Real Time History

Saddam Hussein: Rise and Fall of the Iraqi Dictator (Full Documentary)

261K views · 7d ago · 3:21:31

Guest: Saddam Hussein

Watch History's Most Daring Raids on Nebula Saddam Hussein was one of the most notorious dictators of the 2nd half of the 20th century. His rule of Iraq came at a time where the Middle East became a focal point of geopolitics. In his ruthless ambition he started several wars, used weapons of mass destruction on his own population and held Iraq in an iron grip until 2003.

Topics: Part I: The Road to Power · Part II: The Iran-Iraq War 1980-88 · Part III: The Gulf War 1990-91 · Part IV: Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003 · Part V: Occupation of Iraq 2003-2005

Was Operation Barbarossa Doomed to Fail?

1.6M views · 28d ago · 22:23

Watch History's Most Daring Raids on Nebula When Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941 with Operation Barbarossa, observers expected a quick German victory - and so did Adolf Hitler and the Wehrmacht leadership. But many of the assumptions of the German plan would turn out to be flawed.

Soviet War in Afghanistan 1979-1989 (Full Documentary)

1.8M views · 1mo ago · 1:33:27

When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in late 1979, the Politburo planned for a quick show of force that would help the fledgling Afghan communist regime to consolidate power. Instead the Soviet Army was embroiled in a 10 year counter insurgency against Afghan mujahedeen and their supporters in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the USA.

Topics: Why the Soviet Union Invaded Afghanistan · Soviet Afghan War 1980-1985 · Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan

The Failed US Invasion of Canada 1812 (Documentary)

597K views · 1mo ago · 36:27

Watch our video about the Jesse Elliot Raid When war broke out in 1812, American leaders anticipated that they could annex Canada before the UK could mount an effective defense. But against smart Canadian and Native American defenders spurred on by the energetic Isaac Brock and marred by logistical problems, the Americans soon find themselves in a military quagmire with mounting losses.

2001 Invasion of Afghanistan: Ousting the Taliban (Documentary)

1M views · 2mo ago · 39:18

Watch History's Most Daring Raids on Nebula After the 9/11 attacks Afghanistan is the centre of the new "War on Terror" after the country has been largely ignored by the US in the 1990s. To quickly respond, the CIA and CENTCOM devise a new kind of warfare relying on special forces and CIA operators on the ground working in tandem with the Afghan Northern Alliance. Their goal is to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden and if possible topple the Taliban government sheltering him.

The Most Confusing Battle of WW2? Operation Crusader 1941 (Documentary)

140K views · 2mo ago · 32:58

Both the Axis and the British Middle East Command want to break the Siege of Tobruk in the summer of 1941. In the Fall the new British Eighth Army strikes first and the resulting Operation Crusader is one of the most confusing battles of the Second World War.

Rise of the Taliban: Afghan Civil War 1994-2000 (Documentary)

330K views · 3mo ago · 29:20

Watch History's Most Daring Raids on Nebula By 1994, Afghanistan has been at war for more than 15 years. The Islamist mujahadeen factions that defeated them are divided by religious and ethnic rivalries. And in the midst of the chaos, a new faction that will change the course of the war rises to prominence in 1994: the Taliban.

The Battle of Fallujah and the Iraq War 2003-04 (Documentary)

1M views · 3mo ago · 31:16

In May 2003, US President George W. Bush announces the end of major combat operations in the Iraq War and officially shifts to occupation and reconstruction. But an anti-US insurgency is quickly spreading and the country is quickly descending into violence. Even the capture of Saddam Hussein does not help stabilizing Iraq.

Japan's Downfall: Pacific War from Tarawa to Okinawa (Full WW2 Documentary)

1M views · 4mo ago · 3:40:05

Guest: Japan's Downfall

Watch History's Most Daring Raids on Nebula In 1944 the days of dashing Japanese victories in the Pacific theatre are over. But the Empire is not defeated yet and desperate to at least gain a favorable position for peace negotiations. Against the full might of the dramatically expanded US Navy, Marines and Army forces, the Japanese are determined to fight to the last.

Topics: Battle of Tarawa · Battle of Saipan · Battle of Peleliu · Battle of Leyte Gulf · Battle of Manila · Battle of Iwo Jima

Rommel's Rampage - Battle for North Africa Spring 1941 (Documentary)

222K views · 5mo ago · 24:43

Guest: Rommel's Rampage

Watch History's Most Daring Raids on Nebula The Italian Army in North Africa is in disarray after the British Operation Compass. Hitler reluctantly sends help in the form of the newly formed Africa Corps under Erwin Rommel. Despite his orders, he immediately goes on the offensive and pushes back the British which are also reeling from the Axis invasion of Greece and Yugoslavia.

