American Experience
Overview
American Experience captivates audiences with its engaging retelling of pivotal moments in history. As television's leading historical series, it delves into fascinating narratives that shape our comprehension of contemporary society. Each episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of events and figures that have left a lasting impact, enhancing viewers’ appreciation for the complexities of the past. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the series invites reflection on how history continues to influence our present and future.
Episodes
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1
The Great San Francisco Earthquake
This film captures the haunting recollections of individuals caught in the harrowing 1906 disaster, from the legendary Enrico Caruso to everyday San F...
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1
The Great Air Race of 1924
The inaugural global air race, backed by the Army Air Service to demonstrate the airplane's potential for commercial use, was a true trial for both pi...
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8
Yosemite: The Fate of Heaven
This breathtaking documentary showcases the beauty of Yosemite National Park. The narration draws from the diary of soldiers who first explored this r...
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2
Nixon (1): The Quest
Title: Nixon (1): The Quest Plot: Richard Nixon was a complex figure whose unique blend of strengths and flaws took him to the highest office and ult...
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3
Nixon (2): Triumph
Richard Nixon's unique blend of strengths and flaws led him to the presidency and ultimately contributed to his downfall. As one of the most complex p...
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4
Nixon (3): The Fall
Richard Nixon's unique blend of strengths and vulnerabilities carried him to the presidency, only to ultimately lead to his downfall. As one of the mo...
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8
The Crash of 1929
In 1929, as the stock market soared, skepticism was rare. It was hailed as a "New Era," a time when anyone could strike it rich. However, a select few...
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1
LBJ (1)
Lyndon B. Johnson began his political journey in 1938 when he was elected to Congress at a remarkably young age. In 1948, he secured a Senate seat ami...
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2
LBJ (2)
This narrative explores Lyndon Johnson's rise to the presidency, highlighting the contentious issues that marked his time in office, including the amb...
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1
The Kennedys (1): The Father, 1900-61
Few families have captivated the American public quite like the Kennedys. Their narrative weaves together themes of ambition, affluence, familial devo...
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2
The Kennedys (2): The Sons, 1961-80
Title: The Kennedys (2): The Sons, 1961-80 Plot: Few families have captivated the American spirit quite like the Kennedys. Their narrative weaves tog...
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3
The Donner Party
Title: The Donner Party Plot: Among the many tales of 19th-century pioneers, few captivate the American spirit like this harrowing saga set against t...
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12
Goin' Back to T-Town
Title: Returning to T-Town Plot: In Tulsa, Greenwood emerged as a thriving hub where African Americans enjoyed a degree of economic, social, and poli...
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3
Ike (1): Soldier
Dwight D. Eisenhower was not only a highly decorated general but also an adept politician and a formidable opponent during the Cold War. Despite his s...
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5
Malcolm X: Make It Plain
Malcolm X embodied the anger, struggle, and relentless pursuit of freedom for Black Americans during the sixties. Initially known as Malcolm Little in...
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1
Truman (1): An Accident of Democracy
This episode delves into the life of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. In the first part, it explores his experiences as a sol...
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2
Truman (2): The Moon, the Stars and All the Planets
Harry S. Truman reflects on his economic strategies following World War II, the presidential campaign of 1948, and the onset of the Korean War. He als...
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5
Influenza 1918
The episode delves into the devastating Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, which resulted in the loss of over 600,000 lives. It highlights the unsuccessful...
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6
Reagan (1): Lifeguard
This two-part exploration delves into Ronald Reagan's life and enduring impact, starting from his humble beginnings. It traces his journey from a radi...
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7
Reagan (2): An American Crusade
The final chapter of Ronald Reagan's biography delves into his second term, highlighting his defense spending strategies and the controversial Iran-Co...
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6
Meltdown at Three Mile Island
At 4:00 AM on March 28, 1979, a reactor at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant close to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, unexpectedly overheated, causi...
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10
Fly Girls
In World War II, over a thousand women enlisted to serve in the U.S. military as pilots. Among them were wives, mothers, actresses, and debutantes who...
