“Not for Ourselves Alone” Dept. of Defense Bicentennial Film (1976)

Synopsis

This patriotic film commemorates the bicentennial of the American Revolutionary War. It depicts historical sites and figures following American military history up until Vietnam and the Cold War. It opens with portraits of Abraham Lincoln (:37) and George Washington (:55). It is presented by the US Department of Defense (:55). The Declaration of Independence, signed July 4th 1776, appears on screen and throughout the film quotes will be read from it (1:54). A painting depicts the British fleet in harbor at the start of the Revolutionary War (2:20). A montage ensues which switches between paintings from the Revolutionary War as well as more modern warfare footage (4:31). The surrender at Yorktown, follows. (5:21). A quote from Marquis de Lafayette is heard (5:46) as he questioned what British General would attempt to undertake the conquest of America now after the Revolutionary War had been won (5:46). Relations between Britain and the US were tense after the war (6:49). In 1812, the British fleet was again in American waters (6:53). The US beefed up their war effort for this (7:32) with citizens taking up local collections to build and launch frigates. The US won three years later (10:05). Senator Daniel Webster of Massachusetts’ quote of “liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable” said in 1830 follows (10:27). A poster appears calling for sharp shooters to join the Maine regiments (11:05) signifying the beginning of the Civil War. A quote from Abraham…

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Details

Running time

29 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage