Watch Bad Blood: The Border War that Triggered the Civil War

Bad Blood: The Border War that Triggered the Civil War is a 2007 American historical documentary film that portrays the events that took place in the 1850s causing strained relations between Missouri and Kansas. The documentary provides a detailed account of the tumultuous period, which was marked by voter fraud, arson, vandalism, and murder.

The documentary is divided into four parts, each exploring different aspects of the violence that occurred. The first part presents the political and social climate of the time, showcasing the state of the Union, including the presence of slavery in the US, Missouri's pro-slavery history, and Kansas's struggle to maintain its free state status. It also features interviews with historians and scholars, who provide an explanation of the socioeconomic causes that led to the border war.

The second part of the film delves into the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which allowed the territories to decide if they wished to allow slavery or not. The film highlights the pro-slavery forces' attempts to win over the new state of Kansas by sending Missourians to register and vote in the upcoming elections. The filmmakers show how pro-slavery advocates engaged in vicious acts of voter fraud to sway the outcome of the elections in favor of their pro-slavery candidate.

The third part of the documentary focuses on the rise of the abolitionist movement in the state of Kansas. The film depicts how the abolitionists began arming themselves, which led to a series of skirmishes with pro-slavery supporters known as "Border Ruffians." The escalation of violence culminated in the 1856 attack on Lawrence, a town populated by anti-slavery settlers. The film features several eyewitness accounts, including survivors of the attack.

The fourth and final part of the documentary deals with the John Brown raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1859. Brown, a fervent abolitionist, was planning to use the captured weapons from the U.S. Arsenal to ignite a slave rebellion in the South. The film examines the impact of the raid on the nation's attitudes towards slavery and its role in exacerbating the already deep-seated tensions between the North and South.

The film provides a detailed and nuanced account of the events that eventually led to the American Civil War. The documentary features interviews with historians, scholars, and eyewitnesses of the violence, providing a firsthand perspective of the events. The cinematography of the film consists of archival footage, dramatic reconstructions of the violence, and on-location shooting.

Aaron Baker, JoAnn Barber, and Dave Bears are the lead actors in the roles of various historical figures, including John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, and other prominent political leaders of the time. The cast delivers their roles with a commanding presence, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the already engaging story.

In summary, Bad Blood: The Border War that Triggered the Civil War is an informative and well-crafted documentary that explores the historical causes behind the American Civil War. The film provides a gripping account of the border war between Missouri and Kansas and its effects on the nation's politics and social fabric. The cast and the filmmakers' dedication to bringing this period to life is commendable, and it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the United States.

Bad Blood: The Border War that Triggered the Civil War is a 2007 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.