History

An understanding of our history is as crucial to a successful democratic society as it is essential to the well-examined life of the individual. As historian Howard Zinn told Bill Moyers, “I think the more people learn about the past… the more that they will understand that it is possible for people to change the world.” Start your understanding with some of the series and specials below.

EDITORS' PICKS

Everyone Should Be Entitled to Medicare
Bill recalls his days with Lyndon Johnson as they prepared to sell Medicare to Congress, and makes the case for why everyone should be entitled to it today.
Facing Our Racial Past
Bill and Khalil Gibran Muhammad discuss the importance of confronting the contradictions of America’s past.
From D-Day to the Rhine (1990)

EXPLORE History

Author Francis Scott Fitzgerald in an undated photo. (AP Photo, File)

At Scott and Zelda’s Final Resting Place, Gatsby Lives

May 13, 2013 | On Democracy

As The Great Gatsby movie opens, Michael Winship remembers the last, strange chapter of the Fitzgerald story. Continue reading

Slideshow: Mothers-Turned-Activists

April 19, 2013

Learn about American moms who, inspired by their children, took matters into their own hands to build a safer, healthier and more just world. Continue reading

Louise Erdrich and Michael Dorris on the Real Columbus

April 12, 2013

Louise Erdrich and Michael Dorris — each half-Native American — talk with Bill about their collaboration to tell the true story of Christopher Columbus. Continue reading

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Feb. 7, 1968 promised a massive demonstration this spring in Washington and hinted the crusade may be extended to the political party conventions in August. King, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference said the demonstration in Washington will last for weeks and maybe for months. At left is the Rev. Andrew Young, executive Vice President of the Southern Conference. (AP Photo)

Dr. King’s ‘Two Americas’ Truer Now than Ever

April 10, 2013 | On Democracy

In 1967, the civil rights leader spoke of a society in which the chasm between rich and poor is tragically wide and deep. Sound familiar? Continue reading

Full Show: MLK’s Dream of Economic Justice

April 5, 2013 | Moyers & Company

Theologian James Cone and historian Taylor Branch join Bill to discuss Dr. King’s other dream: economic justice. Continue reading

James Cone and Taylor Branch on MLK’s Fight for Economic Equality

April 5, 2013

Theologian James Cone and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Taylor Branch join Bill to discuss Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of economic justice. Continue reading

Preview: MLK’s Dream of Economic Justice

April 3, 2013

Theologian James Cone and historian Taylor Branch join Bill to discuss Dr. King’s other dream — of economic equality, and why so little has changed for America’s most oppressed. Continue reading

Martin Luther King’s Multiracial Fight for Justice

April 3, 2013

In a preview of this week’s show, James Cone and Taylor Branch describe racial justice as a “gateway” to opportunities for broader civil rights and economic equality. Continue reading