Customer Reviews

George Washington's First War: The Battles for Fort Duquesne

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This documentary of a little publicized period prior to our country's founding brings alive the roots of our democracy and the complicity of the struggle for occupation of the eastern territory. Highly recommended for history buffs, educational supplements for all ages, and pure entertainment. Looking forward to the next of the series. (When the Forest Ran Red, the first film was equally well done.)

This DVD is the second in a series on George Washington and the French and Indian War from Paladin Communications. The first installment (see my review of _When the Forest Ran Red_) was fabulous and this one is just as good. The presentation is great; it contains reenactments and movie clips. We see how the French and Indian War unfolds in western Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Grant's surprise attack on Fort Duquesne is reminiscent of Braddock's defeat. The viewer is sure the British will succeed, but is surprised when Grant pulls the proverbial defeat from the jaws of victory. The French strategy of small, lightening raids against English settlements is made clear in the video. I found the maps particularly helpful in understanding the hopelessness of George Washington's task of defending the border. The French strategy, along with English bumbling and ineptitude, make one wonder how the English were able to win this war. We also see how George Washington matures and gains invaluable knowledge and experience that will help him later as leader of the Continental army. This is a great DVD to help one understand a war that set the stage for the American Revolution. I can hardly wait for the next in the series.

This movie,which is the sequel to When the Forest Ran Red,is a fantastic journey through history.It takes place during The French & Indian War.It also shows "The Battle of Grant's Hill" for the first time on film.This Native American victory was even more profound than The Little Big Horn and Custer's defeat.I liked the use of the many reenactors,and how it all came together.A must see for history buffs.

James Fenimore Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans" is a fun read, and the 1992 Mann movie by the same name is one of my favorites.

This historical narrative brought to life some of the actual historic events which figured in Cooper's tale. The focus on actual events and persons gives the documentary a visceral sense of reality. It also alludes to how close America came to loosing George Washington!

The production values, though not cinematic, are above-average.

If you are a student of Colonial history and a lover of beautiful films, I would highly recommend seeing this documentary then watching "Last of the Mohicans". The history will give the drama more sense of reality and place.

This film explores the French and Indian or Seven Years War, and George Washington's role in it. It's an excellent background link. While we all know about our Revolutionary War, understanding how our forefathers "went to school" during the Seven Years War is fascinating, as is the fact George Washington fights in this documentary for the British he would later defeat.

A good local production, with historical background and re-enactors.
A fascinating view of this particular point in US history, and
G. Washington's learning curve of military operations on the
frontier. Operating in Western Maryland and Pennsylvania, in
what some considered New France, Washington leads an expedition
that triggers world events.