How China, Russia, Japan and the West Struggled Over East Asia 1894-1905 (Documentary)

157K views · 6mo ago · 1:25:02

Watch our Video about the Cabanatuan Raid on Nebula The 19th century is a time of violent global imperial competition. The Scramble for Africa and the Great Game between the Russian and British Empires over influence in Central Asia are among the best-known examples. But the 2nd half of the century also involved another Great Game – the Great Game for Asia.

Topics: 1st Sino-Japanese War 1894-95 · Boxer War 1900-01 · Russo-Japanese War 1904-05

Afghanistan's Downfall - Civil War 1989-1993 (Documentary)

301K views · 6mo ago · 23:39

Guest: Afghanistan's Downfall

After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, the various mujahedeen factions and Afghanistan's neighbours Pakistan, Iran and the USSR are still vying for control. With new weapons still streaming in, some factions are not willing to compromise to achieve their vision of peace and thus Afghanistan descents into civil war.

What Caused the War of 1812? (Documentary)

802K views · 7mo ago · 27:13

Watch History's Most Daring Raids on Nebula The War of 1812 broke out after a series of escalations between Great Britain and the still young United States. The impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy desperate to crew their ships in the ongoing war against Napoleon, the question if the US could trade with Britain and France at the same time and thus profit of the war, all came to a head after failed negotiations.

Soviet Withdrawal From Afghanistan 1986-1989 (Documentary)

476K views · 7mo ago · 31:02

Watch our documentary about the Saigon Embassy Raid exclusively on Nebula In February 1989, the last Soviet Combat troops leave Afghanistan after almost a decade of war. Despite military superiority, the super power was not able to establish a stable Moscow-friendly regime in the country. Yet, the mujahedeen are also deeply divided and influenced by outside forces such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Osama Bin Laden.

Who Destroyed the Japanese Economy in WW2?

93K views · 7mo ago · 25:47

Watch our new series History's Most Daring Raids As the war in the Pacific develops, the United States takes the fight to Japan itself – by crippling its economy, destroying its industry, and crushing civilian morale. To do this, American submarines and heavy bombers wage campaigns beneath the sea and above the clouds. And even 80 years later, there’s a fierce debate about which of these campaigns did more to bring Japan to its knees – perhaps even more than the atomic bombs.

Invasion of Iraq 2003 (Documentary)

1.4M views · 8mo ago · 31:39

Watch our documentary about the Saigon Embassy Raid exclusively on Nebula In March 2003, a US-led coalition invades Iraq. US President George W. Bush claims he must disarm Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction and depose a brutal regime supporting global terror. But after a lightning capture of Baghdad and other Iraqi cities in the south, the war is far from over.

Eight Great Powers Invade China: the Boxer Uprising 1900-1901 (Documentary)

422K views · 8mo ago · 26:38

Watch our new series History's Most Daring Raids After the defeat in the 1st Sino-Japanese War, the Qing Dynasty is under pressure: Some are calling for domestic reforms and ousting Western influence, while the Great Powers want to further open up China for their businesses. Violence erupts when the so called Boxer movement kills several Westerners.

Why Argentina Lost the Falklands War (Documentary)

1.4M views · 9mo ago · 29:12

Watch Mad Kings about Idi Amin On March 28, 1982 almost the entire Argentinian navy, carrying 900 troops, invades the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). The ruling junta is confident Britain won't oppose the Argentinian fait accompli. But Britain's political will and military ability to carry out a successful campaign at the end of an 12,500 km supply line surprises many.

Red Army vs. Mujahedeen: Soviet-Afghan War Tactics 1980-85 (Documentary)

1M views · 9mo ago · 32:41

Watch Mad Kings about Kim Il Sung The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan was supposed to be a quick show of force to pacify the country and install a more Moscow-friendly leadership for the Afghan communist regime. But the 40th Army (officially "Limited Contingent of Soviet Troops in Afghanistan") soon found themselves embroiled in a counter insurgency which they weren't prepared for.

What Happened During the Iranian Revolution 1979? (Documentary)

992K views · 10mo ago · 21:56

Watch Mad Kings about Uday Hussein After over 25 years in power, the Shah of Iran was ousted by the Iranian Revolution which also established an Islamic Republic under Ruhollah Khomeini.

The Bloody Start of Island Hopping in the Pacific: Tarawa 1943 (WW2 Documentary)

592K views · 11mo ago · 25:06

Watch Epic History's WW2 Series The Marine and US Army landing on the Tarawa Atoll's Betio and Makin islands were the first operations in the new Central Pacific front of the Pacific War. Tarawa was one of the deadliest amphibious landings for the Marine Corps which hadn't yet perfected such complex operations. But the lessons learned at Tarawa would already be applied a few months later at Kwajalein and Eniwetok.

Why the US Invaded Iraq (Documentary)

424K views · 11mo ago · 28:54

Watch Mad Kings about Uday Hussein The US invasion of Iraq was the culmination of several developments that started at the end of the Gulf War in 1991. In 2002, the Bush administration used the excuse of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and claimed links between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda to justify the invasion.

