History & Exploration Season 1 Episode 6 Blood Diamonds (Diamonds of War)

Blood Diamonds, the sixth episode of History & Exploration Season 1, delves into the controversial world of diamond mining and trade in war-torn countries. The episode explores the history of conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, which have been used to finance brutal wars across Africa.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the diamond industry, highlighting its massive economic importance worldwide. The show then takes us to Sierra Leone, where a bitter civil war between government troops and rebel forces led to the rise of blood diamonds. The diamond-rich areas of Sierra Leone became major battlefields, and the warring factions fought to gain control over them. The diamond trade became a crucial source of financing for both sides, and millions of dollars worth of diamonds were smuggled out of the country every year.

The episode highlights the atrocities committed by the rebel forces as they enslaved and brutalized thousands of people, including children, to extract diamonds. We see how diamonds were used to purchase arms, ammunition, and other supplies for the rebels, allowing them to continue their reign of terror on the innocent population.

Next, the show takes us to neighboring Liberia, where former warlord Charles Taylor used diamonds to fund his brutal regime. The episode outlines how Taylor, who was later convicted of war crimes, used diamonds to finance his military operations. The diamonds smuggled from Liberia were often sent to Antwerp, Belgium, which is the world's largest diamond trading center.

The episode examines the role of the diamond industry in fueling conflicts in Africa, with a particular focus on the 1990s. The diamond industry was dominated by a small group of companies that controlled the supply and demand of diamonds, which helped create the demand for blood diamonds and allowed them to enter the world market. The episode also discusses the role of the Kimberly Process, an international certification scheme designed to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a range of experts, including historians, human rights activists, and diamond industry insiders. They provide context and information on the history of the diamond trade and the devastating impact of conflict diamonds on local communities. The episode also includes footage of diamond mines and trading centers, as well as interviews with former combatants and victims of the wars.

Blood Diamonds is a sobering and eye-opening look at the reality of diamond mining and trade in conflict zones. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the history of blood diamonds, highlighting the complicity of the diamond industry in perpetuating conflicts and human rights violations. It challenges viewers to consider their own responsibility in ensuring that the diamonds they buy and wear are not contributing to war and suffering.