Hello and welcome! This section contains a summary of what I've watched and where to find it on YouTube or Amazon. Some documentaries may be available on Netflix too. Everything is divided out into sections with bold headings to make things easier to find. Both American and World History documentaries are featured on this list. If there is 15+ documentaries on a single topic or time period or by a single historian, they may be pulled out and given it's own page that way readers do not have to do too much scrolling. You can find extra topics in the drop down menu under the YouTube. These videos are in no particular order. * means that there is a worksheet for the documentary. ** means they have my recommendation and what purpose.
Dark and Middle Ages
Secrets of Magna Carta - Episode 1 (50:21) Episode 2 (50:07)
The Magna Carta was a legendary document that changed the course of history. It is known as the Great Charter and was an agreement between two warring parties. It was a document that highlighted what freedoms the ordinary man had. It legitimized property rights. This document dates back to the time of Robin Hood and is a highly valued document. It is sometimes called the most important document in world history. This series covers the history of the Magna Carta. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Mongols - YouTube (49:45)
Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes and led the people on a path of conquest. This conquest spanned a century. Genghis Khan goes down in history as a monster who killed millions. However, what is his true legacy? He was strategic and utilized psychological warfare and battlefield tactics to help the Mongols conquer much of Asia. The Mongols would eventually make their way to Europe and the Hordes would terrorize Europe. So who was the real Genghis Khan? *Recommended for research purposes but a sub should skip this class.*
How the Silk Road Made the World - Episode 1 (52:14) Episode 2 (52:14) Episode 3 (52:14)
For thousands of years, people traveled the trade route known as the Silk Road. The distance is as daunting now as it was in the past. It was a profitable trade route. The Silk Road helped make and break empires. Goods were exchanged. Technology flowed across the road. Ideas traveled along the Silk Road. Conquering armies would use the road to conquer and explore. It brought the East and West together. It was a source of conflict. So how did the Silk Road make the world? *Recommended for research purposes.*
Empire of the Mongols - YouTube (48:12)
Mongols had built a large empire that claimed half the world in under a century. This empire spanned from the Korean Peninsula to Europe. It began with 100,000 men. The Mongol invasion of Europe began with the fall of Kyiv and struck panic into the people. How could such a small group of men bring Europe to its knees? What technology was available at the time to enable such an expansion? Who was the leader of the Mongols? This documentary looks at the rise of the Mongol Empire. *Recommended for a history class.*
The Emperor's Lost Harbor - YouTube (41:48)
Istanbul is a city of 17 million people, spread over two peninsulas. Only two bridges and several ferries serve those 17 million people who cross the Bosporus straight. The Turkish Government is looking to build a train under the Bosporus to help with people crossing the straights. The tunnel will have to be put fifty meters under the surface. This would be the deepest tunnel in the world. However, as the tunnel was put into place there have been amazing finds that tell us about the history of the harbor in Istanbul. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
536 AD: The Year The Sun Disappeared Episode 1 (49:15) Episode 2 (49:28)
The year 536 AD was the year dubbed the “year without something.” This was an event that terrified the people. The sun went dark and the rain the color of blood poured from the skies. Winter gripped the land for two years. Drought, famine, and plague followed. Whole cities were whipped out and civilization crumbled. What happened? What was going on? This catastrophe affected the people around the world and nobody knew the answers until now. *Highly recommended for a history and a science class.*
Dark Ages: An Age of Light - Episode 1 (59:11) Episode 2 (59:29) Episode 3 (59:14) Episode 4 (59:53)
Was the Dark Ages an Age of Light? What happened when the Roman Empire collapsed? This shocking question is one that historian Waldemar Januszczak will answer. He travels around Europe, Africa, and Asia to discover the hidden secrets of the Dark Ages. Waldemar makes the argument that the Dark Ages were an age of light and artistry. The art never lies, the Dark Ages were not an age of darkness but an age of light. *First episode recommended for art history class and not recommended for a history class.*
She Wolves: England's Early Queens - Helen Castor - Episode 1 (58:34) Episode 2 (59:02) Episode 3 (1:12:42)
Helen Castor tells the stories of England's early Queens. The first episode covers two women: Matilda and Eleanor. Matilda was supposed to be England's first Queen. Then she covers Isabella of France and Margaret of Anjou. Both of these women went to war to keep their families on the English Throne. Then she concludes the series with Jane Grey, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I. *Recommend for using clips in a history classroom and for independent study students.*
Medieval Lives - A Good Birth, Marriage, Death - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Helen Castor uses the Paxton family story to explore how the medieval period dealt with birth, marriage, and death. She starts off the series with Margaret Paxton preparing to give birth. Castor discusses how religion was tied into birth, marriage, and death. She then traces the Paxton’s marriage and finally concludes with death. It is a fascinating look at Medieval lives. *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms as well as for independent study students or clips.*
*Search for Alfred the Great: VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Neil Oliver explores the search for the grave of King Alfred the Great, the only British King who had the title "The Great." Oliver tells the story of what happened to the bones as well as the story of Alfred the Great. Scientists have been exploring a set of bones to determine whether or not they belong to Alfred the Great. It is an excellent look at the life of Alfred the Great. *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history class.*
The Vikings - Episode 1 (44:49) Episode 2 (43:51) Episode 3 (44:05)
Norway was the early cradle of the Vikings, the last barbarians. How did they dominate the seas and waterways of Europe? These warriors traveled around the globe. They created trade networks and built kingdoms. However, their origins are mysterious. Modern archeologists are determined to find the origins. So what made them feared warriors? What made them skilled storytellers? What made the Vikings kingdom builders? Who were the Vikings? *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history class.*
The Last Journey of the Vikings - Episode 1 (49:55) Episode 2 (49:32) Episode 3 (49:52) Episode 4 (49:58)
The Last Journey of the Vikings is a docudrama series about the Viking People. They traveled widely and shaped European politics. What is the truth about the Vikings? In the Eighth Century, the Vikings started appearing along the coasts of Europe. With their fierce warriors, they gained a reputation as Europe’s terrorizers. They targeted monasteries because the monks could not defend themselves. Eventually, the Vikings’ strategy changed. They mixed with the powerful. So why did the Vikings become pirates? How did they spread their influence over Europe? Tune into this documentary to find out. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. Highly recommended to mine for clips.*
Ascent of Civilization - The Vikings - YouTube (50:31)
The Vikings discovered America 500 years before Columbus and revolutionized exploring and trading. The Vikings lived in the north of Europe in widely scattered communities. The Romans called it Scandinavia. It was a land of fire and ice. In the beginning, the Vikings lived peacefully along the coastlines. That changed when they started to terrorize Europe. No man, woman, or child was safe from Viking raids. So how did this group of seafarers change Europe? *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for a high school history class.*
William the Conqueror - YouTube (51:39)
This is the story of William the Conqueror. He made his mark in history by invading England in 1066. Who was the real William the Conqueror? The primary source records are scarce when it comes to William's history. When was William the Conqueror born? What were his motivations for invading England? He goes down in history as a brave man but was he really that brave? What was he really like? This docudrama is a dramatic retelling of William the Conqueror’s Story. *Highly recommended for research purposes as well as a fun history day viewing.*
Marco Polo - YouTube (50:43)
It is the 13th Century and Marco Polo is going to embark on a voyage to China. However, doubts exist that he made it to China. The scale of his adventures defies belief and his account becomes a best seller of the Middle Ages. Is there legitimate proof that Marco Polo was in China? Even on his death bed, he hinted that he had only told half the story. Today, historians are looking at the documents to prove that he was there. Who was the real Marco Polo? *Highly recommended for research and a history classes.*
Women Who Made History - Joan of Arc - YouTube (50:27)
Joan of Arc liberated France. She challenged soldiers, generals, and the church. It was May of 1429 and Joan was leading her soldiers against the English holding a fortress. If the French took control of the fort, the Orleans would be free. The English had been on French soil for decades and now the French were rising against them to take control of France again. Joan of Arc was leading those French soldiers to victory. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and for independent study students.*
The Hanseatic League - YouTube (43:27)
Recovering the Traces of the Hanseatic League explored the seas three hundred years before the Portuguese started exploring. Not all ships made it back. Ships, storms, and pirates could sink these ships. The Hanseatic League was founded in the 1200s. They were a trading organization. They were a trading network that had extensive contacts in Europe. They focused on the Baltic Sea and what remains of this league is found on the bottom. What can these wrecks tell us about the Hanseatic League?
