Slavery and the Making of America
We checked 8 streaming services in India on 04 Jun 2026 at 13:32 IST
About
The history of American slavery from its beginnings in the British colonies to its end in the Southern states and the years of post-Civil War Reconstruction. Looks at slavery as an integral part of a developing nation, challenging the long held notion that slavery was exclusively a Southern enterprise. Simultaneously focuses on the remarkable stories of individual slaves, offering new perspectives on the slave experience and testifying to the active role that Africans and African Americans took in surviving their bondage and shaping their own lives.
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The Downward Spiral
The 1620s. Eleven men of African descent and mixed ethnicity enter into slavery in New Amsterdam. Working side by side with white indentured servants, these men labored to lay the foundations of the Dutch colony that would later become New York. No law then defined the limitations imposed on slaves. Anthony d'Angola, Emmanuel Driggus, and Frances Driggus could bring suits to court, earn wages, and marry. After the 1731 Stono Rebellion, many colonies adopted strict "black codes" transforming the social system into one of legal racial oppression.
Liberty in the Air
The 1740s to the 1830s. As the slave population reproduces, American planters become less dependent on the African slave trade. Ensuing generations of slaves develop a unique culture that blends elements of African and American life. African Americans, including Thomas Jefferson's slave Jupiter, Colonel Tye, Elizabeth Freeman, David Walker, and Maria Stewart, respond to the increasingly restrictive system of slavery. The Revolutionary War reveals the contradictions of a nation seeking independence while simultaneously denying freedom to its black citizens.
Seeds of Destruction
1800. Vermont leads the Northern states in abolishing and phasing out slavery, while the South begins its greatest expansion. As the nation develops westward and cotton replaces tobacco as its most valuable crop, slavery is increasingly divisive. African American slaves Harriet Jacobs and Louis Hughes escape bondage to expose the horrific realities of the slave experience in autobiographical narratives. These and other stories of physical, psychological, and sexual exploitation reinvigorate the Northern abolitionist movement led by Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Amy Post.
The Challenge of Freedoms
Civil War and Reconstruction. The war shifts from a struggle for union to a battle over slavery. Blacks, such as South Carolina slave and future congressman Robert Smalls, contribute to the war effort and experience gains and losses from Reconstruction. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments abolish slavery and guarantee black civil rights, and the Freedmen's Bureau offers aid to former slaves throughout the 1870s. But militant groups such as the Ku Klux Klan threaten the future of racial equality, and segregation laws begin appearing across the country. Slavery's eradication does not end black oppression.
Where does Slavery and the Making of America rank today?
Slavery and the Making of America is #9598 on the Bowood.TV Daily Streaming Charts today.
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Watch Slavery and the Making of America Online Free — All Episodes in HD
Stream Slavery and the Making of America online free in HD on Bowood.TV. A well-rated documentary series originally produced in English and released in 2005, it's earned a solid 7.7/10 from 5 viewers worldwide.
About Slavery and the Making of America
The history of American slavery from its beginnings in the British colonies to its end in the Southern states and the years of post-Civil War Reconstruction. Looks at slavery as an integral part of a developing nation, challenging the long held notion that slavery was exclusively a Southern enterprise. Simultaneously focuses on the remarkable stories of individual slaves, offering new perspectives on the slave experience and testifying to the active role that Africans and African Americans took in surviving their bondage and shaping their own lives. Across 1 season and 4 episodes, originally airing on PBS.
Slavery and the Making of America Cast and Characters
The cast features Morgan Freeman (as Self - Narrator (voice)), Chauncey Herring (as Reenactor), Justin Jackson (as Reenactor), and Larry Floyd (as Reenactor). Their performances are a major reason Slavery and the Making of America has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch Slavery and the Making of America Online
On Bowood.TV you can watch Slavery and the Making of America free — no account, no credit card, no ads in the middle of the show. We stream the full series in 720p / 1080p HD, with subtitles when available, on any device: phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV browser.
▶ Watch Slavery and the Making of America NowWhy People Are Watching Slavery and the Making of America
There's a reason Slavery and the Making of America keeps showing up on "must-watch" lists. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Slavery and the Making of America
Where can I watch Slavery and the Making of America online for free?
You can watch Slavery and the Making of America online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does Slavery and the Making of America have?
Slavery and the Making of America has 4 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is Slavery and the Making of America good? What's the rating?
Slavery and the Making of America holds a 7.7/10 rating based on 5 reviews — well above average.
Who is in the cast of Slavery and the Making of America?
The main cast includes Morgan Freeman, Chauncey Herring, Justin Jackson, and Larry Floyd.
Is Slavery and the Making of America available in English?
Yes — Slavery and the Making of America was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was Slavery and the Making of America released?
Slavery and the Making of America first aired in 2005.
Do I need an account to watch Slavery and the Making of America on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch Slavery and the Making of America without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Similar Series You Might Like
If you enjoyed Slavery and the Making of America, check out Moderne Slavernij in Nederland, Reconstruction: America After the Civil War, Ondergrondse Sporen, Unknown Amazon with Pedro Andrade, and Decolonisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Slavery and the Making of America for free?
You can watch Slavery and the Making of America online for free on Bowood.TV. All 4 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does Slavery and the Making of America have?
Slavery and the Making of America currently has 1 season and a total of 4 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is Slavery and the Making of America about?
The history of American slavery from its beginnings in the British colonies to its end in the Southern states and the years of post-Civil War Reconstruction. Looks at slavery as an integral part of a developing nation, challenging the long held notion that slavery was exclusively a Southern enterprise. Simultaneousl… It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is Slavery and the Making of America originally available?
Slavery and the Making of America was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was Slavery and the Making of America first released?
Slavery and the Making of America first premiered on February 9, 2005 (2005). The series has since concluded its run.
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