The 20th century began with America on the sidelines of world conflict, but before the end of the century, America would stand alone as the most powerful military nation in the history of the world. This documentary explores America's rise, from the horse-drawn cannons of World War I to the laser guided missiles of Desert Storm. Century of Warfare chronicles the crucial battle engagements that shaped the outcomes of the great conflicts of the 20th century, changing the world and the face of America forever. Beginning with the events preceding World War I, Century of Warfare details the combat history of World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, and Operation Desert Storm, using authentic archival footage and extensive interviews with veterans and historians.
World War I: 1914-1918
Jan 1, 2007
In 1914, the world was aflame with its First World War. Revisit the causes of the war, its early years and the American entrance into the conflict. Journey wit the American Expeditionary Force as it goes over there and they exclaim, "Lafayette we are here!" Follow General Pershing's attempts to train the force for the rigors of combat and see the results as the Yanks are committed to combat in the Allies' darkest hour. Finally, celebrate with all America as the war ends and the world has been made safe for democracy.
World War II: 1939-1943
Jan 2, 2007
The world slides down a slippery slope and becomes engulfed in World War II. This history retraces the birth of the war and records the initial Axis' successes as their rampage goes unchecked. In Europe, the tide of conquest leaves Britain standing alone against Nazi aggression. America's early reaction and preparations are examined, as she becomes more concerned with events beyond her borders. Watch as the war is suddenly thrust upon the United States at Pearl Harbor and how she rises to the challenge. The early defeats, counter-moves and first offensives against the aggressors are also shown.
World War II: 1943-1945
Jan 3, 2007
The world has been immersed in World War II for four long years. However, America has been an active participant for less than two years. Already the Axis has begun to feel the awakening power of the United States. This history detailed how the tide is fully turned and the Axis is driven back. Europe is invaded, Germany defeated and Japan stands alone, defiant. Follow the last campaigns against Japan and the use of the atomic bomb, which brought the Japanese to their knees.
The Korean War: 1950-1953
Jan 4, 2007
The world had emerged from World War II and America, wanting only peace, demobilized rapidly. The United States possessed the atomic bomb, making war a thing of the past. That is, until the North Korean Army streamed across the border in an effort to conquer its neighbor to the south. America and the United Nations responded rapidly to this challenge but the lack of preparedness cost many lives. The situation was stabilized and following a brilliant offensive, the communist armies were thrown back, only to surge forward again with Chinese support. This is the story of see-saw fighting on the Korean Peninsula that ended in an uneasy peace almost fifty years ago.
The Vietnam War: 1965-1973
Jan 5, 2007
While the United Nations was preserving the independence of South Korea, the French were fighting a losing war against the Viet Minh in a place called Vietnam. this colonial war ended in a truce and established two countries from the former French colony. The North, determined to obtain the South, began a guerrilla war in which American advisors became involved. Follow the growth of American commitment to "The War" as she engages in the most divisive military action in American history. Revisit this conflict, its roots, the different phases of American involvement and the eventual fall of the South to the North Vietnamese.
Operation Desert Storm: 1990-1991
Jan 6, 2007
In 1990, aggression had a new name: Saddam Hussein. This is the story of Iraq's dastardly invasion of Kuwait and threats toward Saudi Arabia. Operation Desert Shield is shown as coalition forces are built up to oppose further Iraqi moves into the Gulf region. Watch the build up, go with the initial strikes against the Iraqi military and ride with the tanks of the coalition in the final victory over Iraq in Operation Desert Storm.
