History Rediscovered: War Comes to America

'History Rediscovered: War Comes to America' is a functional and well-crafted documentary that goes beyond delivering a mere summary of war-time events. This film stands out because of its comprehensive treatment of the subject and how it entwines a narrative of World War II with an examination of America's evolving attitude towards it. Walter Huston and Lloyd Nolan, the primary narrators, bring historical incidents and figures to life in a way that is both powerful and touching.

As the film's title suggests, 'History Rediscovered: War Comes to America' focuses on the period when the United States, initially adamant on maintaining its neutrality, was reluctantly dragged into the vast theater of the WWII. It explores the progression of the American mentality, providing an unbiased insight into the country's reasoning of the time.

The film opens by showcasing America in the late 1930s - still healing from the Great Depression and determined to stay out of foreign conflicts. The narrators, Huston and Nolan, smoothly guide the audience through America's cultural, political, and social landscape of the time. This includes vignettes of everyday American life, emphasizing the stark contrast between peace on home front and the infamous incidents such as the invasion of Poland, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which was gradually steering the world toward a catastrophic war.

An intriguing concept that 'History Rediscovered: War Comes to America' persistently touches on is the gradual transformation of the American sentiment towards the war. At the onset, the United States's standpoint was firmly rooted in isolationism. Americans were focused on rebuilding their own country, disinterested in global affairs. This film digs into how this mindset shifted, slowly but steadily, until the assault on Pearl Harbor finally made the entry into the war unavoidable.

The true strength of 'History Rediscovered: War Comes to America', however, lies in its remarkable melding of archival footage, dialogues, and voice-over narrations to bring forth an enthralling narrative. Huston and Nolan's moving performances unveil both the unspeakable power and pain of war in a way that is both enlightening and touching. They delve into the American transformation, not just in thought, but also in action, as the country commences on an extraordinary journey of military preparation, rallying resources and manpower from across the nation. Through their narrations, the excitement, fear, hesitation, and eventual resolution of America going into war are vividly depicted.

Additionally, the film takes a deep dive into America's diplomatic relationships during this era. 'History Rediscovered: War Comes to America' meticulously illustrates the balancing act that the U.S. had to maintain with foreign powers, specifically focusing on its interactions with allies like Britain and the Soviet Union, and opponents such as Germany and Japan. Whether it was aiding the allies or confronting the enemy, the situations were handled with thoughtful deliberation, significantly impacting the course of the war.

Research-wise, 'History Rediscovered: War Comes to America' is an abundant source of factual information. The documentary doesn't shy away from presenting challenging facts about America's initial reluctance to take part in the war and its aftermath. It also delves into America's long-standing tradition of liberty, human rights, and democracy, illustrating how the intrusion of war forced the nation to defend these values.

To put it all in perspective, The 'History Rediscovered: War Comes to America' is a compelling exploration of America's role and transformation during WWII. Huston and Nolan deliver illuminating and heartfelt narrations that lace the intertwining narratives, making this film an enriching and engaging watch for history enthusiasts, students, or, in fact, anyone interested in understanding the genesis of America as a global superpower. This documentary is a reproduction of not just a major wartime era, but the spirit of resilience and unity that guided America through these challenging times.