Samuel Bronfman represents a remarkable rags-to-riches story. In some ways, his life mirrors the experience of many immigrants who travelled from Europe to North America. That is, he started off in life very poor and through a combination of ambition, drive and even ruthlessness, became a great success in business. Starting off as a horse trader in rural Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Bronfman built an empire in the whiskey business. By 1966, he was worth $400 million and today Seagram's is worth $18 billion. Run by Sam Bronfman's grandson, Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Seagram's is now a diversified global empire with interests in media, entertainment, real estate, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Following are some activities you and your students may explore after having viewed the episode on Biography,® "Samuel Bronfman: Whiskey Man." These activities are appropriate for Grades 6+.

Research Activities:

Have your students complete at least two of the following:

1. The decade of the 1890s was one of significant immigration from Europe. From where did these immigrants come and why did they leave their homelands? Describe the domestic impact of such an influx in terms of the economy, culture, lifestyle, system of governance, labour and business. Write an essay on this topic. Determine how important immigration is to a country.
2. In Canada, the temperance movement began in 1915. Prohibition was declared in the United States in 1919. What impact did these laws have on society? What went on behind the scenes? How did the Bronfmans take advantage of these events?
3. In the film, Samuel Bronfman was depicted as a man dedicated to business, yet his family life suffered as a result. Write an opinion piece on the following topic. Is it better to focus on business to the exclusion of family life while ensuring an enduring legacy in the form of a business empire? Or is it preferable to be poor but closer to your family? You decide. Write a detailed response.
4. In Edgar Bronfman, Jr.'s office, there is a favourite photo of Sam playing solitaire. There is a caption with the photo that says in part: "Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations..." What is the meaning of this phrase? How does it apply to the immigrant experience? How can one safeguard against this taking place? What did Sam Bronfman do?

Have your students complete at least one of the following:

1. Create a public service campaign on the dangers of drinking and driving. Components of the campaign may include posters, print ads, videos, radio and tv ads and a website (if there is the facility to do so).
2. In 1935, the four Bronfman brothers were charged with smuggling liquor into Canada. Write, cast and rehearse a one-act play exploring the action in the courtroom during the subsequent trial.
3. Make up a story based on the theme "blood counts." Include an explanation as to how this relates to the Bronfmans.
4. You are the wealthy owner of a business empire. Design your dream headquarters. Complete a detailed drawing of the building or if possible, make a realistic scale model. List all the features and unusual aspects that make it different.