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7
Houdini
Mandy Patinkin lends his voice to a captivating biography of Harry Houdini (1874-1926), highlighting his extraordinary accomplishments through a mix o...
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9
The Duel
The intense duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804 is described by narrator Linda Hunt as a confrontation between “the founder of Am...
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10
John Brown's Holy War
John Brown is often viewed as either a hero or a lunatic, and possibly a bit of both, but his influence in sparking the Civil War is undeniable. Actor...
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5
Streamliners: America's Last Trains
Reflecting on the sleek stainless steel trains that elegantly traveled across the nation at speeds exceeding 100 mph in the 1930s and '40s, these stre...
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7
Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided, Part I
The first two parts of a six-part saga explore the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd, starting from their early years and the beginni...
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8
Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided, Part II
Title: Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided, Part II Plot: As the Lincolns step into Washington, D.C., in 1861, the untested president-elect fac...
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9
Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided, Part III
The narrative shifts to 1863, a time when many Northerners began to oppose the Civil War. Some were troubled by the staggering number of casualties, w...
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10
Scottsboro: An American Tragedy
Title: Scottsboro: An American Tragedy Plot: This documentary explores the prolonged battle over 17 years to exonerate nine African American men wron...
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11
Fatal Flood
Title: Deadly Deluge Plot: In April 1927, the small delta town of Greenville, Mississippi, faced an overwhelming surge of racial strife triggered by ...
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12
Stephen Foster
This episode delves into the life and legacy of the iconic American composer Stephen Foster, showcasing insights from historian Fath Ruffins, biograph...
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6
Mount Rushmore
Title: Mount Rushmore Plot: This narrative follows the arduous 16-year journey (1925-1941) to create Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakot...
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11
Ansel Adams
Ric Burns explores the life of the renowned photographer whose bond with Yosemite is so profound that a mountain in the area bears his name. Ansel Ada...
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1
Jimmy Carter (1): Jimmy Who?
This compelling two-part documentary delves into Jimmy Carter's life, highlighting how his "moral ideology," as described by former speechwriter Hendr...
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2
Jimmy Carter (2): Hostage
In the second part of the Jimmy Carter biography, "Hostage" delves into his time in office and beyond. In 1977, Carter emphasized that human rights wo...
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7
Transcontinental Railroad
The intense competition between the Union Pacific and Central Pacific to build a transcontinental railroad culminated on May 10, 1869, at Promontory P...
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11
Seabiscuit
"Seabiscuit" tells the captivating story of the unlikely racehorse that captured the hearts of America during the late 1930s. Featuring insights from ...
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2
Reconstruction: The Second Civil War (1): Revolution
"Reconstruction: The Second Civil War," a compelling two-part documentary, explores one of the most tumultuous times in American history, featuring in...
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3
Reconstruction: The Second Civil War (2): Retreat
"Reconstruction" wraps up by exploring the experiences of both white and black communities in Georgia, South Carolina, and Louisiana from 1867 to 1877...
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9
Golden Gate Bridge
Narrator David Ogden Stiers reflects on the creation of the Golden Gate Bridge, describing it as a "graceful leap over an unprecedented space." The en...
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1
RFK (Part 1 & 2)
Robert Kennedy was a reserved yet determined individual who, as journalist Jack Newfield noted, "wasn't made for the spotlight, but for the wings." Du...
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1
Two Days in October
Title: October's Turning Point Plot: "October's Turning Point" recounts two pivotal events from 1967 that reshaped America’s perspective on the Vie...
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3
Las Vegas: An Unconventional History (1): Sin City
The tale of the gambling hub unfolds through a series of news segments and nostalgic reflections. This marks the first installment of a two-part serie...
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4
Las Vegas: An Unconventional History (2): American Mecca
Through a series of news segments and personal reflections, the narrative unfolds the transformation of the once dusty railroad settlement into a prem...
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6
The Nuremberg Trials
This intense examination focuses on the historic trial that commenced on November 20, 1945, where the prominent leaders of Nazi Germany faced justice ...
