Acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns tells Elinor Evans about the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin – a man who both loved Britain but became a key figure in American independence, and who was a slave-owner yet later campaigned for abolition. Burns also talks about the challenges and thrills of portraying complex histories on screen, and of finding voic ... Show More
Yesterday
Why Pompeii's tragedy still captivates us today
When the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried by ash spewed out of Vesuvius in AD 79, so too were their inhabitants, frozen in the moment of their deaths. In the final episode of our four-part series, Kev Lochun is joined by historian Dr Jess Venner to discuss the myriad ... Show More
46m 1s
Jan 30
The United States and Latin America: a turbulent history
Has the United States always seen Latin America as its ‘backyard’? And when did influence tip into intervention? In this episode, Danny Bird is joined by Yale University's Greg Grandin to explore the long, turbulent history of US–Latin American relations, from westward expansion ... Show More
38m 23s
Mar 2022
Benjamin Franklin with Ken Burns
<p>Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a scientist, inventor, writer and diplomat. As one of the leading figures of early American history, Franklin helped to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776, worked to negotiate the Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War in ... Show More
33m 26s
Jul 2023
Robert E Lee: Life & Legacy
<p>He is undoubtedly the most famous member of the Confederate forces. But it wasn't always set to be that way.</p><br><p>In this episode, Don speaks to Jonathan Horn to find out about the life of Robert E Lee, why he made the decision to join the Confederate side, and how he was ... Show More
35m 46s
Mar 2024
Abraham Lincoln's Sex Life
<p>Abraham Lincoln is often thought of as the most loved president in America's history, but how much do we know about his personal life?</p><br><p>Furthermore, how much do we know about his sexuality, and the potential he might have been gay?</p><br><p>Joining Kate today are Cal ... Show More
38m 44s
Apr 2023
Hudson River: America's First Art Movement
<p>English-born artist Thomas Cole emigrated to the United States in 1818. Six years later he began what is now known as the Hudson River School, which became the first art movement of the United States.. Betsy Jacks, director of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, tells Don ... Show More
27m 50s