The Renaissance The Age of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci - Episode 1 (42:25) Episode 2 (42:25)
Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Square is the most impressive monument of the Renaissance. IT is the largest cathedral in the world. Just think, it would have been impossible to construct such a building in the Middle Ages. The knowledge was just not there. Then the Renaissance happened, and knowledge started to flow. Their knowledge would have enabled people to build such structures as Saint Peter’s. What were their secrets? *Recommended for both an art and history class.*
Ivan the Terrible: Russia's First Tsar - YouTube (52:23)
He was orphaned as a child. He was brought up in a system of political violence. He liberates Russia from foreign leaders. He committed his first murder at the age of thirteen. He was the first Tsar of Russia. Was he a harsh ruler who demanded absolute loyalty? Or was he an intellectual? Who is the real Ivan the Terrible? A criminal profiler looks for those answers. Additionally, Ivan’s face will be reconstructed during this documentary. *Highly recommended for a high school history class and for research purposes.*
The Cranachs - YouTube (42:27)
They are two of the greatest artist of the 16th Century, Lucas and Lucas Cranach. They ran a workshop and produced some of the greatest works of the Reformation. They made their fortune painting. The pair were personal friends of Martin Luther. They painted more and faster than any of their contemporaries. Generations of scholars have studied the Cranachs’, however, there are still questions that have to be answered. Today, modern technology may have scholars find the answers they are looking for. * Recommended for an art class and independent study students.*
The Machine that Made Us - YouTube (58:56)
Stephen Fry examines the story of Johann Gutenberg, the genius who invented the printing press. He was the man who launched the first media revolution and launched the modern world. Fry helps make a working medieval printing press. However, Gutenberg’s story is mysterious and Fry hopes that by recreating a printing press he will get to grips with the man. Will Fry succeed in making a working printing press? Who was Johann Gutenberg? *Recommended for a history class as well as a science class because of the experimental history aspect.*
How To Get Ahead - Renaissance Court -YouTube (59:18)
Stephen Smith explores Florence and the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to the Medici Family. They were a family of bankers who turned into royals. They were the patrons of the arts and finer things of life. Artists and thinkers flourished in the Medici Court. Cosimo was a man interested in the finer things in life. He was a man who reigned during the same time as Henry VIII. He was the man who wrote the book on how to be a Renaissance Prince. *Use for clips, not recommended to be shown in class.*
Marco Polo: A Very Modern Journey - Episode 1 (47:38) Episode 2 (47:58) Episode 3 (47:57)
Marco Polo journeyed the far reaches of the Mongol Empire. He started in 1271 and his journals reveal an exotic world of riches. How could he have done it? What did he learn about the east? How would his journey look today? Professor Quguang Zhao follows in Marco Polo’s footsteps. Follow the professor as he begins his journey from Venice to the East. What will the professor learn about Marco Polo? *Not recommended for a classroom nor recommended for research purposes.*
Charlemagne - Episode 1 (50:42) Episode 2 (50:14) Episode 3 (51:56)
Charlemagne was the most important Emperor of the Middle Ages. The story begins with a monk gathering wood for a fire. He was a scholar in Charlemagne’s court and was his friend. He is the narrator of Charlemagne’s story. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day. He was the most powerful ruler of his time. Even the pope was intimidated by him. He was superhuman. However, what is a myth, and what is reality? *Recommended for the history classroom and research purposes.*
Europe in the Middle Ages - Episode 1 (52:30) Episode 2 (54:22) Episode 3 (51:56) Episode 4 (52:23)
The Middle Ages were often considered a dark and dreary time. Four estates lived during this time: knights, monks, peasants, and beggars. This series follows the lives of people from each level of society. You will see the Middle Ages through their eyes. What was the reality of that? However, it is a time when the modern age was born. So what can we discover about the Middle Ages through these groups? Was the Middle Ages all that dark? *Highly recommended for the middle school history classroom.*
*When the Moors Ruled Europe - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Bettany Hughes explores when the Moors ruled Europe, starting with the Fall of Islam in Spain. She kicks off the episode in 1492 after King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella finally seized Granada and when they did they tried to wipe out all traces of Moorish rule in Spain. It was the end of a kingdom that had lasted 700 years. Hughes tours the various sites left behind by the Moors. *Recommended for a middle school and high school classroom, research purposes, and clips.*
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty is about the Plantagenet Family, one of the more dysfunctional English dynasties. They ruled England for 400 years. This dynasty is the inspiration behind Game of Thrones. This series is presented by Dan Jones who is a journalist and historian.
Henry II - YouTube: (44:52)
Dan Jones explores the rule of King Henry II. He explores how he ruled, Thomas Beckett, and his fights with his family. Henry II was a control freak. This led to his wife and sons betraying him. The church also challenged Henry II, which led to Thomas Beckett’s murder in the cathedral. This is a fascinating docu-drama on the Plantagenet family. Dan Jones tells the story well. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes, for a high school history class, or to mine for clips.*
Henry III - YouTube (44:48)
Dan Jones explores the rule of King Henry III, and how his rule ended up with the establishment of the Parliament. King Henry III and Simon de Montfort were best friends. However, they fell out and it caused a revolution in England. This revolution led to Parliament’s establishment. Parliament would set limits on the king. It is a fascinating look at how Parliament was established. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes and for clips in a high school history class.*
Edward II - YouTube (44:27)
Dan Jones explores the beginning and the end of King Edward II, the first English king who was forced to abdicate his throne. King Edward II’s friendship with Piers Gaveston led the nobles to intervene. This resulted in King Edward II taking revenge on those nobles with his new friend Hugh Despencer. King Edward II’s wife, Queen Isabella lead troops against King Edward to overthrow him and put her son on the throne. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes.*
Richard II - YouTube (45:05)
Dan Jones explores the Tyranny of Richard II and how his end kicked off the Wars of the Roses. King Richard II became king as a child. When he became an adult, he took the throne for himself. Unfortunately, the death of his wife led him to become a tyrant. This was unacceptable to the nobles who tried to fight back. His cousin, Henry Bollingbrook, decided to depose King Richard and become King himself. This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes.*
The Germans Series
This is a German-produced documentary series about the history of the German people. Several of the episodes have been translated into English and made available through YouTube. It is an excellent look at the history of Germany and the German people.
Charlemagne and the Saxons: YouTube (42:48)
The Germans kick off with the story of Charlemagne. Charlemagne was the first European Empire builder. He conquered the Saxon people and spread Christianity throughout the Frankish Empire. The Saxons challenged him, however, they came to accept his kingship. He built grand buildings to help demonstrate his power. This is an excellent summary of what Charlemagne accomplished during his reign. *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Otto and The Empire: YouTube (42:51)
Otto of Saxony was a German duke who helped forge the Holy Roman Empire. He united the Germans to fight the Magyars. Otto then put down rebellions and created laws. His second marriage caused controversy among the people. He went to Rome to be crowned the Holy Roman Emperor. This is another excellent documentary about German History. *Highly recommend it for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Barbarossa and the Lion: YouTube (41:30)
Barbarossa the Holy Roman Emperor and Henry of Saxony, his rival for power in what would eventually become Germany. They were cousins who would challenge each other. Barbarossa believed his crown put him above all the German dukes and kings. Henry of Saxony disagreed with that and tried to demonstrate his power through a building program. *Highly recommend it for middle school and high school history students interested in research.*
The Magna Carta was a legendary document that changed the course of history. It is known as the Great Charter and was an agreement between two warring parties. It was a document that highlighted what freedoms the ordinary man had. It legitimized property rights. This document dates back to the time of Robin Hood and is a highly valued document. It is sometimes called the most important document in world history. This series covers the history of the Magna Carta. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Mongols - YouTube (49:45)
Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes and led the people on a path of conquest. This conquest spanned a century. Genghis Khan goes down in history as a monster who killed millions. However, what is his true legacy? He was strategic and utilized psychological warfare and battlefield tactics to help the Mongols conquer much of Asia. The Mongols would eventually make their way to Europe and the Hordes would terrorize Europe. So who was the real Genghis Khan? *Recommended for research purposes but a sub should skip this class.*
How the Silk Road Made the World - Episode 1 (52:14) Episode 2 (52:14) Episode 3 (52:14)
For thousands of years, people traveled the trade route known as the Silk Road. The distance is as daunting now as it was in the past. It was a profitable trade route. The Silk Road helped make and break empires. Goods were exchanged. Technology flowed across the road. Ideas traveled along the Silk Road. Conquering armies would use the road to conquer and explore. It brought the East and West together. It was a source of conflict. So how did the Silk Road make the world? *Recommended for research purposes.*
Empire of the Mongols - YouTube (48:12)
Mongols had built a large empire that claimed half the world in under a century. This empire spanned from the Korean Peninsula to Europe. It began with 100,000 men. The Mongol invasion of Europe began with the fall of Kyiv and struck panic into the people. How could such a small group of men bring Europe to its knees? What technology was available at the time to enable such an expansion? Who was the leader of the Mongols? This documentary looks at the rise of the Mongol Empire. *Recommended for a history class.*
The Emperor's Lost Harbor - YouTube (41:48)
Istanbul is a city of 17 million people, spread over two peninsulas. Only two bridges and several ferries serve those 17 million people who cross the Bosporus straight. The Turkish Government is looking to build a train under the Bosporus to help with people crossing the straights. The tunnel will have to be put fifty meters under the surface. This would be the deepest tunnel in the world. However, as the tunnel was put into place there have been amazing finds that tell us about the history of the harbor in Istanbul. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
536 AD: The Year The Sun Disappeared Episode 1 (49:15) Episode 2 (49:28)
The year 536 AD was the year dubbed the “year without something.” This was an event that terrified the people. The sun went dark and the rain the color of blood poured from the skies. Winter gripped the land for two years. Drought, famine, and plague followed. Whole cities were whipped out and civilization crumbled. What happened? What was going on? This catastrophe affected the people around the world and nobody knew the answers until now. *Highly recommended for a history and a science class.*
Dark Ages: An Age of Light - Episode 1 (59:11) Episode 2 (59:29) Episode 3 (59:14) Episode 4 (59:53)
Was the Dark Ages an Age of Light? What happened when the Roman Empire collapsed? This shocking question is one that historian Waldemar Januszczak will answer. He travels around Europe, Africa, and Asia to discover the hidden secrets of the Dark Ages. Waldemar makes the argument that the Dark Ages were an age of light and artistry. The art never lies, the Dark Ages were not an age of darkness but an age of light. *First episode recommended for art history class and not recommended for a history class.*
She Wolves: England's Early Queens - Helen Castor - Episode 1 (58:34) Episode 2 (59:02) Episode 3 (1:12:42)
