War

Eight-part documentary series chronicling the epic sweep of military history, from the Greeks who invented the western way of war, to the potential for a nuclear Armageddon.

The War of the World is a major new history of the 20th century by acclaimed and controversial historian Professor Niall Ferguson, described by The Times as the “most brilliant British historian of his generation”. We think we know the last century well, but our view of it was skewed by the fact that we were living through it.

In the first episode of his legendary series Gwynne Dyer analyzes two centuries of world military history and defines the milestones along the road to total war: the birth of nationalism, conscription, the mobilization of large armies, the invention of the machine gun, tank and atomic bomb, and the deliberate killing of civilians. From Napoleon to Nagasaki, The Road to Total War charts how the social, economic and technological developments of the last two hundred years have made warfare so efficient that it can now destroy us all.

Young Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and across Europe as the war rages on.

Our perceptions of the First World War today are dominated by the idea it was a futile conflict, a colossal waste of life, and an immense tragedy for Britain and all of Europe. It is a view that has been fostered by the war poets who wrote vividly about the experience of trench warfare, and by countless novels, films and television programmes in the years since. Many even go as far as suggesting that the First World War led directly to the rise of Hitler and the outbreak of the Second World War.

Hear the amazing true stories lying beneath the shadows of The Cold War! Witness the secret missions and tactics used by the C.I.A. and K.G.B. throughout the years of conflict and strife. From the development of the atomic bomb to the Superpowers triumphs and crushing defeats, this 10 episode collection uncovers the most significant leaders and military tactics used throughout the prolonged conflict.

Roberto Rossellini is one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. And it was with his trilogy of films made during and after World War II — Rome Open City, Paisan, and Germany Ground Zero — that he left his first transformative mark on cinema. With their stripped-down aesthetic, largely nonprofessional casts, and unorthodox approaches to storytelling, these intensely emotional works were international sensations and effectively launched the neorealist movement. Shot in battle-ravaged Italy and Germany, these three films are some of our most lasting, humane documents of devastated postwar Europe, containing universal images that encompass both tragedy and hope.

Paul Revere never said, "The British are coming!" and, on his famous midnight ride, failed to reach his destination. The "Battle of Bunker Hill" wasn't fought there. About two-thirds of all Americans either opposed their war for for independence, or took no side. These are just a few of the surprising insights revealed with The Learning Channel's mini-series on the struggle that forged a nation. Narrated by former CBS news correspondent and award-winning author, Charles Kuralt, this original six-part mini-series tells the story of the conflict that gave birth to the United States of America.