historical documentaries

A 24-part series which deals with the relations between the United States, the Soviet Union and their respective allies between the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

An examination of how a cultured people could have allowed Adolf Hitler's rise to power.

A groundbreaking 26-part documentary series narrated by the actor Laurence Olivier about the deadliest conflict in history, World War II.

Documentary series which uses film and eyewitness accounts from both sides of the conflict that divided Spain in the years leading up to World War Two, also placing it in its international context.

Recounts the events of world War II in color.

A comprehensive history of the United States' involvement in the bitterly divisive armed conflict in Southeast Asia.

The story of the American activist struggle against the influence of alcohol, climaxing in the failed early 20th century nationwide era when it was banned.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, this is the untold story of how one man saved the world from nuclear apocalypse. From the producers of The King's Speech, this hour-long special details a shocking and long-hidden side to the historic events of 1962. Today, the public remembers Kennedy and Khrushchev's public battle of nerves. But away from the spotlight of global politics, a drama on board a Russian submarine brought us closer to World War III than anyone knew. The Man Who Saved the World introduces us to Vasili Arkhipov - the man who brought us back from the brink of certain nuclear war. With brand new eyewitness accounts, the first ever TV interview with Arkhipov's widow and dramatic reconstructions, this is the story of the most dangerous moment in human history.

Retired Soviet Lt. Col. Stanislav Petrov, who saved the world from WW3, talks about his life as retiree and shares his opinions on the Cold War with actor Kevin Costner in this melancholic mixture of documentary and reenacted footage.

The history of the powerful weapon on land, the tank. Covers its entire history, from paper designs of the early-1900s to the beasts of the present day.

Follow James Burke through the history of science and technology in this collection of 10 1-hour episodes, starting with "The Trigger Effect."

Historian James Burke walks the viewer through the tenuous threads of history that link seemingly obscure scientific breakthroughs and the events and products that exist today.

In the conclusion to his groundbreaking series, James Burke continues to make incredible connections to history's most important discoveries and inventions.

History of the American and Soviet development of the H-bomb.

Scientists and witnesses involved in the creation and testing of the first ever atomic bomb reflect on the Manhattan project and its fascinating leader, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who upon completion of his wonderful and horrible invention became a powerful spokesperson against the nuclear arms race.

Exploration of New York City's rich history as a complex and dynamic city that has played an unparalleled role in shaping the nation and reflecting its ideals.

This award-winning, twenty-six part PBS television series offers new insight into the turbulent events of these hundred years through the revealing personal testimony of the people who lived them.

Chronicling China's tumultuous 20th century through rare archival footage and eyewitness accounts. Covers civil war between Mao and Chiang, Mao's attempts to forge a new China, Deng's market reforms after Mao's death.

A comprehensive survey of the American Civil War.

The people, ideas, and events that created our current world economy.

China: A Century of Revolution - The Mao Years, 1949-1976 is the second in the series of three films depicting the struggle of China to realize its economic and political goals.

Following the death of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping emerged as China's new leader and launched an ambitious path of economic reform. But he also oversaw one of the most infamous episodes of political repression in the 20th Century.

In 1911, China's centuries old history of imperial rule was overthrown and replaced with a republic. But the weak and ineffectual government that now ruled the massive country gave way to Japanese invasion and civil war.

Andrew Marr explores key events across 70,000 years of human civilization, from ancient empires to modern technological marvels, through re-enactments and global filming in this thought-provoking documentary series.