Helen Castor tells the stories of England's early Queens. The first episode covers two women: Matilda and Eleanor. Matilda was supposed to be England's first Queen. Then she covers Isabella of France and Margaret of Anjou. Both of these women went to war to keep their families on the English Throne. Then she concludes the series with Jane Grey, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I. *Recommend for using clips in a history classroom and for independent study students.*
Medieval Lives - A Good Birth, Marriage, Death - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Helen Castor uses the Paxton family story to explore how the medieval period dealt with birth, marriage, and death. She starts off the series with Margaret Paxton preparing to give birth. Castor discusses how religion was tied into birth, marriage, and death. She then traces the Paxton’s marriage and finally concludes with death. It is a fascinating look at Medieval lives. *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms as well as for independent study students or clips.*
*Search for Alfred the Great: VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Neil Oliver explores the search for the grave of King Alfred the Great, the only British King who had the title "The Great." Oliver tells the story of what happened to the bones as well as the story of Alfred the Great. Scientists have been exploring a set of bones to determine whether or not they belong to Alfred the Great. It is an excellent look at the life of Alfred the Great. *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history class.*
The Vikings - Episode 1 (44:49) Episode 2 (43:51) Episode 3 (44:05)
Norway was the early cradle of the Vikings, the last barbarians. How did they dominate the seas and waterways of Europe? These warriors traveled around the globe. They created trade networks and built kingdoms. However, their origins are mysterious. Modern archeologists are determined to find the origins. So what made them feared warriors? What made them skilled storytellers? What made the Vikings kingdom builders? Who were the Vikings? *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history class.*
The Last Journey of the Vikings - Episode 1 (49:55) Episode 2 (49:32) Episode 3 (49:52) Episode 4 (49:58)
The Last Journey of the Vikings is a docudrama series about the Viking People. They traveled widely and shaped European politics. What is the truth about the Vikings? In the Eighth Century, the Vikings started appearing along the coasts of Europe. With their fierce warriors, they gained a reputation as Europe’s terrorizers. They targeted monasteries because the monks could not defend themselves. Eventually, the Vikings’ strategy changed. They mixed with the powerful. So why did the Vikings become pirates? How did they spread their influence over Europe? Tune into this documentary to find out. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. Highly recommended to mine for clips.*
Ascent of Civilization - The Vikings - YouTube (50:31)
The Vikings discovered America 500 years before Columbus and revolutionized exploring and trading. The Vikings lived in the north of Europe in widely scattered communities. The Romans called it Scandinavia. It was a land of fire and ice. In the beginning, the Vikings lived peacefully along the coastlines. That changed when they started to terrorize Europe. No man, woman, or child was safe from Viking raids. So how did this group of seafarers change Europe? *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for a high school history class.*
William the Conqueror - YouTube (51:39)
This is the story of William the Conqueror. He made his mark in history by invading England in 1066. Who was the real William the Conqueror? The primary source records are scarce when it comes to William's history. When was William the Conqueror born? What were his motivations for invading England? He goes down in history as a brave man but was he really that brave? What was he really like? This docudrama is a dramatic retelling of William the Conqueror’s Story. *Highly recommended for research purposes as well as a fun history day viewing.*
Marco Polo - YouTube (50:43)
It is the 13th Century and Marco Polo is going to embark on a voyage to China. However, doubts exist that he made it to China. The scale of his adventures defies belief and his account becomes a best seller of the Middle Ages. Is there legitimate proof that Marco Polo was in China? Even on his death bed, he hinted that he had only told half the story. Today, historians are looking at the documents to prove that he was there. Who was the real Marco Polo? *Highly recommended for research and a history classes.*
Women Who Made History - Joan of Arc - YouTube (50:27)
Joan of Arc liberated France. She challenged soldiers, generals, and the church. It was May of 1429 and Joan was leading her soldiers against the English holding a fortress. If the French took control of the fort, the Orleans would be free. The English had been on French soil for decades and now the French were rising against them to take control of France again. Joan of Arc was leading those French soldiers to victory. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and for independent study students.*
The Hanseatic League - YouTube (43:27)
Recovering the Traces of the Hanseatic League explored the seas three hundred years before the Portuguese started exploring. Not all ships made it back. Ships, storms, and pirates could sink these ships. The Hanseatic League was founded in the 1200s. They were a trading organization. They were a trading network that had extensive contacts in Europe. They focused on the Baltic Sea and what remains of this league is found on the bottom. What can these wrecks tell us about the Hanseatic League?
The Renaissance The Age of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci - Episode 1 (42:25) Episode 2 (42:25)
Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Square is the most impressive monument of the Renaissance. IT is the largest cathedral in the world. Just think, it would have been impossible to construct such a building in the Middle Ages. The knowledge was just not there. Then the Renaissance happened, and knowledge started to flow. Their knowledge would have enabled people to build such structures as Saint Peter’s. What were their secrets? *Recommended for both an art and history class.*
Ivan the Terrible: Russia's First Tsar - YouTube (52:23)
He was orphaned as a child. He was brought up in a system of political violence. He liberates Russia from foreign leaders. He committed his first murder at the age of thirteen. He was the first Tsar of Russia. Was he a harsh ruler who demanded absolute loyalty? Or was he an intellectual? Who is the real Ivan the Terrible? A criminal profiler looks for those answers. Additionally, Ivan’s face will be reconstructed during this documentary. *Highly recommended for a high school history class and for research purposes.*
The Cranachs - YouTube (42:27)
They are two of the greatest artist of the 16th Century, Lucas and Lucas Cranach. They ran a workshop and produced some of the greatest works of the Reformation. They made their fortune painting. The pair were personal friends of Martin Luther. They painted more and faster than any of their contemporaries. Generations of scholars have studied the Cranachs’, however, there are still questions that have to be answered. Today, modern technology may have scholars find the answers they are looking for. * Recommended for an art class and independent study students.*
The Machine that Made Us - YouTube (58:56)
Stephen Fry examines the story of Johann Gutenberg, the genius who invented the printing press. He was the man who launched the first media revolution and launched the modern world. Fry helps make a working medieval printing press. However, Gutenberg’s story is mysterious and Fry hopes that by recreating a printing press he will get to grips with the man. Will Fry succeed in making a working printing press? Who was Johann Gutenberg? *Recommended for a history class as well as a science class because of the experimental history aspect.*
How To Get Ahead - Renaissance Court -YouTube (59:18)
Stephen Smith explores Florence and the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to the Medici Family. They were a family of bankers who turned into royals. They were the patrons of the arts and finer things of life. Artists and thinkers flourished in the Medici Court. Cosimo was a man interested in the finer things in life. He was a man who reigned during the same time as Henry VIII. He was the man who wrote the book on how to be a Renaissance Prince. *Use for clips, not recommended to be shown in class.*
Marco Polo: A Very Modern Journey - Episode 1 (47:38) Episode 2 (47:58) Episode 3 (47:57)
Marco Polo journeyed the far reaches of the Mongol Empire. He started in 1271 and his journals reveal an exotic world of riches. How could he have done it? What did he learn about the east? How would his journey look today? Professor Quguang Zhao follows in Marco Polo’s footsteps. Follow the professor as he begins his journey from Venice to the East. What will the professor learn about Marco Polo? *Not recommended for a classroom nor recommended for research purposes.*
Charlemagne - Episode 1 (50:42) Episode 2 (50:14) Episode 3 (51:56)
Charlemagne was the most important Emperor of the Middle Ages. The story begins with a monk gathering wood for a fire. He was a scholar in Charlemagne’s court and was his friend. He is the narrator of Charlemagne’s story. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day. He was the most powerful ruler of his time. Even the pope was intimidated by him. He was superhuman. However, what is a myth, and what is reality? *Recommended for the history classroom and research purposes.*
Europe in the Middle Ages - Episode 1 (52:30) Episode 2 (54:22) Episode 3 (51:56) Episode 4 (52:23)
The Middle Ages were often considered a dark and dreary time. Four estates lived during this time: knights, monks, peasants, and beggars. This series follows the lives of people from each level of society. You will see the Middle Ages through their eyes. What was the reality of that? However, it is a time when the modern age was born. So what can we discover about the Middle Ages through these groups? Was the Middle Ages all that dark? *Highly recommended for the middle school history classroom.*
*When the Moors Ruled Europe - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Bettany Hughes explores when the Moors ruled Europe, starting with the Fall of Islam in Spain. She kicks off the episode in 1492 after King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella finally seized Granada and when they did they tried to wipe out all traces of Moorish rule in Spain. It was the end of a kingdom that had lasted 700 years. Hughes tours the various sites left behind by the Moors. *Recommended for a middle school and high school classroom, research purposes, and clips.*
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty is about the Plantagenet Family, one of the more dysfunctional English dynasties. They ruled England for 400 years. This dynasty is the inspiration behind Game of Thrones. This series is presented by Dan Jones who is a journalist and historian.
Henry II - YouTube: (44:52)
Dan Jones explores the rule of King Henry II. He explores how he ruled, Thomas Beckett, and his fights with his family. Henry II was a control freak. This led to his wife and sons betraying him. The church also challenged Henry II, which led to Thomas Beckett’s murder in the cathedral. This is a fascinating docu-drama on the Plantagenet family. Dan Jones tells the story well. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes, for a high school history class, or to mine for clips.*
Henry III - YouTube (44:48)
Dan Jones explores the rule of King Henry III, and how his rule ended up with the establishment of the Parliament. King Henry III and Simon de Montfort were best friends. However, they fell out and it caused a revolution in England. This revolution led to Parliament’s establishment. Parliament would set limits on the king. It is a fascinating look at how Parliament was established. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes and for clips in a high school history class.*
Edward II - YouTube (44:27)
Dan Jones explores the beginning and the end of King Edward II, the first English king who was forced to abdicate his throne. King Edward II’s friendship with Piers Gaveston led the nobles to intervene. This resulted in King Edward II taking revenge on those nobles with his new friend Hugh Despencer. King Edward II’s wife, Queen Isabella lead troops against King Edward to overthrow him and put her son on the throne. *This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes.*
Richard II - YouTube (45:05)
Dan Jones explores the Tyranny of Richard II and how his end kicked off the Wars of the Roses. King Richard II became king as a child. When he became an adult, he took the throne for himself. Unfortunately, the death of his wife led him to become a tyrant. This was unacceptable to the nobles who tried to fight back. His cousin, Henry Bollingbrook, decided to depose King Richard and become King himself. This is an excellent docu-drama for research purposes.*
The Germans Series
This is a German-produced documentary series about the history of the German people. Several of the episodes have been translated into English and made available through YouTube. It is an excellent look at the history of Germany and the German people.
