Two hundred years of military history is a lot to cover in a two-hour documentary, but "West Point" (8 p.m., PBS) rises to the occasion, offering a riveting survey history of one of America's essential institutions.
The film celebrates West Point's bicentennial. Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing the U.S. Military Academy in 1802, and the elite school has seen history, sacrifice and controversy ever since. West Point's place in the history books was secure even before 1802. Located high above the majestic Hudson River, the point offered America's revolutionary army a perfect place to bombard British ships as they transported ships and supplies. George Washington referred to the point as "the key to the continent." It was so crucial to the war that traitor Benedict Arnold tried to sell it to the British.
After the Revolutionary War, many in Congress opposed the idea of establishing a soldier's academy. They feared that an elite military caste would undermine democracy and were content to rely on militias of citizen soldiers. Washington and others argued that the young nation needed men schooled in battlefield tactics, as well as the technical engineering skills necessary to build forts and fire cannons.
The debate came to a rude conclusion after the War of 1812, when America's militia army performed poorly against Britain's professionally trained forces. During the next 30 years, West Point graduated many of the engineers who would build America's railroads and other public works. The fact that some got very rich revived the notion that West Point was a publicly funded school for the elite. Congress came within one vote of shutting the school down.
After West Point-trained soldiers prevailed in the Mexican-American War, the academy's reputation seemed secure. But the Civil War divided West Point, as many cadets, instructors and alumni rushed to serve in the Confederate Army.
Much like the celebrated "Civil War" series, "West Point" relies on still photographs, period illustrations and contemporary footage of the academy's gorgeous New York State setting for its visual narrative. It also features an impressive cast of commentators, including Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, author Gore Vidal, historian Thomas Fleming and the former academy superintendent, Lt. Gen. Dave Palmer. Andre Braugher narrates.
Confined to two hours, "West Point" seems to rush through the 20th century, slowing down to appreciate Gen. Douglas MacArthur's attempts to reform and modernize the academy, and acknowledge the graduates of 1915, known as "the class the stars fell on." They include Dwight D. Eisenhower and Omar Bradley.
The film pays particular attention to the academy's difficult years during and following the Vietnam conflict, when many in society scorned military values, and when the institution itself was rocked by cheating scandals, widespread drug abuse and a rocky adjustment to racial integration and coeducation.
A fine, contemplative film, "West Point" reflects the country's contradictory feelings about the military as well as the academy's commitment to enduring values. Schwarzkopf, who served in both the Vietnam debacle and the Gulf War triumph, seems well qualified to comment on this dynamic tension.
"You're not going to be loved all the time," he reflects. "And nobody said that it's duty, honor, country, but only when they love ya, OK? It's duty, honor, country, period."
Tonight's other highlights
l Scheduled on "60 Minutes II" (7 p.m., CBS): the rising number of official Catholic exorcisms; a revolutionary teaching method.
l Chicago Bear great Walter Payton is profiled on "Biography" (7 p.m., A&E).
l Bernie puts Vanessa in charge on "Bernie Mac" (8 p.m., Fox).
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