The Birth of a Nation by DW Griffith was one of the most controversial films of the 20th century. Praised by some and angered by others, it was one of the most popular films in the world for its time due to its chaotic effect on the general public. Set during the Civil War era, Birth of a Nation glorifies the Ku Klux Klan while depicting African Americans as reprobates who sexually coerce white women. Many historians say the racist saga is responsible for the second revival of the Ku Klux Klan as well as considerable anti-black sentiment. While DW Griffith's Birth of a Nation glorified the Ku Klux Klan and demonized African Americans, it actually helped African Americans gain support for equality. Birth of a Nation received mixed reactions from audiences. In the United States, many Americans, especially white Americans, have hailed Birth of a Nation as a cinematic masterpiece. As noted in the text, "DW Griffith's white supremacist epic, The Birth of a Nation, was well received by white audiences around the world" (Sklar, 59). Although it was sensational for its use of new cinematic elements, record ticket sales, and extended two-hour film length, the most important factor of Birth of a Nation was the racist message it portrayed. As the text says, “Birth of a Nation seems as remarkable and as flawed in its art as in its theme of white supremacy” (Sklar, 61). Many people have rallied around the racist message of Birth of a Nation. Tensions related to the Civil War were still present in American culture at this time, and the recent advent of African American sovereignty has left many Americans with feelings of resentment. As such, people identified with his message. Among these supporters of Birth of a Nation was the President of the United States...... middle of paper ....... Print.Cook, Raymond. "The Man Behind 'The Birth of a Nation'" The North Carolina Historical Review 39.04 (1962) 519-531. Web.Polgar, Paul. "Fighting Lightning with Fire: Black Boston's Battle for 'The Birth of a Nation'" Massachusetts Historical Review 10 (2008) 84-113. Web. Sklar, Robert. Cinematic America: A Social History of American Films. New York: Random House, 1975. Print.Stokes, Melvyn. “Race, politics and censorship: DW Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation” in France, 1916-1923. Cinema Journal 50.01 (2010) 19-38. Web. Weinberger, Stephen. “The Birth of a Nation and the Creation of the NAACP.” Journal of American Studies 45.01 (2011) 77-93. Web.Willan, Brian. “‘Cinematic Calamity’ or ‘Shattering Call for Every Briton’: Birth of a Nation in England and South Africa 1915-1931” Journal of Southern African Studies 39.01 (2013) 623-640. Internet.