Ep 9. The Jonestown Massacre: An American Apocalypse (1978)

The Jonestown Massacre: An American Apocalypse (1978) is the ninth episode of the first season of the show Crimes That Made History. The episode delves into one of the deadliest incidents in American history, that took place on November 18, 1978, in Guyana. The Peoples Temple, led by the charismatic yet manipulative Jim Jones, established a settlement named Jonestown in the South American nation. A group of journalists and Congressman Leo Ryan visited the settlement on a fact-finding mission, but as they were about to leave, a handful of Jonestown residents approached them with a desperate plea for help. This prompted Jones to order an ambush, leading to the death of Ryan and several others. Fearing retribution, Jones directed his followers to commit mass-suicide by drinking poisoned punch, killing more than 900 people, including women and children.

The episode explores the lead-up to the Jonestown Massacre and examines the factors that led to its occurrence. Jones's personality and tactics are brought under scrutiny, along with the extreme measures he undertook to maintain control over his followers. Interviews with survivors of the massacre and experts provide a detailed insight into the happenings of that fateful day. The episode also portrays the reactions of the American public and media, who were horrified at the scale of the tragedy.

Through archival footage, photographs, and interviews, the episode attempts to unravel the mystery behind this anomaly. Questions such as why did so many individuals follow Jones blindly, how was he able to manipulate and control so many people for so long, and why did the US Government fail to prevent this tragedy, are touched upon in the episode. The investigative narrative paints a terrifying picture of the power dynamics and manipulation that could ensue from blind obedience.

The Jonestown Massacre: An American Apocalypse (1978) highlights the atrocities that can be committed when a cult leader holds absolute control over their followers. The episode discusses how the peoples' belief in their leader can lead to the surrender of their own lives and others, in a quest to serve the so-called "greater good." Additionally, the episode examines how the manipulation of people's beliefs can perpetrate catastrophic events that shock the world, and where one man's charisma can lead to the destruction of hundreds of lives.

Overall, The Jonestown Massacre: An American Apocalypse (1978) is an insightful and thought-provoking episode that offers a detailed look into one of the worst tragedies in American history. It highlights the significance of recognizing the importance of free thinking and understanding the dangers of surrendering control over one's life, and the roles of government and society in ensuring that such incidents never occur again.