Watch 101 People Who Made The 20th Century

Christina Lamb hosts the riveting 10-part documentary series, 101 People Who Made The 20th Century, that delves into the lives, legacies, and impact of 101 extraordinary individuals who shaped the course of history across diverse fields. The series draws on rare archival footage, photographs, and documents as well as insightful interviews, analysis, and commentary from leading experts, scholars, and historians.

The episodes are organized thematically, each focusing on a crucial area that defined the modern era. Topics range from politics, economics, technology, and science to art, culture, and society.

In the first episode, “World War I and The Birth of Modern Warfare,” Lamb explores the key figures who played a decisive role in the catastrophic conflict, including Winston Churchill, Woodrow Wilson, and T.E. Lawrence. She also highlights the innovations in weapons technology, from chemical weapons and tanks to aircraft and submarines, that transformed the battlefield and set the stage for future wars.

The second episode, “Revolutionaries and Dictators,” examines the rise of totalitarian regimes and the charismatic leaders who wielded absolute power, from Lenin and Stalin to Hitler and Mao. Lamb discusses how these figures shaped the political and ideological landscape of the 20th century, as well as the atrocities and human rights abuses that were inflicted on millions of people.

In the third episode, “The Age of Invention and Innovation,” Lamb turns the spotlight on the groundbreaking inventors and entrepreneurs who revolutionized industries and changed the way we live, work, and play. She profiles Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates, among others, and examines how their innovations transformed the fields of communication, transportation, medicine, and entertainment.

The fourth episode, “Trailblazers and Mavericks,” showcases the achievements of trailblazing women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals who challenged social norms and shattered barriers in a wide range of fields. Lamb features luminaries such as Amelia Earhart, Nelson Mandela, and Harvey Milk, who blazed a path for future generations and fought for justice and equality.

In the fifth episode, “The Space Race and Beyond,” Lamb explores the epic rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union to conquer space and reach the moon. She profiles the pioneers of the space program, including Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong, and Sally Ride, and examines the scientific and political implications of the space race.

The sixth episode, “The Digital Revolution,” takes us on a journey through the history of computing, the internet, and social media. Lamb profiles the visionaries who created the first computers, such as Alan Turing and Ada Lovelace, and discusses the potential and pitfalls of the digital age.

The seventh episode, “The Tumultuous 1960s,” vividly captures the cultural, social, and political upheavals that defined the decade. Lamb discusses the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, the counterculture, and the feminist movement, and profiles figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Gloria Steinem.

The eighth episode, “The Cold War and Beyond,” examines the global tensions and geopolitical challenges that marked the latter half of the century. Lamb discusses the arms race, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the collapse of the Soviet Union, and profiles the key players in these historic events.

The ninth episode, “Art and Creativity,” celebrates the vibrant and diverse art and cultural movements of the 20th century. Lamb profiles Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol, among others, and discusses the impact of cinema, literature, and music on society and politics.

The final episode, “The Twenty-First Century and Beyond,” looks to the future and considers the challenges and opportunities that await us in the coming decades. Lamb discusses the rise of globalization, climate change, and technological advances, and reflects on the lessons we can learn from the past.

Through the 101 People Who Made The 20th Century, Lamb provides a fascinating, insightful, and entertaining account of the modern era and the individuals who shaped it.

101 People Who Made The 20th Century is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between January 1, 2016 and on Docurama