Watch 20th Century Timeline

20th Century Timeline is a documentary series that highlights the major events and cultural shifts from the 1900s up until the end of the millennium. Produced by Mill Creek Entertainment in 2017, the series is divided into ten hour-long episodes that cover different decades, with each episode providing insight into the political, social, economic, and technological changes that shaped the world during that period.

The show begins with the 1900s, a decade that was characterized by the rise of imperialism, the start of World War I and the development of new forms of media. The episode explores how the world's superpowers were competing for colonization and resources, resulting in tensions that would eventually ignite the First World War. It also shows how the advent of cinema revolutionized entertainment and culture, paving the way for the golden age of Hollywood.

Moving on to the 1910s, the series examines how the war brought an end to Europe's balance of power and gave rise to new ideologies and social movements. The episode showcases how the Russian Revolution sparked a wave of communism and how the US entered the war, helping the Allies win the conflict. The show touches on important artists whose works created important moments in socio-political commentary.

The 1920s are often referred to as the 'roaring twenties,' a period marked by economic prosperity, technological advancement, and cultural liberation. The show uses footage to paint a vivid picture of the time, taking audiences into the world of flappers and jazz music, prohibition and organized crime, and the stock market boom. The era saw a lot of art movements emerge including the Harlem Renaissance which stole the show from the likes of jazz.

Moving along to the 1930s, the series covers the Great Depression, which brought economic hardship and political unrest around the world. It helped the rise of many new leaders, particularly the likes of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. The episode also focuses on the incredible advancements in film industry with technically revolutionized films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Disney.

The 1940s were dominated by the Second World War, which engulfed the world in a conflict that claimed millions of lives and left indelible scars on the global consciousness. The show takes an in-depth look at how the US played an instrumental role, joining the fight after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, how the war ended with the use of the atomic bomb and how the world entered the new age of nuclear arms race afterwards.

The 1950s saw the rise of the Cold War, the emergence of rock n' roll and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. The episode recounts the tense standoff between the US and the Soviet Union, how artists like Elvis Presley popularized the rock n' roll genre, and how the struggle for racial equality took hold in America.

In the 1960s, the cultural, ideological, and political changes that had been building over the previous decades finally reached a boiling point. The show highlights the youth and women’s rights movements, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and the beginning of the Vietnam War. 1960s was one of the most explosive decades of history and it eventually paved way to many socio-political movements in future.

The 1970s saw continued social upheaval, political scandals, and economic uncertainty. The show examines how the US turned to conservatism and how the Watergate Scandal contributed to public distrust of government. It also delves into the impact of the Vietnam War on the international community and how it shaped foreign policy for years to come, including how it affected the likes of Cambodia and Laos after the withdrawal of US troops.

The 1980s was the decade of transition, with momentous changes happening in art forms, tech, industrial societies and geopolitics. The episode covers everything from music and fashion, to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. It showcases the rise of the computer age and the beginning of the information age, as well as the increased globalisation and interconnectedness of the world.

The final episode, covering the 1990s, takes viewers into the modern age, where technology and globalization have revolutionized every aspect of life. The show looks at the first Gulf War and the emergence of terrorist threats, including the rise of Al-Qaeda. It concludes with the end of the century and millennial celebrations, and leaves viewers with a sense of how far the world has come since the dawn of the 20th century.

Overall, 20th Century Timeline offers a comprehensive look at the many changes and events that shaped the 1900s. It is a must-watch for history buffs, media enthusiasts and anyone who wants to know more about the world we live in today.

20th Century Timeline is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on February 24, 2017.