Oliver Stone’s re-examination of under-reported events in American history.
Untold History of the United States 2013 HD | Oliver Stone | Documentary Film about USA History | History
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Documentary Film Info
The Untold History of the United States presents an alternative perspective on American history, challenging conventional narratives and shedding light on often overlooked aspects of the nation’s past. Directed by Oliver Stone and co-written with historian Peter Kuznick, this ten-part series covers pivotal moments from World War II to the Obama administration, offering a critical examination of U.S. foreign policy, domestic issues, and global influence.
The documentary begins by reassessing America’s role in World War II, questioning the necessity of dropping atomic bombs on Japan and highlighting the Soviet Union’s significant contribution to defeating Nazi Germany. It then proceeds chronologically, analyzing key events such as the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement through a lens that diverges from mainstream historical accounts.
Throughout the series, Stone and Kuznick focus on missed opportunities and alternative paths that could have altered the course of American history. They argue that at various junctures, different choices could have led to more peaceful and equitable outcomes. For instance, they posit that had Henry Wallace remained as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Vice President instead of Harry Truman, post-war relations with the Soviet Union might have been less antagonistic.
The documentary pays particular attention to the actions and motivations of U.S. presidents, offering nuanced portrayals that sometimes challenge their popular images. It critically examines decisions made by leaders such as Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Reagan, and both Bushes, contextualizing their policies within broader historical and geopolitical frameworks.
The Untold History of the United States also addresses domestic issues, including the rise of the national security state, the influence of the military-industrial complex, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and economic equality. It draws connections between these internal dynamics and America’s international actions, presenting a comprehensive view of how domestic and foreign policies have intertwined throughout modern U.S. history.
By incorporating lesser-known documents and newly uncovered archival material, the series aims to provide a more complete picture of American history. It challenges viewers to reconsider long-held beliefs about the United States’ role in world affairs and to contemplate how past decisions continue to shape contemporary global issues.
The documentary concludes by reflecting on the legacy of American power and the narratives that have shaped national identity. It encourages a reevaluation of historical events and their long-term consequences, prompting consideration of how understanding this “untold history” might inform future policy decisions and societal progress.
Chapter 1: World War II
This chapter delves into the history of World War II, with a focus on the often-overlooked events that played a key role in the war’s outcome. The Spanish Civil War, Roosevelt’s desire to join the allies, Japan’s strategic decisions leading up to Pearl Harbor, and the Soviet Union’s contribution to the war effort are all explored in detail.
Chapter 2: Roosevelt, Truman & Wallace
In this chapter, we examine the aftermath of World War II, including Stalin’s attempts to exert control over Poland and Eastern Europe, the Democratic party’s efforts to remove Henry Wallace from the presidential ticket in 1944, and Britain’s attempts to maintain its colonial holdings.
Chapter 3: The Bomb
Chapter three centers around the conclusion of World War II, with a particular focus on the events leading up to the use of atomic bombs and Japan’s subsequent surrender. This chapter explores the Truman era of American history, with special attention given to the overlooked role of Henry A. Wallace.
Chapter 4: The Cold War: 1945-1950
The origins of the Cold War are analyzed in this chapter, with a month-by-month breakdown of the initial aggressors. The chapter also covers Winston Churchill’s famous “Iron Curtain” speech, the rise of the “Red Scare” in the US, and Joseph McCarthy’s controversial anti-Communist crusade.
Chapter 5: The ’50s: Eisenhower, the Bomb & The Third World
Eisenhower and the CIA are the main focus of this chapter, with an examination of their role in shaping the global political landscape of the 1950s. The chapter delves into the development of the Cold War and the US’s battle against communism.
Chapter 6: JFK: To the Brink
Chapter six focuses on JFK’s presidency, including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. The chapter also explores early US involvement in Vietnam and JFK’s attempts at peace with Khrushchev, as well as the assassination of JFK.
Chapter 7: Johnson, Nixon & Vietnam: Reversal of Fortune
The Vietnam War is the central theme of this chapter, with a focus on the public’s disillusionment with modern military power in the face of guerrilla-style warfare. Richard Nixon’s administration is also examined, with a particular focus on its methods and their impact on American politics.
Chapter 8: Reagan, Gorbachev & Third World: Rise of the Right
This chapter explores the relationship between Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan, which led to new attempts at peace as the Berlin Wall came down. However, the chapter also covers the Iranian hostage crisis, which heightened fears and uncertainty around the world.
Chapter 9: Bush & Clinton: American Triumphalism – New World Order
In this chapter, we examine the US invasion of Panama and its failed attempt at establishing peace in the aftermath of the Cold War. The chapter also explores the George W. Bush administration’s approach to security, which ultimately led to a new era of “endless war” in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Chapter 10: Bush & Obama: Age of Terror
The final chapter of the book centers around homeland security and the worldwide global security state. It also covers the economic struggles facing the US, as well as the presidency of Barack Obama and the future of the American Empire.
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