500 Nations

1995 TV-PG 6h 14m 8.5

An exploration of the various Native American nations and their fall to the European conquerors.

500 Nations is an eight part documentary which explores the history of the indigenous peoples of North and Central America, from pre-Colombian times, through the period of European contact and colonization, to the end of the 19th century and the subjugation of the Plains Indians of North America. 500 Nations relies on historical texts, eyewitnesses accounts, pictorial sources and computer graphic reconstructions to explore the magnificent civilizations which flourished prior to contact with Western civilization, and to tell the dramatic and tragic story of the Native American nations' desperate attempts to retain their way of life against overwhelming odds.

500 Nations background

Episodes:

Episode 1 The Ancestors

1. The Ancestors

Aired: Apr 20, 1995

Kevin Costner hosts a discussion of the pre-Columbian cultures of North Ameri...

Episode 2 Mexico

2. Mexico

Aired: Apr 20, 1995

The rise and fall of the Aztec Empire is examined from their defeat of the To...

Episode 3 Clash of Cultures

3. Clash of Cultures

Aired: Apr 21, 1995

Columbus' arrival and the subsequent defeat of the Caribbean tribes are chron...

Episode 4 Invasion of the Coast

4. Invasion of the Coast

Aired: Apr 21, 1995

An examination of the Native Americans of New England and their experiences w...

Episode 5 Cauldron of War

5. Cauldron of War

Aired: Apr 27, 1995

Hostilities between Native Americans and European settlers erupt across the e...

Episode 6 Removal

6. Removal

Aired: Apr 27, 1995

After Tecumseh's Shawnee people side with the British in the War of 1812, Pre...

Episode 8 Attack on Culture

8. Attack on Culture

Aired: Apr 28, 1995

The Indian resistance of the late 19th-century is examined, including Chief J...

Info about 500 Nations

Current Status: Ended

Network: CBS

Genres: History