The Men Who Built America

The Men Who Built America (2012)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Miniseries shines a spotlight on the influential builders, dreamers, and believers whose feats transformed the United States, a nation decaying from the inside after the Civil War, into the greatest economic and technological superpower the world had ever seen. The story of a nation at the crossroads and of the people who catapulted it to prosperity. 

John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and J.P. Morgan rose from obscurity and built modern America. Their names hang on street signs, are etched into buildings, and are a part of the fabric of history. These men created the American Dream and were the engine of capitalism as they transformed everything they touched in building the oil, rail, steel, shipping, automobile, and finance industries. Their paths repeatedly crossed as they elected presidents, set economic policies, and influenced major events of the 50 most formative years this country has ever known. From the Civil War to the Great Depression and World War I, they led the way. Using state of the art computer-generated imagery that incorporates 12 million historical negatives, many made available for the first time by the Library of Congress, this series will bring back to life the world they knew and the one they created. The event series will show how these men took a failed experiment in democracy and created the greatest superpower the world has ever seen. We see how their historic achievements came to make the America of today.

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday at 20:00 (120 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E04When One Ends, Another BeginsNov. 11, 2012
S01E03Changing the GameOkt. 30, 2012
S01E02Bloody BattlesOkt. 23, 2012
S01E01A New War BeginsOkt. 16, 2012
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'The Men Who Built America' premiere?

'The Men Who Built America' premiered on October 16, 2012.

Who narrated 'The Men Who Built America'?

'The Men Who Built America' was narrated by Campbell Scott.

How many episodes does 'The Men Who Built America' have?

'The Men Who Built America' has a total of 8 episodes.

What is the genre of 'The Men Who Built America'?

'The Men Who Built America' is a documentary series.

Who were the main subjects featured in 'The Men Who Built America'?

'The Men Who Built America' featured prominent figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, and Cornelius Vanderbilt.

What was the focus of 'The Men Who Built America'?

'The Men Who Built America' focused on the rise of industrialization and the impact of influential businessmen in shaping America's economic landscape.

Who directed 'The Men Who Built America'?

'The Men Who Built America' was directed by Patrick Reams.

Did 'The Men Who Built America' receive any awards or nominations?

Yes, 'The Men Who Built America' received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series in 2013.

What were some of the key industries explored in 'The Men Who Built America'?

'The Men Who Built America' explored industries such as oil, steel, transportation, and automobile manufacturing.

What were some of the challenges faced by the men featured in 'The Men Who Built America'?

The men featured in 'The Men Who Built America' faced challenges such as fierce competition, labor disputes, and economic downturns.

How did 'The Men Who Built America' portray the impact of these figures on American society?

'The Men Who Built America' portrayed the impact of these figures as both influential and controversial, highlighting their contributions to American progress while also exploring their ethical implications.

Were any historians or experts interviewed in 'The Men Who Built America'?

Yes, 'The Men Who Built America' featured interviews with historians and experts who provided insights and analysis on the historical context and significance of the events portrayed.

What was the production company behind 'The Men Who Built America'?

'The Men Who Built America' was produced by Stephen David Entertainment.

Did 'The Men Who Built America' use any reenactments in its storytelling?

Yes, 'The Men Who Built America' utilized reenactments to recreate key moments in the lives of the featured businessmen.

What was the overall tone of 'The Men Who Built America'?

'The Men Who Built America' had a dramatic and captivating tone, combining historical footage, interviews, and reenactments to engage viewers.

Did 'The Men Who Built America' explore the personal lives of the featured businessmen?

Yes, 'The Men Who Built America' delved into the personal lives of the featured businessmen, providing insights into their motivations, aspirations, and personal struggles.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Jeopardy!
Running

Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! is a classic game show -- with a twist. The answers are given first, and the contestants supply the questions. Three contestants, including the previous show's champion, compete in six categories and in three rounds (with each round's "answers" being worth more prize money).

On the Case with Paula Zahn
Running

On the Case with Paula Zahn

Led by Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Zahn, On the Case features in-depth interviews and original reporting that go beyond the headlines in search of fascinating mysteries from within our nation's justice system. Each episode is highlighted by Zahn's riveting exclusive interviews, which draw out different viewpoints from the people personally connected to tragedies that rocked their local community and the investigations that attempted to piece together the truth On the Case with Paula Zahn.

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Running

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

With roadside diners, vintage drive-ins and out-of-the-way "dives" enjoying a resurgence of hipness among foodies, host Guy Fieri travels across America in search of some of the best "greasy spoon" eateries. The restaurants that Guy visits are usually well-known among locals and other people in the region. While at each location, Fieri talks to the staff as well as the customers to get their thoughts on the food. Many episodes feature eateries that are connected by a common thread, such as burgers or comfort foods but its all here on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

GenreFood, Travel
The UnXplained
Running

The UnXplained

The UnXplained will tackle subjects that have mystified mankind for centuries, from mysterious structures and cursed ancient cities to extraterrestrial sightings and bizarre rituals. The series will also feature contributions from top scientists, historians, engineers and researchers - each seeking to shed light on how the seemingly impossible can happen.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Running

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Emmy Award and Grammy Award winner Jimmy Fallon brought NBC's "The Tonight Show" back to its New York origins when he launched The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon from Rockefeller Center. Fallon puts his own stamp on the storied NBC late-night franchise with his unique comedic wit, on-point pop culture awareness, welcoming style and impeccable taste in music with the award-winning house band, The Roots.

GenreComedy