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7
Jesse James
The captivating story of the outlaw, who lived from 1847 to 1882, unfolds through dramatic reenactments, insights from historians, and vintage photogr...
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13
The Man Behind Hitler
Title: The Architect of Evil Plot: This documentary delves into the life of Joseph Goebbels (1897-1945), the mastermind who played a crucial role in ...
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15
Alexander Hamilton
This episode delves into the life of Alexander Hamilton, the inaugural treasury secretary and a pivotal figure in advocating for a Constitution and a ...
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1
Oswald's Ghost
Many Americans, both in the past and present, struggle to believe that a solitary, seemingly insignificant gunman could assassinate a president and ch...
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2
The Polio Crusade
The narrative of the polio campaign honors an era when Americans united to fight a devastating illness. This medical advancement not only saved numero...
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3
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was murdered at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. In the following twelve days, as a grieving nation c...
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7
We Shall Remain (3): Trail of Tears
The Cherokee referred to it as Nu-No-Du-Na-Tlo-Hi-Lu, meaning “The Trail Where They Cried.” On May 26, 1838, federal soldiers compelled thousands ...
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8
We Shall Remain (4): Geronimo
In February 1909, the unyielding Chiricahua Apache medicine man Geronimo found himself on his deathbed. Calling for his nephew, he confided, “I neve...
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9
We Shall Remain (5): Wounded Knee
On the evening of February 27, 1973, a convoy of fifty-four cars, horns honking, arrived in a tiny village on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Withi...
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2
Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Earp has been depicted in numerous films and TV series by some of the finest actors in Hollywood, such as Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, and more r...
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4
Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison experienced the two pivotal wars that shaped the United States, forged friendships with the first twelve Presidents, and witnessed the ...
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6
My Lai
What motivated a group of American soldiers—ordinary young men from various backgrounds—to carry out one of the most horrific acts in U.S. militar...
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7
The Greely Expedition
Title: The Greely Expedition Plot: In 1881, a team of 25 men, guided by Adolphus Greely, embarked on a journey from Newfoundland to Lady Franklin Bay...
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8
Triangle Fire
In New York City, a catastrophic workplace disaster unfolded as a single match fell on the 8th floor of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, igniting a de...
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9
The Great Famine
Title: The Great Famine Plot: This documentary uncovers the often-overlooked American initiative to combat the hunger crisis in Soviet Russia during ...
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10
Stonewall Uprising
In 1969, being gay was criminalized in nearly every state, but a significant shift was on the horizon. The Stonewall riots became a pivotal moment in ...
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2
Custer's Last Stand
This documentary explores the life of Gen. George Armstrong Custer, known as "the boy general" for his daring actions during the Civil War. Custer met...
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6
Grand Coulee Dam
Title: Grand Coulee Dam Plot: This documentary delves into the lives of the men and women who inhabited and labored at Grand Coulee during the afterm...
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2
The Abolitionists: 1838-1854
Explore how the actions of the five key figures intertwine and influence the fight against slavery.
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3
The Abolitionists: 1854-Emancipation and Victory
Explore the various influences that contributed to the outbreak of war and the eventual approval of the Thirteenth Amendment.
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4
Henry Ford
Title: Henry Ford Plot: This compelling narrative traces the journey of Henry Ford, a humble farm boy who transformed into one of the most significan...
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5
Silicon Valley
Under the guidance of physicist Robert Noyce, Fairchild Semiconductor emerged as a pioneering start-up, whose groundbreaking advancements propelled th...
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6
War of the Worlds
Orson Welles' radio adaptation of War of the Worlds sent shockwaves through a jittery nation, creating widespread panic over an alien invasion that ne...
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2
1964
Looking back at 1964, a crucial year in American history, the Beatles mesmerized young audiences while President Lyndon B. Johnson enacted the Civil R...
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3
The Amish: Shunned
The episode delves into the Amish tradition of shunning those who depart from their faith, highlighting the journeys of individuals who have chosen to...
