The 1st Full-Length Film Birth of a Nation The 1st Full-Length Film

Film Project We are going to watch segments of this film It is about Reconstruction, but it depicts this time period through the lens of Jim Crow We can see Jim Crow-era attitudes toward African Americans through this film For this project, it is our job to spot them. Goal: Use this film to understand why prejudice and discrimination increased during the Progressive Era

Guiding Questions Why did the NAACP challenge the showing of Birth of a Nation? How did the NAACP justify its decision to resort to censorship? How did the film influence racial attitudes and behavior in the United States? What were the consequences of the NAACP's efforts to prohibit the showing of the film?

Background Information http://chnm.gmu.edu/episodes/the-birth-of-a-nation-and-black-protest/

Questions What motivated Thomas Dixon and D.W. Griffith to engage in racist attacks on African Americans in the early years of the 20th century? In what ways was Woodrow Wilson involved in the film Birth of a Nation? Why was his involvement significant? Why did Griffith expect problems with the opening of the film? What steps did he take to counter the anticipated criticism? Why did the NAACP decide to launch a campaign to censor this film?

Birth of a Nation Scenes Cliff Hanger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYCaob7MDA8 Legislature Scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4v_yRFf4-Y KKK to the Rescue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t-7SVbLjBw Black Union Troops: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77Z8A4lzUOQ