The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen (TV Notes)

The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen, released in 2018 by the History Channel, is a four-part miniseries that explores the lives of iconic American pioneers who shaped the nation’s expansion westward during the 18th and 19th centuries. This series serves as a follow-up to The Men Who Built America (2012), though this installment focuses on the rugged and daring frontiersmen who ventured into the vast, untamed wilderness, laying the groundwork for America’s territorial expansion. With a blend of dramatizations and expert analysis, Frontiersmen tells the story of the individuals who played pivotal roles in opening up the frontier and shaping early American history.

Each of the four episodes focuses on a key figure or group that was instrumental in America's westward expansion, set against the backdrop of momentous events like the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the push for Manifest Destiny:

"Into the Wilderness" – The series begins with the legendary Daniel Boone, a frontiersman who blazed trails through the Appalachian Mountains into Kentucky in the late 1700s. This episode explores Boone's leadership, his battles with Native American tribes defending their land, and his role in opening the American frontier. Boone is depicted as a symbol of resilience and adventure, though his actions also raise questions about the consequences of American expansion on indigenous peoples.

"Never Surrender" – This episode shifts to the story of Lewis and Clark, tasked by President Thomas Jefferson with exploring the uncharted lands of the Louisiana Purchase. Their journey up the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, aided by Sacagawea, is presented as one of the most epic and perilous expeditions in American history. The episode emphasizes the challenges they faced, including the harsh environment, dangerous encounters with Native tribes, and the struggle for survival.

"Live Free or Die" – The focus moves to the often-overlooked frontiersman Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader who attempted to unite Native American tribes against the encroachment of white settlers. Tecumseh’s resistance is presented as a major but ultimately tragic effort to stop the spread of American settlement. The episode also examines Andrew Jackson’s role in the War of 1812, culminating in the Battle of New Orleans, which helped solidify U.S. control of key territories.

"Empire of Liberty" – The final episode highlights Davy Crockett and the fight for Texas independence, as well as Kit Carson, a mountain man and explorer who played a crucial role in mapping the West. These figures symbolize the culmination of the frontier spirit and the drive to push America’s borders all the way to the Pacific. The episode also discusses the Mexican-American War and the idea of Manifest Destiny, which spurred America’s territorial acquisitions but also led to the displacement of Native Americans.

TV NOTES:

• The central theme of The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen is the relentless push for westward expansion and the spirit of adventure, ambition, and survival that defined the American frontier. Each of the figures highlighted in the series is depicted as embodying the rugged individualism and determination that helped shape the nation’s identity. The series also explores the profound and often devastating impact that this expansion had on Native American populations, whose lands and way of life were forever changed.
• Another significant theme is the tension between progress and conflict. While these men helped to build and define America through exploration and settlement, their actions also sparked violent confrontations with Native Americans. The series doesn't shy away from showing the darker side of this expansion - genocide, broken treaties, and the destruction of Native cultures. Figures like Tecumseh are portrayed as tragic heroes fighting to preserve their people and land in the face of overwhelming forces.
• The documentary also touches on the role of political and military leadership in shaping frontier expansion. Figures like Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson loom large in the background, directing the course of events that shaped the frontier. Their decisions about territory and Native American relations had lasting consequences, underscoring how the frontier was not just a physical space, but also a political and ideological battleground.
• The series relies heavily on dramatized reenactments, which bring to life key moments in frontier history. These reenactments are interspersed with commentary from historians, military experts, and authors, who provide context and analysis of the events being depicted. The actors portraying historical figures like Daniel Boone, Tecumseh, and Lewis and Clark deliver solid performances, making these larger-than-life characters relatable and human.
• The cinematography is one of the series’ strongest aspects. The sweeping landscapes of forests, mountains, and rivers help viewers grasp the immensity of the wilderness these frontiersmen encountered. The battle scenes, particularly those involving Tecumseh’s resistance and Andrew Jackson’s military campaigns, are well-choreographed, effectively capturing the chaos and violence of frontier warfare.
• The narration, done by Campbell Scott, is clear and engaging, guiding viewers through the complex historical events without overwhelming them with details. The series balances action with historical analysis, making it accessible to both history buffs and casual viewers.

SUMMARY: The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen is a visually stunning and informative documentary series that captures the adventurous and often brutal spirit of America's westward expansion. By focusing on iconic frontiersmen like Daniel Boone, Tecumseh, Lewis and Clark, Davy Crockett, and Kit Carson, the series offers a dramatic retelling of some of the most pivotal moments in early American history. It successfully highlights the determination, resilience, and ambition of the men who pushed the boundaries of the United States, while also addressing the tragic consequences for Native American peoples.

Though not without some limitations in its depth, Frontiersmen is an engaging watch for anyone interested in the history of the American frontier, the figures who helped shape it, and the conflicts that defined this era. It strikes a good balance between action-packed dramatizations and insightful historical commentary, making it both entertaining and educational.