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7
Cold War Roadshow
In 1959, during the peak of the Cold War, American children were being taught duck-and-cover drills to prepare for potential nuclear attacks. Amidst t...
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5
The Forgotten Plague
As the 19th century began, tuberculosis emerged as the deadliest disease in human history, claiming the lives of one in seven individuals who had ever...
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7
Blackout
Title: Blackout Plot: On July 13, 1977, the lights suddenly went out in New York City, and a diverse group of individuals share their firsthand exp...
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1
Bonnie & Clyde
While their adventures have been glamorized, the Barrow gang was thought to have committed at least 23 murders, including the deaths of two law enforc...
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2
The Mine Wars
Title: The Mine Wars Plot: This narrative unfolds the struggle of ordinary individuals battling immense powers for a more just society. During the ea...
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5
Space Men
During the 1950s and early '60s, a group of daring balloonists embarked on high-altitude adventures, facing the harsh realities of the space age well ...
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6
The Boys of '36
This is the tale of nine working-class young men from the University of Washington who made waves in the rowing world and across America by seizing th...
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8
The Battle of Chosin
Experience the gripping struggle up close in this vivid account of warfare and endurance during the first significant military confrontation of the Co...
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1
Command and Control
In 1980, a frightening event unfolded at a Titan II missile facility in Damascus, Arkansas, when a near-disaster nearly set off a ballistic missile ar...
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2
Rachel Carson
Her mission was to rescue a species... humanity. This is a close-up look at the life of the woman whose pioneering writings transformed the way we con...
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3
The Race Underground
The dramatic story of the country's first subway.
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4
Oklahoma City
On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh, a former military serviceman shaped by extremist literature and right-wing ideologies, carried out an attack that ...
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5
Ruby Ridge
Title: Ruby Ridge Plot: This compelling narrative explores the pivotal incident that significantly contributed to the emergence of the contemporary...
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6
The Great War: Part 1
In the first part of this three-part series, President Woodrow Wilson promised to maintain America's neutrality when World War I broke out in Europe i...
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7
The Great War: Part 2
In this second installment, we reflect on the United States' entrance into World War I, highlighting the astonishing pace of mobilization and the sign...
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8
The Great War: Part 3
In the autumn of 1918, a significant American offensive is poised to potentially conclude the war quickly. Meanwhile, a U.S. battalion finds itself en...
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1
Into the Amazon
Title: Into the Amazon Plot: This captivating tale follows President Theodore Roosevelt as he embarks on an adventurous expedition alongside the reno...
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2
The Secret of Tuxedo Park
In the autumn of 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill entrusted Wall Street magnate Alfred Lee Loomis with his nation's crucial military sec...
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3
The Gilded Age
Encounter the influential magnates and elites of the opulent late 19th century, whose lavish lifestyles stood in stark contrast to the dire conditions...
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4
The Bombing of Wall Street
Delve into the untold story of the first terrorist attack on American soil, a largely overlooked bombing in 1920 that shook the heart of the nation’...
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6
The Chinese Exclusion Act
Title: The Chinese Exclusion Act Plot: This episode explores the roots and consequences of the 1882 legislation that prohibited Chinese laborers from...
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7
The Circus (1)
Delve into the beginnings of this iconic and uniquely American entertainment style during a time when legendary showmen like P.T. Barnum, James Bailey...
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8
The Circus (2)
Title: The Circus (2) Plot: Journey back to the golden era of American entertainment as former competitors Barnum, Bailey, and the Ringling Brother...
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9
The Eugenics Crusade
The Eugenics Crusade reveals the unexpected and often overlooked effort to create a so-called “superior” American race. It explores the growth of ...
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1
The Swamp
The narrative of the Everglades unfolds as a compelling and often overlooked tale of humanity's struggle against nature. Through the experiences of a ...
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2
Sealab
In 1969, just off the California coast, a US Navy crane meticulously lowered an enormous tubular structure into the ocean. This ambitious engineering ...
