The Birth of a Nation by Melvyn Stokes

One of the central themes of this book is that films have the power to shape, or reshape, historical narratives. In this case, the filmmakers wanted to redefine the Confederacy, the KKK and the American South during Reconstruction in a more sympathetic light. Why? To what extent to you believe they succeeded? Can we trace the present-day debates over Confederate memorial statues and the naming of military bases after Confederate generals, at least in part, to this film and its impact on viewing audiences? (This should be the focus of the essay)

(In your conclusion, please reflect on these questions) What other films can you think of that have impacted how we think of about historical events or period of time? If film has this much power, what is the responsibility of filmmakers to the public? Or is it audiences who must be more skeptical, cautious, questioning viewers?
Use evidence from the book to support your arguments
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