Charlemagne and the Saxons: YouTube (42:48)
The Germans kick off with the story of Charlemagne. Charlemagne was the first European Empire builder. He conquered the Saxon people and spread Christianity throughout the Frankish Empire. The Saxons challenged him, however, they came to accept his kingship. He built grand buildings to help demonstrate his power. This is an excellent summary of what Charlemagne accomplished during his reign. *Highly recommend for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Otto and The Empire: YouTube (42:51)
Otto of Saxony was a German duke who helped forge the Holy Roman Empire. He united the Germans to fight the Magyars. Otto then put down rebellions and created laws. His second marriage caused controversy among the people. He went to Rome to be crowned the Holy Roman Emperor. This is another excellent documentary about German History. *Highly recommend it for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Barbarossa and the Lion: YouTube (41:30)
Barbarossa the Holy Roman Emperor and Henry of Saxony, his rival for power in what would eventually become Germany. They were cousins who would challenge each other. Barbarossa believed his crown put him above all the German dukes and kings. Henry of Saxony disagreed with that and tried to demonstrate his power through a building program. *Highly recommend it for middle school and high school history students interested in research.*
Reformation
The Germans - Martin Luther and the Nation: YouTube (42:51)
Martin Luther's 95 Theses touched off a Religious Reformation that swept through Europe. It kicks off with his trial and eventual hiding in the German territories. The second part of this documentary tells the story of Luther’s marriage. This is an excellent introduction to the Reformation. The first part of the episode would be good to show in a Christian school. *Highly recommend for both high school and middle school classrooms and independent study students.*
Secrets of the Dead - Battle for the Bible: YouTube (51:29)
This is the history of how the Bible was translated into English. Bible translation was an illegal act. This documentary tells the story of ohn Wycliffe, Thomas Cramner, and William Tyndale. John Wycliffe was the first person who worked on translating the Bible into English. William Tyndale was the next person who worked on translating the Bible. Thomas Cramner worked with reforming the English religion. *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. It is a good filler for a substitute teacher.*
Baroque - Episode 1 (58:39) Episode 2 (59:02) Episode 3 (59:38)
Waldemar Januszczak explores the world of Baroque Art. Baroque art spanned the 17th Century, spawning the greatest art. It began in St. Peter’s in Rome. It is an art form that embraces you. It goes big and highlights the drama. It could become dark and edgy. It blurred the divide between art and reality. The Baroque roped in other art forms to bring you into its world. Music, sculpture, and architecture were all impacted by the Baroque arts. *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for an art class. Episode 1 would be a good idea for a STEM class.*
First Before Columbus The True Discoverers of America - YouTube (51:54)
There were other explorers before Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. They even hinted at the Americas in their maps. Leif Erickson was one. Legend has it that a Welsh prince-built castles along the Ohio River Valley. An African King, who is said to have used his wealth to finance one of the world’s biggest fleets. So was Christopher Columbus would be the first to discover America? Or did he use oral traditions and written records to map out his voyage to the Americas? *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. It is a good filler for a substitute teacher.*
Martin Luther's 95 Theses touched off a Religious Reformation that swept through Europe. It kicks off with his trial and eventual hiding in the German territories. The second part of this documentary tells the story of Luther’s marriage. This is an excellent introduction to the Reformation. The first part of the episode would be good to show in a Christian school. *Highly recommend for both high school and middle school classrooms and independent study students.*
Secrets of the Dead - Battle for the Bible: YouTube (51:29)
This is the history of how the Bible was translated into English. Bible translation was an illegal act. This documentary tells the story of ohn Wycliffe, Thomas Cramner, and William Tyndale. John Wycliffe was the first person who worked on translating the Bible into English. William Tyndale was the next person who worked on translating the Bible. Thomas Cramner worked with reforming the English religion. *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. It is a good filler for a substitute teacher.*
Baroque - Episode 1 (58:39) Episode 2 (59:02) Episode 3 (59:38)
Waldemar Januszczak explores the world of Baroque Art. Baroque art spanned the 17th Century, spawning the greatest art. It began in St. Peter’s in Rome. It is an art form that embraces you. It goes big and highlights the drama. It could become dark and edgy. It blurred the divide between art and reality. The Baroque roped in other art forms to bring you into its world. Music, sculpture, and architecture were all impacted by the Baroque arts. *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for an art class. Episode 1 would be a good idea for a STEM class.*
First Before Columbus The True Discoverers of America - YouTube (51:54)
There were other explorers before Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. They even hinted at the Americas in their maps. Leif Erickson was one. Legend has it that a Welsh prince-built castles along the Ohio River Valley. An African King, who is said to have used his wealth to finance one of the world’s biggest fleets. So was Christopher Columbus would be the first to discover America? Or did he use oral traditions and written records to map out his voyage to the Americas? *Highly recommend for middle school and high school classrooms. It is a good filler for a substitute teacher.*
Post Reformation World
Pendle Witch Trials - YouTube (59:64)
Alice Device, Jennet’s sister, confessed to being a witch. An old peddler was struck down with a stroke after refusing to sell her some pins. After this confession, dozens of people were arrested. Jennet Device testifies in a witch trial against her family, setting a precedent in judicial history. Jennet’s testimony condemned her family. The narrator presents this documentary very well and his style engages the viewer. *Recommended for independent research purposes.*
Witch Hunt: A Century of Murder - Episode 1 (44:61) Episode 2 (44:39)
This special is narrated by Suzannah Lipscomb. King James I when he came over to England to rule brought over his beliefs about witches and touched off decades of witch-hunting in England. There was another flare-up of witch-hunting as a precursor to the English Civil War. Eventually, the century of murder came to an end. Suzannah Lipscomb narrates this series well and addresses how the accused witches were innocent. *Recommended for independent research purposes.*
The Great Fire – Episode 1 (44:20) Episode 2 (44:32) Episode 3 (44:32)
Dan Jones, Suzannah Lipscomb, and Rob Bell explore the history of the Great London Fire. It was the biggest fire London ever had. They walk the route of the fire and explore how the fire started. The fire happened during a hot, dry summer. Jones, Lipscomb, and Bell explore the Great London Fire through the stories of three people. They tell how the fire impacted them. It is an in-depth look at the London Fire. *Recommended for research purposes.*
War on Witches - YouTube (47:03)
It is 1590: England is ruled by Queen Elizabeth and Scotland is ruled by King James I. King James I had a vendetta. He had a vendetta against witches. In May 1590, King James I was returning to Scotland from Denmark. Storms were stirred up in the North Sea. King James was in danger of sinking. Winds and waves slammed the ship. The passengers thought the storm was caused unnaturally. King James I was going to find out. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Dark History of Witches - YouTube (46:20)
What do we know about the witch? Who were the women that were accused of being witches? Are they a remnant of a long-lost goddess? How did a child’s game go so wrong in Salem? Why are there practicing witches today? This documentary seeks to answer those questions. The historians look at the beginnings of witchcraft, where witches came from, and what it meant to be a practicing witch. *Recommended for research purposes and to use clips in a classroom lecture.*
The Hidden World of the Harem - YouTube (1:36:51)
The Ottoman Imperial Harem brings together a variety of historians to talk about the controversies of the Ottoman Harem. It is a system steeped in mystery and misunderstanding. The harem was closed off to the world. Who were the people that made up? Was it a place of hard partying? Or was it a place where great learning took place? This documentary brings in a prince who lived in the harem all his life. He was one of the last people to have lived in the harem. *Recommended for research purposes and for a high school history classroom.*
More Than Just Enemies - Episode 1 (51:20) Episode 2 (51:51)
On October 11, 1697, the Ottoman army is annihilated in the Battle of Zenta. The victorious army was led by Eugene of Savoy and this victory ends the steady rise of the Ottoman Empire. It is a look at the two empires at the time: The Hapsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire. During times of peace, there were many cultural exchanges. However, there were times of war and thousands were killed as a result. Who were the people that lead these empires? What is the story of the battles between the Hapsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire. *Good documentary for clips and for research purposes.*
The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign - Episode 1 (43:26) Episode 2 (43:33) Episode 3 (43:46) Episode 4 (43:35)
The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign is a series featuring the Stuarts. They took over England after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Europe is torn apart by religious conflict and England is right at the center. The Stuart kings were James I, Charles I, Charles II, and James II. Kate Williams reassesses this dynasty in light of new evidence. She also explores a family who witnessed the rise and the fall of the Stuarts. *Skip episode 1, otherwise episodes 2-4 are highly recommended for a history class.*
Tiny Holland, Great Holland - YouTube (47:27)
The Netherlands would rise from a humble beginning in the 16th Century. The Netherlands, the size of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, declared independence from Spain. Why would they declare independence from Spain? Freedom of religion would be the national creed. Eventually, the Netherlands would rule the oceans of the world. How did the tiny Netherlands become such a superpower? *Recommended for a history class and for research purposes.*
Recovering Swedish War Ships - YouTube (43:08)
On April 24, 1715, the Danish and Swedish navies met and commenced to fight. The battle was not far from the Bay of Kiel. These two nations were fighting over trade routes. Decades later, divers are finding the remains of cannons on the site of the battle. Eventually, a wooden ship was found, making archeologists and historians curious about the battle. What was this ship? What could this ship tell us about such a decisive battle? *Add to your potential documentary list and share with an independent study student.*
The Great Plague - Episode 1 (43:50) Episode 2 (44:18) Episode 3 (44:13)
London was hit by the Great Plague in 1665. 100,000 people in London were killed over eighteen months. The plague spread throughout the country as well killing more people. What are the plagues' parallels to COVID-19? Xand van Tulleken, Raksha Dave, and John Sergeant work to trace the origins of the plague in London over three episodes. Xand looks at the records to see where it started. Raksha looks at how the disease spread. John discovers the symptoms of the plague and how it was transmitted. *Recommended for a history class.*
Alice Device, Jennet’s sister, confessed to being a witch. An old peddler was struck down with a stroke after refusing to sell her some pins. After this confession, dozens of people were arrested. Jennet Device testifies in a witch trial against her family, setting a precedent in judicial history. Jennet’s testimony condemned her family. The narrator presents this documentary very well and his style engages the viewer. *Recommended for independent research purposes.*
Witch Hunt: A Century of Murder - Episode 1 (44:61) Episode 2 (44:39)