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3
Chasing the Moon - A Place Beyond the Sky
Title: Pursuing the Moon - A Realm Above the Clouds Plot: On October 4, 1957, Soviet researchers successfully sent Sputnik 1 into orbit, a small, rad...
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4
Chasing the Moon - Earthrise
Title: Pursuit of the Moon - Earthrise Plot: What would it take for the United States to outpace the Soviets in the race to the moon? Amidst ongoing ...
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5
Chasing the Moon - Magnificent Desolation
Following the triumphant Apollo 8 mission in 1968, a wave of celebration swept the nation, but it was soon overshadowed by growing concerns regarding ...
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6
Woodstock
In August 1969, a diverse crowd of half a million individuals gathered at a modest dairy farm in upstate New York. They arrived with hopes of attendin...
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7
The Feud
Anderson Hatfield and Randolph McCoy, the leaders of the infamous feud, were determined entrepreneurs striving to rise above their difficult circumsta...
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1
McCarthy
Title: McCarthy Plot: "McCarthy" explores the dramatic ascent and decline of Joseph McCarthy, the senator from Wisconsin whose fervent campaign again...
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2
The Poison Squad
Dr. Harvey Wiley, a dedicated government chemist, set out to rid dinner tables of harmful additives. His mission put him in direct conflict with influ...
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3
The Man Who Tried to Feed The World
Title: The Man Who Tried to Feed The World Plot: Delve into the story of Norman Borlaug, the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize laureate dedicated to combating g...
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4
George W. Bush (Part 1)
Title: George W. Bush (Part 1) Plot: In this installment of our acclaimed series on presidential history, we delve into the life and tenure of George...
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5
George W. Bush (Part 2)
George W. Bush, part two delves into his second term, where he faces the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and navigates the most significan...
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6
Mr. Tornado
Mr. Tornado tells the incredible tale of Ted Fujita, a pioneer in meteorological research and practical science. His innovative contributions not only...
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7
The Vote (Part 1)
Title: The Vote (Part 1) Plot: A century after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, The Vote explores the intense climax of the relentless struggl...
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8
The Vote (Part 2)
Part Two delves into the escalating conflict surrounding strategy and tactics, highlighting how the widespread racism of the era, especially in the So...
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1
The Codebreaker
Inspired by the book The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America's Enemies, The Codebreak...
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2
Voice of Freedom
Delve into the remarkable journey of renowned vocalist Marian Anderson. In 1939, after being denied the opportunity to sing at Constitution Hall due t...
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3
The Blinding of Isaac Woodard
In 1946, Isaac Woodard, a Black army sergeant returning to South Carolina after his service in WWII, was forcibly removed from a bus following a dispu...
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4
American Oz
The story of L. Frank Baum, the visionary behind the beloved tale "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," unfolds in this episode. His enchanting narrative has ...
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5
Billy Graham
Delve into the life of a prominent and highly impactful religious figure from the 20th century. By the age of 30, he had become a global sensation, es...
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6
Sandra Day O'Connor: The First
Title: Sandra Day O'Connor: The Trailblazer Plot: Explore the remarkable journey of the Supreme Court's inaugural female justice. As a groundbreaking...
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7
Citizen Hearst (1)
By the 1930s, William Randolph Hearst had established the largest media empire in the country. Coming from one of America's richest families, he lever...
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8
Citizen Hearst (2)
Title: Citizen Hearst (2) Plot: William Randolph Hearst escalated his influence and ventured deeper into Hollywood's realm. Serving as the inspirat...
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1
Riveted: The History of Jeans
Title: Riveted: The History of Jeans Plot: Explore the captivating and unexpected journey of the quintessential American piece of clothing. Jeans rep...
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2
The American Diplomat
Explore the journey of three Black diplomats who challenged racial boundaries within the US State Department during the Cold War era. Tasked with embo...
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3
Flood in the Desert
Delve into the catastrophic dam failure of 1928, which stands as the second deadliest disaster in California's history. This monumental engineering mi...
