Actors and musicians read writings and letters by the rebels of American history, like John Brown. Others read quotes showing some of the darker side of our history, like Abraham Lincoln’s early determination NOT to free the slaves. And still others read words by unknown ‘regular people’ commenting on their times. Mixed with this are folk songs performed by Eddie Vedder, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and others. The idea is to take a specific perspective on American history, from the time of the Declaration of Independence on, as a nation forged, and constantly changed by rabble rousers and revolutionaries, from Thomas Jefferson to Fredrick Douglas to Susan B. Anthony.

Zinn’s approach to American History raises important questions, and teaches ideas that were certainly not part of most of our public school history classes. The greatness of this country has been it’s willingness to change, grow, challenge itself, right its wrongs and attempt to be a nation that gives voice to people from countless backgrounds and points-of-view. This film reminds us of that.

Free to the Public