This special is narrated by Suzannah Lipscomb. King James I when he came over to England to rule brought over his beliefs about witches and touched off decades of witch-hunting in England. There was another flare-up of witch-hunting as a precursor to the English Civil War. Eventually, the century of murder came to an end. Suzannah Lipscomb narrates this series well and addresses how the accused witches were innocent. *Recommended for independent research purposes.*
The Great Fire – Episode 1 (44:20) Episode 2 (44:32) Episode 3 (44:32)
Dan Jones, Suzannah Lipscomb, and Rob Bell explore the history of the Great London Fire. It was the biggest fire London ever had. They walk the route of the fire and explore how the fire started. The fire happened during a hot, dry summer. Jones, Lipscomb, and Bell explore the Great London Fire through the stories of three people. They tell how the fire impacted them. It is an in-depth look at the London Fire. *Recommended for research purposes.*
War on Witches - YouTube (47:03)
It is 1590: England is ruled by Queen Elizabeth and Scotland is ruled by King James I. King James I had a vendetta. He had a vendetta against witches. In May 1590, King James I was returning to Scotland from Denmark. Storms were stirred up in the North Sea. King James was in danger of sinking. Winds and waves slammed the ship. The passengers thought the storm was caused unnaturally. King James I was going to find out. *Highly recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Dark History of Witches - YouTube (46:20)
What do we know about the witch? Who were the women that were accused of being witches? Are they a remnant of a long-lost goddess? How did a child’s game go so wrong in Salem? Why are there practicing witches today? This documentary seeks to answer those questions. The historians look at the beginnings of witchcraft, where witches came from, and what it meant to be a practicing witch. *Recommended for research purposes and to use clips in a classroom lecture.*
The Hidden World of the Harem - YouTube (1:36:51)
The Ottoman Imperial Harem brings together a variety of historians to talk about the controversies of the Ottoman Harem. It is a system steeped in mystery and misunderstanding. The harem was closed off to the world. Who were the people that made up? Was it a place of hard partying? Or was it a place where great learning took place? This documentary brings in a prince who lived in the harem all his life. He was one of the last people to have lived in the harem. *Recommended for research purposes and for a high school history classroom.*
More Than Just Enemies - Episode 1 (51:20) Episode 2 (51:51)
On October 11, 1697, the Ottoman army is annihilated in the Battle of Zenta. The victorious army was led by Eugene of Savoy and this victory ends the steady rise of the Ottoman Empire. It is a look at the two empires at the time: The Hapsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire. During times of peace, there were many cultural exchanges. However, there were times of war and thousands were killed as a result. Who were the people that lead these empires? What is the story of the battles between the Hapsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire. *Good documentary for clips and for research purposes.*
The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign - Episode 1 (43:26) Episode 2 (43:33) Episode 3 (43:46) Episode 4 (43:35)
The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign is a series featuring the Stuarts. They took over England after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Europe is torn apart by religious conflict and England is right at the center. The Stuart kings were James I, Charles I, Charles II, and James II. Kate Williams reassesses this dynasty in light of new evidence. She also explores a family who witnessed the rise and the fall of the Stuarts. *Skip episode 1, otherwise episodes 2-4 are highly recommended for a history class.*
Tiny Holland, Great Holland - YouTube (47:27)
The Netherlands would rise from a humble beginning in the 16th Century. The Netherlands, the size of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, declared independence from Spain. Why would they declare independence from Spain? Freedom of religion would be the national creed. Eventually, the Netherlands would rule the oceans of the world. How did the tiny Netherlands become such a superpower? *Recommended for a history class and for research purposes.*
Recovering Swedish War Ships - YouTube (43:08)
On April 24, 1715, the Danish and Swedish navies met and commenced to fight. The battle was not far from the Bay of Kiel. These two nations were fighting over trade routes. Decades later, divers are finding the remains of cannons on the site of the battle. Eventually, a wooden ship was found, making archeologists and historians curious about the battle. What was this ship? What could this ship tell us about such a decisive battle? *Add to your potential documentary list and share with an independent study student.*
The Great Plague - Episode 1 (43:50) Episode 2 (44:18) Episode 3 (44:13)
London was hit by the Great Plague in 1665. 100,000 people in London were killed over eighteen months. The plague spread throughout the country as well killing more people. What are the plagues' parallels to COVID-19? Xand van Tulleken, Raksha Dave, and John Sergeant work to trace the origins of the plague in London over three episodes. Xand looks at the records to see where it started. Raksha looks at how the disease spread. John discovers the symptoms of the plague and how it was transmitted. *Recommended for a history class.*
Victorian Period
Krakatoa: The Great Volcanic Eruption - YouTube (1:25:34)
The Explosion of Krakatoa is a docudrama about the 1883 eruption. It tells the story of the lighthouse keeper, a ship's captain, government officials, and the people. Using primary sources, the producers put together this documentary about the eruption of Krakatoa and its impact on the world. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history, geography, and earth science classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home - YouTube (58:58)
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the hidden killers of the Victorian Home. She shows that the killers appeared in the home starting with the drawing-room, the bedroom, and the kitchen. The Victorian Period was an era of innovation. The Victorians had pocket money and they wanted to spend it. Unfortunately, these innovations could kill the homeowner. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Calamity Jane: The Legend of the West - YouTube (52:42)
The west was a vast plain that was inhabited by the First Nations. However, these lands would become invaded when gold was discovered. Thousands of pioneers went out west to make a new life. It was here that Calamity Jane found herself. She was the first legendary woman of the West. She had plays written about her. She was the most famous woman in America and a living legend. A peak in South Dakota was named for her. New York depicted her as the Queen of the Plains. Who was the real woman behind the legend? *Excellent for research purposes.*
Secrets of the Victorian Workhouse - Episode 1 (43:45) Episode 2 (43:55)
Several UK celebrities explore their relatives’ experiences in the Victorian Workhouse. The Victorian Workhouse was the place where the poor and destitute received free health care and food. However, poverty was a crime in Victorian England, so the workhouse became famous for its harsh conditions. One famous resident of the workhouse became the famous actor Charlie Chaplin. His workhouse experiences inspired his acting and the characters he portrayed. *Highly recommended for research purposes.*
Citizen - YouTube (56:46)
Women for a time were considered the property of their husbands. Women were not even allowed to own property or have custody of their children. Women wanted to be considered citizens of this nation and fully participate in the decisions of the nation. They wanted to have the right to vote. This documentary looks at a variety of activists such as Gertrude Bonnin and Nellie Griswold Francis. These women worked for the right to vote. *Recommended for a local high school history class.*
Civil War - History of Warfare - YouTube (54:40)
The American Civil War was fought less than a century after the Revolutionary War. It was a nation that would come to blows and it was torn apart by Civil War. The southern states fought the union states for four years over slavery and state rights. Northern politicians were pushing for slavery’s abolition and with the election of Abraham Lincoln, the descent into the Civil War would begin. The Civil War started with shots fired on Fort Sumter. This war would tear the nation for four years. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A HISTORY CLASS.*
The American Civil War - YouTube (55:40)
This is an older documentary about the American Civil War. It discusses what lead up to the war, the 1860 Election and how this election would prompt the Civil War. It talks about the big battles of the war. It also talks about the key figures who took part of the Civil War. Technology was discussed and how it would impact the Civil War. It is an older documentary but very well done. The Civil War would shape American history. *Recommended for both history classes as well as for research purposes.*
Road to Fort Sumter - YouTube (59:22)
The Civil War divided America like no other war. Although Americans shared a common history, their lifestyles were vastly different. By the time of the Civil War, the North had become heavily industrialized while the South was still a rural-agrarian society. The North made manufactured goods, while the South relied on the farming economy. The Northern manufacturers could pay workers to work, while the South wanted to keep labor enslaved. These two regions were going to come to blows over the issue of slavery. *Recommended for an American History class.*
A Castle Full of Secrets: Neuschwanstein -YouTube (51:30)
Neuschwanstein Castle is a place of myths and legends. It was a childhood dream of a future King and became one of the most exciting building projects in the world. The foundation stone was laid on September 5, 1869, by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. He would not live long enough to live in this lovely castle. His sudden death gave the castle its legendary status. Soon after his death, the castle was opened to show the public how crazy the dead king one. It would survive two world wars and would become the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty. *Highly recommended for both a history and geography class. Highly recommended for research purposes.*
The Bozeman Trail - YouTube (1:58:03)
The Bozeman Trail was an offshoot of the Oregon Trail and was a shortcut to the gold fields of Montana. It was a route that stretched from Casper, Wyoming, and wound its way north through the Montana territory. It started in the midst of the Civil War. It cut through First Nation lands which caused clashes. For some, it was the beginning of a bright future. For others, it was the end of a way of life. It was the last of the Great Gold Rust Trails and would create more Western legends. *If you can find a better version, then show it, if you can't not recommended for a history class.*
Secrets from the Clink - Episode 1 (46:18) Episode 2 (46:18)
This is a two-part program where celebrities take a journal to discover how their ancestors served time in Victorian Prisons. Celebrities Johnny Vegas, Mariella Frostrup, Len Goodman, Michelle Collins and Daisy McAndrews. They discover ancestors who were accused of theft, embezzlement, and assault. They travel to where their ancestors were put on trial and look at original documents to learn about what crimes their ancestors did to land them in prison. *Recommended for a history fun day.*
The Explosion of Krakatoa is a docudrama about the 1883 eruption. It tells the story of the lighthouse keeper, a ship's captain, government officials, and the people. Using primary sources, the producers put together this documentary about the eruption of Krakatoa and its impact on the world. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history, geography, and earth science classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home - YouTube (58:58)
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the hidden killers of the Victorian Home. She shows that the killers appeared in the home starting with the drawing-room, the bedroom, and the kitchen. The Victorian Period was an era of innovation. The Victorians had pocket money and they wanted to spend it. Unfortunately, these innovations could kill the homeowner. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Calamity Jane: The Legend of the West - YouTube (52:42)
