How the States Got Their Shapes
The show deals with how the various states of the United States established their borders, but also delves into other aspects of U.S. history, including failed states, proposed new states, and the local culture and character of various U.S. states. It thus deals with the "shapes" of the states in a metaphorical sense as well as a literal sense. The show format follows Unger as he travels to various locations, and interviews local people, visits important historical and cultural sites, and provides commentary from behind the wheel of his car as he drives from location to location. Interspersed with these segments are brief historical synopses by notable U.S. historians.
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Where to Watch(AU)
Streaming data provided by JustWatch via TMDB.
Cast
Seasons
- Ep 1
1.A River Runs Through It
03-05-2011How has water has literally shaped the States? There's surprising history hidden in the blue, squiggly lines on the map. Did the founding fathers make a mistake along the Georgia T...
- Ep 2
2.The Great Plains, Trains, and Automobiles
10-05-2011The history of transportation is hidden in the lines of the map. From canals to trains and cars, how did getting around help draw the American map? Could Chicago have been in Wisco...
- Ep 3
3.Force of Nature
17-05-2011How have massive geological events helped create the American map? Long before the Founding Fathers drew the map, mother nature shaped some states. How did an asteroid create the b...
- Ep 4
4.State of Rebellion
24-05-2011How did the most rebellious states took shape? How did they earn their outsized features and outspoken reputations. For instance, why does Montana looks like it took a bite out of...
- Ep 5
5.Living on the Edge
07-06-2011Mysterious or fringe areas and how they shaped the states are examined. States include Nevada; Florida; Missouri; and Georgia.
- Ep 6
6.Use it or Lose it
14-06-2011The role of politics is examined. States include Ohio; and Missouri. Also: Washington, D.C.
- Ep 7
7.Church and States
21-06-2011The influence of religion is considered. States include Utah; and Kansas; and New England states.
- Ep 8
8.A Boom with a View
28-06-2011The influences of money and prosperity are examined. States include Wisconsin; North Carolina; and North Dakota.
- Ep 9
9.Culture Clash
05-07-2011Conflict can sometimes arise between different cultures that share the same state. Find out how culture clashes all over the country have shaped our map.
- Ep 10
10.Mouthing Off
12-07-2011We all live in the same country, so why do we sound do different? It's a matter of where you are on the map. Why didn't the southern accent exist until after the Civil War? How did...
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