or hearing impaired. It was listed as with English subtitles had to return. Seller refunded in full so excellent customer services, just a huge disappointment. This DVD has a high rating on IMDB l would have loved to have enjoyed watching it like so many other films without subtitles for deaf it's such a shame

This video was brilliant.opened my eyes as to the wonders of the first Indiana in America.There was supposed to be a booklet to go with the set but it was missing, but that was the only criticism.

Anyone interested in learning about the great & wise Indiginous Red Indian of North America will love this dvd. What happened to these peoples who so respected the land they lived in is outrageous and a tragedy as is what happened to the Indiginous Aborigonal in Australia, much the same eratication. So sad and so true. White European man has done so much damage including the Christian religions who converted them or tried to. Buy, watch and be educated.