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4
Plague at the Golden Gate
In 1900, an outbreak of bubonic plague sparked widespread panic and fueled anti-Asian sentiments in San Francisco. This compelling documentary explore...
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5
Taken Hostage (1)
Explore the gripping events of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, where 52 American citizens found themselves trapped in Tehran. This episode delves into t...
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6
Taken Hostage (2)
In this second part, we explore the gripping events of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, where 52 Americans found themselves imprisoned in Tehran. Through...
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1
The Lie Detector
Explore the intriguing saga of the polygraph, a contentious invention that revolutionized contemporary law enforcement, captured public attention, and...
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2
Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space
Discover the remarkable Zora Neale Hurston, a prominent writer and a vital force behind the Harlem Renaissance. With her background in anthropology, s...
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3
Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History
Title: Ruthless: The Hidden Story of Monopoly Plot: Monopoly stands as America's beloved board game, embodying the spirit of capitalism and our free-...
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4
The Movement and the "Madman"
Title: The Movement and the "Madman" Plot: Uncover the dramatic events of the 1969 clash between President Nixon and the antiwar activists. Through p...
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5
The Sun Queen
Mária Telkes, a pioneering scientist, committed her life to capturing solar energy. Despite facing challenges and opposition from her male peers, she...
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6
Casa Susanna
During the 1950s and ’60s, a hidden community of transgender women and cross-dressing men discovered a sanctuary in a house located in the Catskills...
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7
The Busing Battleground
Title: The Busing Battleground Plot: The Busing Battleground powerfully illustrates the intense class struggles and racial unrest that erupted in Bos...
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8
The Harvest: Integrating Mississippi's Schools
In October 1969, the Supreme Court mandated the complete and immediate desegregation of schools, prompting Leland, Mississippi, to finally comply with...
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9
The War on Disco
The War on Disco delves into the cultural clash ignited by the emergence of Disco music. Tensions peaked on July 12, 1979, when a group of rock enthus...
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1
Nazi Town, USA
The narrative centers on the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization that, during the 1930s, established numerous chapters nationwide, highlight...
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2
Fly With Me
This is the tale of trailblazing women who reshaped the world from the skies. Often criticized as feminist sellouts, the so-called "stewardesses" foun...
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3
The Cancer Detectives
This is the remarkable tale of the pioneering battle against cancer and the diverse group of individuals who dedicated themselves to protecting women ...
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4
Poisoned Ground: The Tragedy at Love Canal
This powerful and uplifting tale follows a group of everyday women who bravely stood up against daunting challenges to protect their families' health ...
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5
The Riot Report
Title: The Riot Report Plot: In the summer of 1967, violence flared in Black communities nationwide, prompting President Johnson to establish a commi...
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6
The American Vice President
Title: The American Vice President Plot: The American Vice President delves into the often-overlooked history of the nation’s second-ranking offici...
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7
American Coup: Wilmington 1898
American Coup: Wilmington 1898 uncovers the harrowing account of a violent race massacre and a meticulously planned uprising in North Carolina’s lar...
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1
Forgotten Hero: Walter White and The NAACP
Although many pinpoint the start of the civil rights movement to 1955, when Rosa Parks defied segregation by refusing to give up her bus seat in Alaba...
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2
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
This powerful and moving narrative chronicles the relentless fight for equality and accessibility that led to the enactment of the Americans with Disa...
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3
Mr. Polaroid
Title: Mr. Polaroid Plot: Long before smartphones transformed photography, the Polaroid camera offered a revolutionary way to capture moments on the ...
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4
Clearing the Air: The War on Smog
The story delves into the severe smog crisis that plagued Los Angeles during the 1940s and 50s, highlighting how this environmental disaster prompted ...
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5
Hard Hat Riot
Hard Hat Riot explores a city in turmoil, a president facing challenges, and a populace torn apart, leading to a pivotal moment of violence that resha...
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6
Kissinger (Part One)
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7
Kissinger (Part Two)
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1
Bombshell
A courageous team of journalists works tirelessly to uncover and share the reality behind the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II, stri...
