How The States Got Their Shapes

How The States Got Their Shapes is a captivating television series on History that delves deep into the fascinating, occasionally surprising and often amusing stories behind the creation and formation of the United States’ state boundaries. The show, which aired from 2011 to 2012, is hosted by the erudite and engaging Brian Unger, who provides a fresh, contemporary perspective on historical events. The series chronicles Unger's enlightening cross-country journeys, aimed at uncovering the nation's past in an unconventional and accessible manner.

At the heart of How The States Got Their Shapes is a thorough exploration of American history. It presents a unique take on our nation's past by focusing on state borders—their inception, evolution and the political, cultural, and geographical factors contributing to their current shapes. It unearths the role of wars, treaties, migrations, and even topographic features in the drawing of state lines. This inherent link between history and geography is displayed throughout the series in a way that makes dull dates and treaties come alive with human drama, regional color, and local pride.

Brian Unger, the gregarious host, travels from state to state in each episode, investigating the stories behind their unique configurations. He is an excellent guide, often interacting directly with residents of different states, encouraging their input, and incorporating their anecdotes in his presentation. This grounds the historical narratives in present reality, personalizing and humanizing history in a refreshing way. Unger’s charismatic approach to storytelling adds a sense of adventure to the history lessons. The trivia and tidbits he sprinkles throughout the series make it all the more engaging and entertaining.

The narratives in the series are as diverse as the states themselves. Across the series, Unger explains, for example, why the Eastern states have muddled and convoluted boundaries while the Western states are relatively straight-lined. You'll learn why Michigan has an atypically large upper peninsula, the reason for Missouri's unusual jut into Tennessee, and the thought process behind the perfectly rectangular dimensions of Wyoming and Colorado.

In its approach to teaching history, one of the show’s key strengths lies in its innovative use of visual tools. Utilizing high-quality animations, engaging maps, and impressive graphics, it manages to visually represent historical events, showcasing how territories were mapped, reshaped, and fought over. It provides geographical representations of key historical moments, aiding in the understanding of the changes in boundaries and the events themselves.

Furthermore, the series incorporates a variety of themes, addressing political, cultural, and societal issues that were part of the decision-making process. It highlights the influence of slavery on state boundaries, the impact of natural resources on the drawing of lines, and the significance of railways in shaping territories. It also examines how land disputes, resource claims, river navigation rights, and cultural clashes led not only to the designation of state borders but also to shaping the very identity of the states.

A consistent theme in How The States Got Their Shapes is its emphasis on the impact of individuals and communities. It highlights how average citizens, explorers, pioneers, outlaws, and politicians played pivotal roles in shaping state lines. In fact, as Unger often says, "the states weren't drawn on a map; they were drawn by Americans.”

Overall, How The States Got Their Shapes is much more than a history lesson: it's a journey across America that revitalizes the past in a way that is interesting, informative, and often humorous. This is a perfect watch for history buffs, geography enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the unique characteristics of their home state, or those simply wanting to understand the United States from a novel perspective. The show combines engaging storytelling, interesting personalities, and clever graphics to turn potentially dry historical information into enjoyable entertainment. By the end of the series, you're likely to gain a newfound appreciation for the complexity and diversity that truly is the hallmark of the United States. This series educates whilst enthralling, providing a fresh outlook on the traditional images of the American patchwork quilt, and producing a vivid tapestry of American history and geography.