During the Cold War, the power blocs of the East and West vied to control the vast mineral resources of the former Belgian colony, The Congo. The CIA working with the British, French, and Belgian Secret Services feared that this newly independent African country had fallen under Soviet influence. So the Secret Services funded a rebellion in the mineral-rich province of Katanga-and installed a puppet President, Moishe Tchombe, whose first act was to...

Why were the years between the two world wars marked by some of the most brutal and politically radical dictatorships in history? This program examines the economic, political, and social climate in the aftermath of World War I, which gave rise to a number of dictatorships whose methods of acquiring and maintaining power were horribly similar despite differing ideologies. It is an excellent resource for students of modern world history and geopolitics....

Dr. Polisar closes this course with an exploration of all Herzl achieved in just eight years and a discussion of what aspiring leaders and statesmen can learn from him.

The award-winning Horrible Histories returns for a special episode about Mary, Queen of Scots, starring Jessica Ransom. We follow Mary as she stumbles from young girl in Scotland, to queen in France, back to queen in Scotland, and finally to Elizabeth I's public enemy no. 1—with a bit of Queenian Rhapsody thrown in for good measure! Meanwhile across the world we meet silver-nosed Danish scientist Tycho Brahe, and Mr. H gives us his unique take on...

Every decade has its share of important events. But in this completely engrossing series we bring you only the best, the most far-reaching, the most worldly, and the most consequential. You will see a unique clarity of history through the "most privy" in insider accounts and expert witnesses. Events include: Adolf Eichmann, The Berlin Wall, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Assassination Of U.S. President Kennedy, The "Loudmouth": Cassius Clay, A Royal...

Delve deeper into the dastardly deeds of history’s greatest blockbuster rulers as this new series dishes up the much-loved revolting recipe of sketches and songs peppered with gruesome gags and hideous hilarity, but adds a bold new twist and an exciting new cast. Each episode will take a sideways look at the life and times of one prominent historical figure. The approach is even bigger and bolder, capturing the rottenest, most remarkable names across...

One of our most eminent neuroscientists spent a year teaching himself to play the guitar. Why? Scientist Gary Marcus was keenly interested in how the brain can essentially rewire itself to make up for deficits caused by trauma. In the presence of Vernon Reid, #66 on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, Gary Marcus discusses the experience of learning to play and the impulses that brought him to music. Presented in association...

The political and economic turmoil of Europe drove millions to leave their countries of origin and emigrate to the U.S. where a lady held a welcoming lamp "beside the Golden Door." This ABC News program anchored by Peter Jennings tells the dramatic story of the transformation of America into a truly multicultural nation, from the teeming ethnic neighborhoods of New York to the black migration to northern cities during the Great Depression. Also discussed...

Set in the spectacular Yosemite Valley in California, this is the story of the father of the modern conservation movement and one of the founders of America's National Park movement. John Muir was a 19th-century adventurer who explored the natural world and devoted his life and work to persuade others to see the sacred beauty of his discoveries. A BBC Production.

One of the most heart-rending stories of World War II. The Franks, who lived in Amsterdam, were one of the many Jewish families forced into hiding to escape Nazi persecution. Anne records all that happens in her diary, as her tale of fear, romance and treachery moves to a tragic ending. A BBC Production.