American Experience

An overview of life in the United States at the dawn of the 20th century − unforeseen opportunities and unplanned-for challenges.

America in 1900 is explored. Examined are "emblematic events of the year," says producer David Grubin, including the mine disaster in Scofield, Utah; the rebellion in the Philippines against occupying American troops; and the murders of American missionaries in China during the Boxer Rebellion. David McCullough narrates.

An overview of life in the United States at the dawn of the 20th century − unforeseen opportunities and unplanned-for challenges.

An overview of life in the United States at the dawn of the 20th century − unforeseen opportunities and unplanned-for challenges.

An overview of life in the United States at the dawn of the 20th century − unforeseen opportunities and unplanned-for challenges.

The United States and the Soviet Union work on weapons even more powerful than the earlier atomic bomb during the height of the Cold War.

The story behind building one of the greatest Depression-era projects, the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River.

An account of Robert Byrd's adventures at the poles and his trials in Antarctica.

The collision of two large ocean-going vessels in 1909 puts the new wireless telegraph to the test.

An account of the causes of the partial core meltdown at the Pennsylvania nuclear power plant in 1979 and the reactions of staff and the public.

Geologist and explorer John Wesley Powell undertakes a dangerous water trip down the Colorado River with a crew of adventure-seekers.

Part 1 of a two-part biography of Douglas MacArthur takes "America's first soldier" from his brilliant WWI service into WWII, when his knack for alienating superiors hindered his "return" to the Philippines.

The conclusion of MacArthur focuses on his "return" to the Philippines in 1944, his years as Supreme Allied Commander in Japan after the war and his controversial command in Korea.

The lives of the Women Air Service Pilots (WASPs) and their flying exploits within the US during World War II.