The Untold History of the United States
The Untold History of the United States is a ten-part documentary series narrated by Oliver Stone, featuring human events that at the time went under reported, but crucially shaped America's unique and complex history over the 20th century. It covers the reasons behind the Cold War with the Soviet Union, U.S. President Harry Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, and changes in America's global role since the fall of Communism. The series is a re-examination of some of the under-reported and darkest parts of American modern history using little known documents and newly uncovered archival material. The series looks beyond official versions of events to the deeper causes and implications and explores how events from the past still have resonant themes for the present day.
| Episode 01 - World War II |
Episode 01 - World War II
This episode explores the birth of the American Empire by focusing on Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin.
Episode 02 - Roosevelt, Truman and Wallace
Highlights from the historical upset of Harry Truman replacing Henry Wallace as Roosevelt's Vice President during his fourth term - this dramatic shift in leadership propelled the US towards empire building.
Episode 03 - The Bomb
The strategies behind the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan are explored as well as the new mythology that emerged from the war. The bombing haunted the Soviets and mistrust towards the Allies grew quickly.
Episode 04 - The Cold War: 1945-1950
The equation changes: specific month-by-month causes of the Cold War emerge and it is not entirely clear who started it. Highlights include Churchill's Iron Curtain speech and the civil war in Greece.
Episode 05 - The '50s: Eisenhower, The Bomb and The Third World
Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles replace Truman. Stalin dies but relations with the Soviet Union turn colder. The H-bomb and the doctrine of nuclear annihilation are explored, as are the Korean War and U.S. rearmament.
Episode 06 - JFK: To The Brink
JFK and the Bay of Pigs; on the brink of total war during Cuban Missile Crisis; early Vietnam; JFK's attempts at peace with Khrushchev; JFK assassinated.
Episode 07 - Johnson, Nixon and Vietnam: Reversal Of Fortune
Cataclysm in Vietnam as the war reaches a turning point - there's no going back. The betrayal by Richard Nixon.
Episode 08 - Reagan, Gorbachev and Third World: Rise Of The Right
Carter's dreams of change give way to Ronald Reagan. Gorbachev redeems Reagan and fresh opportunities for peace arise. The debate over Reagan's legacy.
Episode 09 - Bush and Clinton: Squandered Peace - New World Order
George W. Bush's doctrine of endless war in Iraq and Afghanistan and the continued cannibalization of the U.S. economy. Squandered chances given by the end of the Cold War. A new USA, the National Security Fortress.
Episode 10 - Bush and Obama: Age of Terror
The meaning of events up to today. Obama and the destiny of the American Empire.
| Related Links |
| Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States - wikipedia Oliver Stone and American University historian Peter J. Kuznick, began working on the project in 2008. Stone, Kuznick and British screenwriter Matt Graham co-wrote the script. The documentary miniseries for Showtime had a working title Oliver Stone's Secret History of America. |
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