Question 148

The film depicted African Americans in a negative light and glorified the Ku Klux Klan.

D. W. Griffith's film The Birth of a Nation generated significant controversy primarily because it portrayed African Americans in a derogatory manner while simultaneously glorifying the Ku Klux Klan. This representation sparked widespread criticism and discussions about race relations in America.

A) It pioneered the use of recorded sound and ended the silent film era.

This option is incorrect as The Birth of a Nation was primarily a silent film, and while it did utilize innovative cinematic techniques, it did not pioneer recorded sound. The film's controversy was not related to sound technology but rather its racial themes.

B) It was endorsed by President Woodrow Wilson and screened at the White House.

While it is true that the film was screened at the White House and received a form of endorsement from President Wilson, this aspect is not the primary source of its controversy. The film's negative depiction of African Americans and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan overshadow any political endorsements it received.

C) It depicted African Americans in a negative light and glorified the Ku Klux Klan.

This option is correct as it directly addresses the film's representation of African Americans and its portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan as heroic figures. The backlash against these depictions highlighted the racial tensions and societal issues of the time.

D) It served as propaganda to build support for intervention in the First World War.

This option is incorrect as The Birth of a Nation was not created as propaganda for World War I. Its primary focus was on the Reconstruction era and race relations, which were far removed from the context of the war.

E) It failed to earn enough in ticket sales to cover the costs of production.

This statement is incorrect. The Birth of a Nation was actually a financial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its time. The controversy surrounding the film was not related to its box office performance but rather its content and themes.

Conclusion

The correct answer highlights the significant social implications of The Birth of a Nation, which portrayed African Americans negatively and glorified the Ku Klux Klan, leading to its controversial status in American film history. Other options fail to address the core issue of racial representation, focusing instead on peripheral aspects such as technology and financial performance, which do not capture the film's impact on society.