AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, THE: GERONIMO AND THE APACHE RESISTANCE (TV)
Summary
One in this documentary series. Hosted by David McCullough, this program examines the history of the Apache Indian resistance in the Southwest by focusing on the struggle of Indian leader Geronimo and the Chiricahua Apaches, who challenged the appropriation of their lands by 19th-century American settlers. The program traces the origins of frontier and border conflicts between the U.S. and Mexico and the fate of Apache land as a result of U.S territorial gain during the Mexican War of 1846. Following this period, conflict continued between the dominant white society and the Indians over land use and U.S. expansionist goals, and the program explores the years of struggle during which Geronimo and his followers formed a resistance to U.S. treatment of the Apache people and land. Topics covered in the program include the following: society's refusal to understand the Apache way of life and their connection to the land; cash rewards for Apache scalps; a description of Geronimo as the Chiricahua Apache shaman-turned-warrior who led the 20-year struggle to maintain possession of Apache land; the raid and massacre at an Apache camp carried out by U.S. soldiers, at which Geronimo's family was killed; the creation of the Indian reservation system in1872; the poor living conditions and sub-human treatment of the Indians on the reservations; Geronimo's escape to Mexico following his formation of a resistance; the various peace meetings and agreements between the Army and the Chiricahua Indians; the enlistment of Apache Indians who were opposed to Geronimo's resistance plan and joined the Army to help locate him and his followers; Geronimo's surrender; the Chiricahuas' resettlement on reservations in Florida, where many died of disease and as a result of inclement weather conditions; the establishment of the Carlisle School for Indians in Pennsylvania, where Apache children were given haircuts and white men's clothing; relocation of the Apaches to Alabama, and later to Oklahoma, where they were given the choice to remain or to move to the Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico. The program concludes with a visit to the site of Geronimo's surrender, and Apache descendants comment on the meaning of tradition. Included in the program are archival photographs, clips, and interviews with several of Geronimo's relatives and other descendants of the Chiricahua Apaches.
Acquisition and cataloging of this program was made possible by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: November 22, 1988 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:57:38
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T91:0110
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Indians of North America; Mexico - Foreign relations - U S; She Made It Collection (Margaret Drain); U S - Foreign relations - Mexico; Indigenous Peoples Collection
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1988-
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- For "The American Experience":
- Judy Crichton … Executive Producer
- Margaret Drain … Senior Producer
- Janet McFadden … Coordinating Producer
- Louis Wiley … Executive Editor
- Charles Kuskin … Theme Music by
- For "Geronimo and the Apache Resistance":
- Lena Carr … Producer
- Neil Goodwin … Producer, Director, Narrator
- Mason Daring … Music by
- David McCullough … Host
- Geronimo