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War and Civilization

  • 1998
  • Ended
  • Documentary
  • ~52m / ep
  • 1 season
  • 10.0/10

An eight-part chronicle of armed conflict from the beginning of recorded history to modern times, exploring the political and cultural motivations for---and consequences of---warfare.

Latest: Season 1 · 1998

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  1. E1. First Blood

    Aug 2, 1998 · 52m

    A look at the origins of modern warfare, when ancient Greek soldiers marched in formations called phalanxes. Also: Alexander the Great's foray into Asia Minor in the 4th century B.C. Narrated by Walter Cronkite..

  2. E2. Empires and Armies

    Aug 9, 1998 · 52m

    The empires of ancient Rome and China, begun before the birth of Christ, which were hubs of cultural development despite being terribly violent. Also: fighting barbarians at their borders; and the legacies of these empires. Narrated by Walter Cronkite.

  3. E3. Horse Warriors

    Aug 16, 1998 · 52m

    A look at the impact that horses had on warfare, which enabled Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan to rule over vast territories. Also: building fortifications of stone; and the rise of the samurai in Japan. Narrated by Walter Cronkite.

  4. E4. Gunpowder

    Aug 23, 1998 · 52m

    "Gunpowder" forever changed the way wars were fought, both in an army's weapons and methods of defense. Also: arming ships with cannons; and the spread of European domination. Narrated by Walter Cronkite.

  5. E5. Revolution

    Aug 30, 1998 · 52m

    England gains a stronghold in America after the Seven Years' War in 1763, but is eventually challenged, and defeated, by a new nation. Also: revolution in France; and the rise of Napoleon. Narrated by Walter Cronkite.

  6. E6. Blood and Iron

    Sep 6, 1998 · 52m

    The Industrial Revolution creates more mechanized warfare, as trains and mass-produced weapons are tested in the Crimea and the American Civil War. Also: a united Germany; and war correspondents report from the front. Walter Cronkite narrates.

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