An Ocean Apart

When the 20th century opened, Britain dominated world affairs, and America stood on the sidelines. Now their positions are reversed. This is the story of how it happened.

Storyline

When the 20th century opened, Britain dominated world affairs, and America stood on the sidelines. Now their positions are reversed. This is the story of how it happened.

First Aired

1988-04-20
Last Aired

1988-06-01
Creator

Adam Curtis
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

7
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

BBC One

Keywords:

world war i miniseries united kingdom geopolitics great war united states

Stream and watch An Ocean Apart

Season 1

1. Hats Off to Mr. Wilson

This episode tells how the Americans were dragged reluctantly into the First World War, of their journ...More

This episode tells how the Americans were dragged reluctantly into the First World War, of their journey across the Atlantic, their welcome in Liverpool, and their disillusion when the war was over. For President Woodrow Wilson, victory had turned sour, but America had started its journey towards world leadership.Less

60mins 1988-04-20

2. Home in Pasadena

This episode examines the economic relations between England and the United States during the 1920s an...More

This episode examines the economic relations between England and the United States during the 1920s and discusses how free trade and mass production techniques after World War I changed British and U.S. manufacturing and created economic rivalry between the two countries.Less

60mins 1988-04-27

3. Here Come the British, Bang! Bang!

This episode about the 1930s discusses how America is reluctant to enter World War II on Britain's sid...More

This episode about the 1930s discusses how America is reluctant to enter World War II on Britain's side. Charles Lindbergh encourages U.S. neutrality in the war but Roosevelt decides to aid Britain.Less

60mins 1988-05-04

4. Trust Me to the Bitter End

America and Britain ally in World War II to defeat Nazi Germany. Clear U.S. dominance develops with th...More

America and Britain ally in World War II to defeat Nazi Germany. Clear U.S. dominance develops with the creation of the atom bomb.Less

60mins 1988-05-11

5. If You Don't Like Our Peaches, Quit Shaking Our Tree

In a reversal of roles, Britain becomes isolationist and the United States a superpower. Britain's dep...More

In a reversal of roles, Britain becomes isolationist and the United States a superpower. Britain's dependence on the US becomes clear after the Suez crisis.Less