The west was a vast plain that was inhabited by the First Nations. However, these lands would become invaded when gold was discovered. Thousands of pioneers went out west to make a new life. It was here that Calamity Jane found herself. She was the first legendary woman of the West. She had plays written about her. She was the most famous woman in America and a living legend. A peak in South Dakota was named for her. New York depicted her as the Queen of the Plains. Who was the real woman behind the legend? *Excellent for research purposes.*
Secrets of the Victorian Workhouse - Episode 1 (43:45) Episode 2 (43:55)
Several UK celebrities explore their relatives’ experiences in the Victorian Workhouse. The Victorian Workhouse was the place where the poor and destitute received free health care and food. However, poverty was a crime in Victorian England, so the workhouse became famous for its harsh conditions. One famous resident of the workhouse became the famous actor Charlie Chaplin. His workhouse experiences inspired his acting and the characters he portrayed. *Highly recommended for research purposes.*
Citizen - YouTube (56:46)
Women for a time were considered the property of their husbands. Women were not even allowed to own property or have custody of their children. Women wanted to be considered citizens of this nation and fully participate in the decisions of the nation. They wanted to have the right to vote. This documentary looks at a variety of activists such as Gertrude Bonnin and Nellie Griswold Francis. These women worked for the right to vote. *Recommended for a local high school history class.*
Civil War - History of Warfare - YouTube (54:40)
The American Civil War was fought less than a century after the Revolutionary War. It was a nation that would come to blows and it was torn apart by Civil War. The southern states fought the union states for four years over slavery and state rights. Northern politicians were pushing for slavery’s abolition and with the election of Abraham Lincoln, the descent into the Civil War would begin. The Civil War started with shots fired on Fort Sumter. This war would tear the nation for four years. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A HISTORY CLASS.*
The American Civil War - YouTube (55:40)
This is an older documentary about the American Civil War. It discusses what lead up to the war, the 1860 Election and how this election would prompt the Civil War. It talks about the big battles of the war. It also talks about the key figures who took part of the Civil War. Technology was discussed and how it would impact the Civil War. It is an older documentary but very well done. The Civil War would shape American history. *Recommended for both history classes as well as for research purposes.*
Road to Fort Sumter - YouTube (59:22)
The Civil War divided America like no other war. Although Americans shared a common history, their lifestyles were vastly different. By the time of the Civil War, the North had become heavily industrialized while the South was still a rural-agrarian society. The North made manufactured goods, while the South relied on the farming economy. The Northern manufacturers could pay workers to work, while the South wanted to keep labor enslaved. These two regions were going to come to blows over the issue of slavery. *Recommended for an American History class.*
A Castle Full of Secrets: Neuschwanstein -YouTube (51:30)
Neuschwanstein Castle is a place of myths and legends. It was a childhood dream of a future King and became one of the most exciting building projects in the world. The foundation stone was laid on September 5, 1869, by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. He would not live long enough to live in this lovely castle. His sudden death gave the castle its legendary status. Soon after his death, the castle was opened to show the public how crazy the dead king one. It would survive two world wars and would become the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty. *Highly recommended for both a history and geography class. Highly recommended for research purposes.*
The Bozeman Trail - YouTube (1:58:03)
The Bozeman Trail was an offshoot of the Oregon Trail and was a shortcut to the gold fields of Montana. It was a route that stretched from Casper, Wyoming, and wound its way north through the Montana territory. It started in the midst of the Civil War. It cut through First Nation lands which caused clashes. For some, it was the beginning of a bright future. For others, it was the end of a way of life. It was the last of the Great Gold Rust Trails and would create more Western legends. *If you can find a better version, then show it, if you can't not recommended for a history class.*
Secrets from the Clink - Episode 1 (46:18) Episode 2 (46:18)
This is a two-part program where celebrities take a journal to discover how their ancestors served time in Victorian Prisons. Celebrities Johnny Vegas, Mariella Frostrup, Len Goodman, Michelle Collins and Daisy McAndrews. They discover ancestors who were accused of theft, embezzlement, and assault. They travel to where their ancestors were put on trial and look at original documents to learn about what crimes their ancestors did to land them in prison. *Recommended for a history fun day.*
Gilded Age
F.G.O. Stuart (1843-1923), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Christabel and Sylvia: A Tale of Two Sisters - YouTube (43:51)
It was one of the biggest political changes in the Twentieth Century: women gaining the right to vote. It had taken decades of successive governments before women obtained the right to vote. The Pankhurst Family fought hard for the right to vote. They campaigned in public and were militant suffragettes. They would have many encounters with law enforcement. However, behind the scenes, there were some serious tensions in the family which would lead to one member being expelled from the suffragette movement. *Recommended for a history classroom and for research purposes.*
Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home - YouTube (58:44)
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home. The Edwardian Home was full of new inventions, however, some of these inventions were quite dangerous. It was the first time the home had electricity. Asbestos was used as insulation. Refrigerators started to make an appearance in the home. Women could wear make-up to have an up-to-date look. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Lost Liners - NO LONGER AVAILABLE
This documentary features Bob Ballard exploring his career as an oceanographer. He discusses the Titanic and Lusitania and learns about the Empress of Ireland. He talks about the Titanic’s discovery and the problems it caused. Then he talks about the mystery of Lusitania’s sinking. Finally, he visits the Empress of Ireland as his last ocean liner. He visits the Empress of Ireland with a descendant of one of the passengers. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. This documentary can be broken up into sections.*
Lost Voyage of the 499 - YouTube (47:44)
A ship was bound for China. It had a ghostly cargo of 499 Chinese gold miners. The ship sunk and its cargo disappeared. This ship lies off the coast of New Zealand. All the names were lost, except for one: Choie Sew Hoy. He was considered one of the pioneers of New Zealand. In 1861, gold was discovered in a valley in New Zealand. Miners from all over the world. However, this gold rush was over as soon as it was started. This documentary tells the story of the gold rush and the Chinese miners. *Not recommended for a classroom setting.*
Emmeline Pankhurst: Making of a Militant - YouTube (51:20)
Emmeline Pankhurst led the suffrage movement in Britain. Under her, an army of women took to the streets of Britain to demand the right to vote. They acted at the time, contrary to what was expected of women at the time. Sally Lindsay an actress takes a look at the life of Emmeline Pankhurst. She takes a rare look at the woman whose personal loves and losses transformed her from a working-class woman into a militant activist. Who was the real Emmeline Pankhurst? *Recommended for a history classroom and for research purposes. Can easily be mined for clips as well.*
The Secrets of a Suffragette - YouTube (46:52)
Emily Davison was a British suffragette who protested for women’s right to vote. She stepped into history by stepping into the path of the King’s horse at the 1913 Derby. She was fatally injured. Claire Balding explores Emily Davison’s story. Growing up she was told that Emily threw herself in front of the King’s horse and that it was the end of it. However, Claire was to investigate the real story behind this episode in British History. *Recommended for a history classroom and for research purposes.*
Frank Lloyd Wright - YouTube (59:15)
Frank Lloyd Wright was the greatest architect in America. He redefined architecture and became famous in the world all over. However, his genius is oftentimes buried under the scandals of his life. Jonathan Adams, an architect from Wales is going to travel around America to discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright. He wants to know the man and wishes to put him back in his place. What will Jonathan discover about Frank Lloyd Wright? Tune into this episode to find out more. *HIGHLY recommended for a history and house building class.*
First Flight: The Race to Create the World's First Flying Machine - YouTube (52:49)
In 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first motorized flight. Or did they? This documentary talks about the controversy surrounding this claim. Aviation expert, John Brown explores this controversy and puts for the claim that Gustave Whitehead was the one that made the first flight. It is a claim that outrages many. Was Gustave Whitehead a genius or a person discredited by his rivals? Who kick-started the age of aviation? *Recommended for use in an American history classroom.*
Titanic
Waking the Titanic - YouTube (51:23)
Fourteen young people from one small town in Ireland made their way to America, on board the Titanic. They traveled together in a group to keep each other safe. Only 3 survived the trip. The deaths of 11 young people deeply scarred the town they grew up in. Narrated by the actor who played Branson on Downton Abbey. This docu-drama offers a different perspective on the Titanic by sharing the story of ordinary people. *Highly recommended for an elementary school, middle school, and high school classroom. Recommended for a substitute teacher to show.*
Abandoning the Titanic - Video Found on PBS Website
This is a new perspective on Titanic: who abandoned the passengers to their fate? The historians and investigators look at the perspective of the ships in the area. They look into the identity of the mystery ship and the captain who turned away from the Titanic. This group also explores maritime law and what requirements ships performed to help a sinking ship. *Recommended for a middle school and high school classroom.*
Timewatch: Titanic - YouTube (47:00)
Myths of Titanic, a Time Watch episode, tries to unravel the myths and stories surrounding the Titanic. The first myth deals with the fact that the ship was unsinkable. The other myths talk about the sinking itself. It is a good summary of the events surrounding the Titanic, it's building, and sinking. *Recommended for middle and high school classrooms as well as independent study students. Recommend for substitute teachers to show in the classroom.*
Words of the Titanic - YouTube (46:03)
Words of Titanic is a docu-drama featuring the stories of the various survivors of the Titanic. The producers used primary source documents and the actual words of those survivors. The words are read by a variety of actors and descendants or relatives of Titanic crew members and survivors. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students. Highly recommended for a substitute teacher to show in a classroom.*
Saving the Titanic - YouTube (1:29:54)
Saving the Titanic is a docu-drama about the crew members and engineers who kept her lights on for two hours. The story kicks off with the inquiry into the sinking and the surviving crew members who gave testimony about the sinking. This story is about the unsung heroes of the sinking. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students. Highly recommended for a substitute teacher to show in a classroom.*
Titanic: The Nightmare and the Dream - YouTube (52:28)
This documentary was filmed in 1986 and it is about the Discovery of the Titanic. Bob Ballard had worked with the Navy to discover the vessel at the bottom. He was trying out new robotic equipment to find the Titanic. This is an older documentary about the Titanic and the sinking. The information is older. However, it is a good documentary covering Bob Ballard’s career and the Titanic’s discovery. *Recommended for elementary school and middle school classrooms.*
Titanic - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
