American Experience
American Experience
The Forgotten Plague #S27E05
By the dawn of the 19th century, the most deadly killer in human history, tuberculosis, had killed one in seven of all the people who had ever lived. Throughout the 1800s, the disease struck America with a vengeance, ravaging communities and touching the lives of almost every family. The battle against the deadly bacteria had a profound and lasting impact on America. It shaped medical and scientific pursuits, social habits, economic development, western expansion, and government policy. Yet both the disease and its impact are poorly understood; in the words of one writer, tuberculosis is our "forgotten plague."
Episode 5 of Season 27 from American Experience — available to stream in HD on any device.
Comments & Discussions
Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Recommended
Because you liked American Experience
Molly-Mae: Behind It All
Molly-Mae: Behind It All
Where Are They Now?
Where Are They Now?
Grand Designs
Grand Designs
Colosseum: Rise and Fall
Colosseum: Rise and Fall
World's Most Dangerous Prisoners
World's Most Dangerous Prisoners
TikTok: Murder Gone Viral
TikTok: Murder Gone Viral
Ambulance
Ambulance
Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia
Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia
Hustlers Gamblers Crooks
Hustlers Gamblers Crooks
Wheeler Dealers: World Tour
Wheeler Dealers: World Tour
Explore Content
Search for movies, TV shows, collections, manga, or people
Trending Now