In 1997 Titanic came out and was the highest-grossing film in the world. James Cameron, the director, assembles a team to look at the sinking of the Titanic. He tries to figure out how the Titanic sunk and what happened after it sunk. Cameron gathered eight Titanic historians to try to solve the Titanic’s final moments' mystery. This documentary came out in 2012 to coincide with the anniversary of the sinking. *Recommended for elementary school and middle school classrooms.*
Who Sank the Titanic - YouTube (1:08:30)
This documentary is about the human errors that lead to the sinking of the Titanic. This docu-drama features the officers’ decisions on board as well as the materials used to build the Titanic to determine whether or not the ship could have avoided its fate. The scientists look at the materials that were used to build the Titanic. This account is based on primary source documents. *Recommended for high school and middle school classrooms.*
Titanic’s Missing Pieces - Video No Longer Available
In 2005 two pieces of Titanic bottom were discovered by an expedition to the ship. It was a discovery that sent shockwaves through the Titanic community. What could these two pieces reveal about Titanic’s final moments? Titanic historians use computer models to put together the Titanic to figure out how she broke up. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
It was one of the biggest political changes in the Twentieth Century: women gaining the right to vote. It had taken decades of successive governments before women obtained the right to vote. The Pankhurst Family fought hard for the right to vote. They campaigned in public and were militant suffragettes. They would have many encounters with law enforcement. However, behind the scenes, there were some serious tensions in the family which would lead to one member being expelled from the suffragette movement. *Recommended for a history classroom and for research purposes.*
Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home - YouTube (58:44)
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home. The Edwardian Home was full of new inventions, however, some of these inventions were quite dangerous. It was the first time the home had electricity. Asbestos was used as insulation. Refrigerators started to make an appearance in the home. Women could wear make-up to have an up-to-date look. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students.*
Lost Liners - NO LONGER AVAILABLE
This documentary features Bob Ballard exploring his career as an oceanographer. He discusses the Titanic and Lusitania and learns about the Empress of Ireland. He talks about the Titanic’s discovery and the problems it caused. Then he talks about the mystery of Lusitania’s sinking. Finally, he visits the Empress of Ireland as his last ocean liner. He visits the Empress of Ireland with a descendant of one of the passengers. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. This documentary can be broken up into sections.*
Lost Voyage of the 499 - YouTube (47:44)
A ship was bound for China. It had a ghostly cargo of 499 Chinese gold miners. The ship sunk and its cargo disappeared. This ship lies off the coast of New Zealand. All the names were lost, except for one: Choie Sew Hoy. He was considered one of the pioneers of New Zealand. In 1861, gold was discovered in a valley in New Zealand. Miners from all over the world. However, this gold rush was over as soon as it was started. This documentary tells the story of the gold rush and the Chinese miners. *Not recommended for a classroom setting.*
Emmeline Pankhurst: Making of a Militant - YouTube (51:20)
Emmeline Pankhurst led the suffrage movement in Britain. Under her, an army of women took to the streets of Britain to demand the right to vote. They acted at the time, contrary to what was expected of women at the time. Sally Lindsay an actress takes a look at the life of Emmeline Pankhurst. She takes a rare look at the woman whose personal loves and losses transformed her from a working-class woman into a militant activist. Who was the real Emmeline Pankhurst? *Recommended for a history classroom and for research purposes. Can easily be mined for clips as well.*
The Secrets of a Suffragette - YouTube (46:52)
Emily Davison was a British suffragette who protested for women’s right to vote. She stepped into history by stepping into the path of the King’s horse at the 1913 Derby. She was fatally injured. Claire Balding explores Emily Davison’s story. Growing up she was told that Emily threw herself in front of the King’s horse and that it was the end of it. However, Claire was to investigate the real story behind this episode in British History. *Recommended for a history classroom and for research purposes.*
Frank Lloyd Wright - YouTube (59:15)
Frank Lloyd Wright was the greatest architect in America. He redefined architecture and became famous in the world all over. However, his genius is oftentimes buried under the scandals of his life. Jonathan Adams, an architect from Wales is going to travel around America to discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright. He wants to know the man and wishes to put him back in his place. What will Jonathan discover about Frank Lloyd Wright? Tune into this episode to find out more. *HIGHLY recommended for a history and house building class.*
First Flight: The Race to Create the World's First Flying Machine - YouTube (52:49)
In 1903, the Wright Brothers made the first motorized flight. Or did they? This documentary talks about the controversy surrounding this claim. Aviation expert, John Brown explores this controversy and puts for the claim that Gustave Whitehead was the one that made the first flight. It is a claim that outrages many. Was Gustave Whitehead a genius or a person discredited by his rivals? Who kick-started the age of aviation? *Recommended for use in an American history classroom.*
Titanic
Waking the Titanic - YouTube (51:23)
Fourteen young people from one small town in Ireland made their way to America, on board the Titanic. They traveled together in a group to keep each other safe. Only 3 survived the trip. The deaths of 11 young people deeply scarred the town they grew up in. Narrated by the actor who played Branson on Downton Abbey. This docu-drama offers a different perspective on the Titanic by sharing the story of ordinary people. *Highly recommended for an elementary school, middle school, and high school classroom. Recommended for a substitute teacher to show.*
Abandoning the Titanic - Video Found on PBS Website
This is a new perspective on Titanic: who abandoned the passengers to their fate? The historians and investigators look at the perspective of the ships in the area. They look into the identity of the mystery ship and the captain who turned away from the Titanic. This group also explores maritime law and what requirements ships performed to help a sinking ship. *Recommended for a middle school and high school classroom.*
Timewatch: Titanic - YouTube (47:00)
Myths of Titanic, a Time Watch episode, tries to unravel the myths and stories surrounding the Titanic. The first myth deals with the fact that the ship was unsinkable. The other myths talk about the sinking itself. It is a good summary of the events surrounding the Titanic, it's building, and sinking. *Recommended for middle and high school classrooms as well as independent study students. Recommend for substitute teachers to show in the classroom.*
Words of the Titanic - YouTube (46:03)
Words of Titanic is a docu-drama featuring the stories of the various survivors of the Titanic. The producers used primary source documents and the actual words of those survivors. The words are read by a variety of actors and descendants or relatives of Titanic crew members and survivors. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students. Highly recommended for a substitute teacher to show in a classroom.*
Saving the Titanic - YouTube (1:29:54)
Saving the Titanic is a docu-drama about the crew members and engineers who kept her lights on for two hours. The story kicks off with the inquiry into the sinking and the surviving crew members who gave testimony about the sinking. This story is about the unsung heroes of the sinking. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom. Highly recommended for independent study students. Highly recommended for a substitute teacher to show in a classroom.*
Titanic: The Nightmare and the Dream - YouTube (52:28)
This documentary was filmed in 1986 and it is about the Discovery of the Titanic. Bob Ballard had worked with the Navy to discover the vessel at the bottom. He was trying out new robotic equipment to find the Titanic. This is an older documentary about the Titanic and the sinking. The information is older. However, it is a good documentary covering Bob Ballard’s career and the Titanic’s discovery. *Recommended for elementary school and middle school classrooms.*
Titanic - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
In 1997 Titanic came out and was the highest-grossing film in the world. James Cameron, the director, assembles a team to look at the sinking of the Titanic. He tries to figure out how the Titanic sunk and what happened after it sunk. Cameron gathered eight Titanic historians to try to solve the Titanic’s final moments' mystery. This documentary came out in 2012 to coincide with the anniversary of the sinking. *Recommended for elementary school and middle school classrooms.*
Who Sank the Titanic - YouTube (1:08:30)
This documentary is about the human errors that lead to the sinking of the Titanic. This docu-drama features the officers’ decisions on board as well as the materials used to build the Titanic to determine whether or not the ship could have avoided its fate. The scientists look at the materials that were used to build the Titanic. This account is based on primary source documents. *Recommended for high school and middle school classrooms.*
Titanic’s Missing Pieces - Video No Longer Available
In 2005 two pieces of Titanic bottom were discovered by an expedition to the ship. It was a discovery that sent shockwaves through the Titanic community. What could these two pieces reveal about Titanic’s final moments? Titanic historians use computer models to put together the Titanic to figure out how she broke up. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Interwar Years
100 Years on the Lincoln Highway - YouTube (56:58)
The Lincoln Highway started in Times Square New York and crossed the country in San Francisco. IT was the first cross-country road in America. The country did not have many roads before the automobiles. Every road was a bike path or a dirt road farmers used to get in and out of town. These roads did not link together and go somewhere. *Highly recommended for an American History classroom and for a substitute teacher to show in the classroom.*
Amelia: A Tale of Two Sisters - YouTube (44:02)
Society was changing and men were now taking to the skies in airplanes. Women were demanding more rights and were finding achievements in aeronautics. One such woman was Amelia Earhart. Earhart was attracted to aviation and through determination and hard work, she would become the most famous aviator at the time. She would inspire female aviators in future generations. Her sister Muriel would not only champion her sister Amelia but would keep Amelia’s legacy alive. To this day, people are still looking to solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. *Recommended for both a history class and for research.*
A Tale of Two Sisters: Diana and Jessica Mitford - YouTube (44:25)
Jessica and Diana Mitford were two aristocratic young women who were part of the famous Mitford family. There were four other sisters in the family and the sisters were fiercely competitive. Jessica and Diana were separated by only a few years but they had wildly different political views. Jessica would become a communist and Diana was a fascist. Europe was divided at the beginning of the 20th Century and was full of political tension and citizens were forced to decide what political views they wanted to adopt. This is the story of the two sisters and their political beliefs. *Recommended for both a history class and for research.*
The Truth About Franco: Inside Spain's Forgotten Dictatorship - Episode 1 (53:11) Episode 2 (52:50) Episode 3 (52:31) Episode 4 (53:38)
Francisco Franco was a Spanish general who seized power in Spain during the Civil War. He was considered one of Europe’s most enigmatic dictators. He would rule Spain with an iron fist for four decades. He once said that he had no problem killing Spain to prevent the Marxists from taking over. He was a man who had many faces but could not shut up. Spain still has the scars of his reign. Who was the man? *Highly recommended for a history class and for use in research projects.*
The Lincoln Highway started in Times Square New York and crossed the country in San Francisco. IT was the first cross-country road in America. The country did not have many roads before the automobiles. Every road was a bike path or a dirt road farmers used to get in and out of town. These roads did not link together and go somewhere. *Highly recommended for an American History classroom and for a substitute teacher to show in the classroom.*
Amelia: A Tale of Two Sisters - YouTube (44:02)
Society was changing and men were now taking to the skies in airplanes. Women were demanding more rights and were finding achievements in aeronautics. One such woman was Amelia Earhart. Earhart was attracted to aviation and through determination and hard work, she would become the most famous aviator at the time. She would inspire female aviators in future generations. Her sister Muriel would not only champion her sister Amelia but would keep Amelia’s legacy alive. To this day, people are still looking to solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. *Recommended for both a history class and for research.*
A Tale of Two Sisters: Diana and Jessica Mitford - YouTube (44:25)
Jessica and Diana Mitford were two aristocratic young women who were part of the famous Mitford family. There were four other sisters in the family and the sisters were fiercely competitive. Jessica and Diana were separated by only a few years but they had wildly different political views. Jessica would become a communist and Diana was a fascist. Europe was divided at the beginning of the 20th Century and was full of political tension and citizens were forced to decide what political views they wanted to adopt. This is the story of the two sisters and their political beliefs. *Recommended for both a history class and for research.*
The Truth About Franco: Inside Spain's Forgotten Dictatorship - Episode 1 (53:11) Episode 2 (52:50) Episode 3 (52:31) Episode 4 (53:38)
Francisco Franco was a Spanish general who seized power in Spain during the Civil War. He was considered one of Europe’s most enigmatic dictators. He would rule Spain with an iron fist for four decades. He once said that he had no problem killing Spain to prevent the Marxists from taking over. He was a man who had many faces but could not shut up. Spain still has the scars of his reign. Who was the man? *Highly recommended for a history class and for use in research projects.*
Post World War II Era
Florence Foster Jenkins - YouTube (1:27:40)
Florence Foster Jenkins was known as the world’s worse opera singer and this is her story. This story is narrated from the perspective of a journalist who interviewed her. Florence Foster Jenkins was a flamboyant woman who loved to sing. She planned on performing at Carnegie Hall so the journalist wanted to interview her. Historians and music lovers talk about Florence Foster Jenkins’ life and singing career. *Recommended for research.*
Stalin's Daughter - YouTube (52:13)
Svetlana Alliluyeva was Josef Stalin’s daughter and in the midst of the Cold War, she fled to the United States through India. Her defection was a bombshell and sent shockwaves through the Soviet authorities. While in the United States, she became a media rockstar. Her arrival in New York was a sensation. However, she finds that she still cannot escape her father’s shadow. How did this young woman become the most famous defector? What drove this woman to defect to the United States? *Recommended for both research purposes and for a history classroom.*
Hidden Killers of the Post War Home - YouTube (58:37)
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the post-World War II home in Hidden Killers of the Post War Home. After the war normalcy slowly came back and with more purchasing power, people could buy more for the home. Unfortunately, there were new dangers introduced in the home. Some dangers include flammable nightgowns and furniture, chemistry sets, and not washing hands. This is a fascinating look at what hidden killers were brought into the home. *Highly recommended for student research purposes.*
Wahine Disaster - YouTube (52:55)
Wahine was a New Zealand Ferry that went down in a storm. The ferry was sailing in gale-force winds. It was a difficult crossing for the ship. The ferry was heading into a typhoon, one of the most serious in New Zealand history. Eventually, the ship hit a reef, took on water, and started sinking. This documentary is about the story of the rescue of 734 lives. The survivors tell the story of their rescue and their feelings after the accident. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Chernobyl: 35 Years After - VIDEO UNAVAILABLE
The disaster at Chernobyl happened on April 26, 1986. It was the worse nuclear disaster in world history. It still haunts the Ukrainian people to this day. This documentary is about a group of survivors who returned to Prypiat. They discuss their experiences and their feelings about the disaster. Some have broken their silence for the first time. This documentary is German-produced with English translations. *Highly recommend for both high school and middle school classrooms and independent study students.*
Knocking on Heaven's Door - YouTube (58:59)
This is a look at the history of the Soviet Space Program. It started with a mystic named Fedorov Gagarin. The oak trees on his family’s estate inspired him to look to space. He believed that going into space was mankind’s task. Eventually, the Soviets would put a man in space. This documentary tends to focus on the mystical components of how the Soviet space program developed. It is a different look at the space race. *Recommended for research purposes.*
A Very British Witchcraft - YouTube (49:58)
Modern Pagan witchcraft is a distinctly British religion. Wicca is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Professor Ronald Hutton examines witchcraft, Wicca, and paganism in this documentary called A very British Witchcraft. Oddly, Wicca was born in the 1940s. Gerald Gardner was a nudist who was known as the “King of Witches.” Who was the man behind the birth of Wicca? *Recommended for research purposes.*
A Tale of Two Sisters: Jackie - YouTube (44:30)
Jackie Kennedy and Lee Radziwill were sisters who had a complicated relationship. One sister would marry a future president and would become known for her impeccable style. She would regularly appear on the front pages of magazines. However, with all this success there was suffering. The other sister was younger and would provide great support for the older sister. Their lives were intertwined. However, beneath the surface, there was a great rivalry. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Outlier: The Story of Katherine Johnson - YouTube (54:12)
Katherine Johnson was an African American girl-wonder who was a mathematical genius. She loved mathematics and would count the steps going into church. Her genius helped catapult astronauts into space. She was an integral part of NASA and was profiled in the movie “Hidden Figures.” Her computations were important to the first missions to space. Who was this woman? Why did she have such an impact on history? This documentary features an interview with Katherine Johnson. *HIGHLY Recommended for a history and math class.*
The Women of Iran Let Their Hair Down - YouTube (51:56)
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-born journalist who lives in New York City. She fights against the compulsory wearing of the headscarf in Iran. She is the most prominent critic of the regime in Iran. She is also under threat because there was an assassination attempt on her life. She has called on women in Iran to film themselves taking off the headscarf. She publishes the videos she receives and has more than seven million followers on social media. This film follows Masih’s story. *Recommended for older high school students.*
Florence Foster Jenkins was known as the world’s worse opera singer and this is her story. This story is narrated from the perspective of a journalist who interviewed her. Florence Foster Jenkins was a flamboyant woman who loved to sing. She planned on performing at Carnegie Hall so the journalist wanted to interview her. Historians and music lovers talk about Florence Foster Jenkins’ life and singing career. *Recommended for research.*
Stalin's Daughter - YouTube (52:13)
Svetlana Alliluyeva was Josef Stalin’s daughter and in the midst of the Cold War, she fled to the United States through India. Her defection was a bombshell and sent shockwaves through the Soviet authorities. While in the United States, she became a media rockstar. Her arrival in New York was a sensation. However, she finds that she still cannot escape her father’s shadow. How did this young woman become the most famous defector? What drove this woman to defect to the United States? *Recommended for both research purposes and for a history classroom.*
Hidden Killers of the Post War Home - YouTube (58:37)
Suzannah Lipscomb explores the post-World War II home in Hidden Killers of the Post War Home. After the war normalcy slowly came back and with more purchasing power, people could buy more for the home. Unfortunately, there were new dangers introduced in the home. Some dangers include flammable nightgowns and furniture, chemistry sets, and not washing hands. This is a fascinating look at what hidden killers were brought into the home. *Highly recommended for student research purposes.*
Wahine Disaster - YouTube (52:55)
Wahine was a New Zealand Ferry that went down in a storm. The ferry was sailing in gale-force winds. It was a difficult crossing for the ship. The ferry was heading into a typhoon, one of the most serious in New Zealand history. Eventually, the ship hit a reef, took on water, and started sinking. This documentary is about the story of the rescue of 734 lives. The survivors tell the story of their rescue and their feelings after the accident. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Chernobyl: 35 Years After - VIDEO UNAVAILABLE
The disaster at Chernobyl happened on April 26, 1986. It was the worse nuclear disaster in world history. It still haunts the Ukrainian people to this day. This documentary is about a group of survivors who returned to Prypiat. They discuss their experiences and their feelings about the disaster. Some have broken their silence for the first time. This documentary is German-produced with English translations. *Highly recommend for both high school and middle school classrooms and independent study students.*
Knocking on Heaven's Door - YouTube (58:59)
This is a look at the history of the Soviet Space Program. It started with a mystic named Fedorov Gagarin. The oak trees on his family’s estate inspired him to look to space. He believed that going into space was mankind’s task. Eventually, the Soviets would put a man in space. This documentary tends to focus on the mystical components of how the Soviet space program developed. It is a different look at the space race. *Recommended for research purposes.*
A Very British Witchcraft - YouTube (49:58)
Modern Pagan witchcraft is a distinctly British religion. Wicca is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Professor Ronald Hutton examines witchcraft, Wicca, and paganism in this documentary called A very British Witchcraft. Oddly, Wicca was born in the 1940s. Gerald Gardner was a nudist who was known as the “King of Witches.” Who was the man behind the birth of Wicca? *Recommended for research purposes.*
A Tale of Two Sisters: Jackie - YouTube (44:30)
Jackie Kennedy and Lee Radziwill were sisters who had a complicated relationship. One sister would marry a future president and would become known for her impeccable style. She would regularly appear on the front pages of magazines. However, with all this success there was suffering. The other sister was younger and would provide great support for the older sister. Their lives were intertwined. However, beneath the surface, there was a great rivalry. *Recommended for research purposes.*
Outlier: The Story of Katherine Johnson - YouTube (54:12)
Katherine Johnson was an African American girl-wonder who was a mathematical genius. She loved mathematics and would count the steps going into church. Her genius helped catapult astronauts into space. She was an integral part of NASA and was profiled in the movie “Hidden Figures.” Her computations were important to the first missions to space. Who was this woman? Why did she have such an impact on history? This documentary features an interview with Katherine Johnson. *HIGHLY Recommended for a history and math class.*
The Women of Iran Let Their Hair Down - YouTube (51:56)
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-born journalist who lives in New York City. She fights against the compulsory wearing of the headscarf in Iran. She is the most prominent critic of the regime in Iran. She is also under threat because there was an assassination attempt on her life. She has called on women in Iran to film themselves taking off the headscarf. She publishes the videos she receives and has more than seven million followers on social media. This film follows Masih’s story. *Recommended for older high school students.*
This List is current as of October 3, 2023