First Year of WW2 1939-1940 (Full Documentary)

2M views · 1y ago · 3:38:57

Watch Epic History's WW2 Series In 1939, Germany plunges Europe into war by breaking their promises for peace and marching into Poland. By the end of 1940 though, Britain is the only Great Power still standing against a seemingly invincible German juggernaut. On the surface, the war’s opening phase seems like Hitler’s crowning achievement, but did the first 16 months of WW2 actually lay the groundwork for his ultimate defeat?

Topics: German-Soviet Invasion of Poland 1939 · Soviet-Finnish Winter War 1939/40 · Phoney War 1939/40 · Battle of the Atlantic 1939 · German Invasion of Norway and Denmark 1940 · German Invasion of France, Belgium and the Netherlands 1940

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan 1979 (Documentary)

3.7M views · 1y ago · 30:20

Christmas 1979. Soviet armor pours across the Afghan border towards Kabul as helicopters secure the mountain passes through the Hindukush mountains. In Moscow, the Politburo has decided to save Afghanistan’s communist government from collapse. Afghan rebels have taken up arms against the unpopular regime and control most of the countryside. But the Red Army leadership doubts it can pacify the country - so why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan?

Battle of Manila 1945 (WW2 Documentary)

2.2M views · 1y ago · 25:47

The Battle of Manila 1945 was the only urban battle in the American Pacific War comparable with Stalingrad, Berlin or other European battles. In gruelling weeks of fighting the 6th Army fought in house-to-house combat against entrenched Japanese.

The Biggest Naval Battle in History: Leyte Gulf 1944 (WW2 Documentary)

1.1M views · 1y ago · 35:41

In Fall 1944, Japan is set on stopping the US from re-capturing the Philippines, a vital trade route between the Japanese home islands and the resource rich occupied territories to the south. With a complex plan they want to strike the US Navy as it's landing on Leyte island. The resulting series of battles is today known as the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the biggest naval battle in history.

The 2nd Sino-Japanese War & Chinese Civil War 1927-1949 (Full Documentary)

851K views · 1y ago · 2:54:39

China was constantly at war from the late 1920s to the early 1950s, including becoming one of the largest fronts of the Second World War. The Japanese invasion and followed by the resumption of the Chinese Civil War between nationalists and communists would have huge global ramifications. But to understand how the wars for China began, we need to go a little further back to a time of great Chinese vulnerability.

Topics: Chinese Civil War 1927-1937 · Japanese Invasion 1937 · Battle of Wuhan 1938 · Road to Pearl Harbor 1939-41 · Chinese Front 1942-1943 · 2nd Sino-Japanese War 1944-1945

German-Soviet Invasion of Poland 1939 (WW2 Documentary)

1.7M views · 1y ago · 25:41

Germany and the Soviet Union both regarded the Polish state as a creation of the post-WW1 system, and both had claims on Polish territory. In the summer of 1939, Adolf Hitler decided to invade Poland in a fait acompli against the Allies. In a secret agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union they agreed on dividing up the Polish state and Eastern Europe.

Battle of Peleliu 1944 (WW2 Documentary)

655K views · 1y ago · 22:38

In September 1944, the US 1st Marine Division is on its way to another amphibious invasion in the Pacific – the tiny island of Peleliu. For almost half the Marines it will be their baptism of fire against veteran Japanese troops with a new defensive doctrine. Some American commanders call for the operation to be cancelled, but it goes ahead. By its end, half the Marines and all the Japanese will be killed or wounded – but was Peleliu worth it?

Battle for the Mediterranean 1940 (WW2 Documentary)

423K views · 1y ago · 35:54

In the summer of 1940, the British Empire faces German attacks against the home islands a new Italian adversary in the Mediterranean Sea, the lifeline to its colonies around the globe. In a series of campaigns the British beat back the Italians and eliminate parts of the French fleet. But the service of its overseas subjects won't come for free.

Arab Israeli War 1973 (Yom Kippur War Documentary)

2.3M views · 1y ago · 28:57

On October 6, 1973, Israelis celebrating the holiday of Yom Kippur are shocked by news of a mass two front attack in the Sinai and Golan Heights. Egypt and Syria, two nations still reeling from their humiliating defeat by Israel in 1967, smash through Israeli defenses.

The Mexican-American War 1846-48 (Documentary)

1.3M views · 1y ago · 50:37

In the early 19th century, the United States and Mexico share a massive cross- continental border, but US settlement in Mexico, expansionist ideals and religious differences put the young republics on a collision course. As tensions boil over into bloodshed, the tiny, inexperienced US army marches to a war which will forge the modern United States.

Topics: Texas Republic · Declaration of War · The US Army · British Muskets in the Mexican Army · The Mexican Army · The Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma

Rise of Japan: 1st Sino-Japanese War 1894-95 (Documentary)

663K views · 1y ago · 24:57

In 1894, tensions are rising in East Asia. There’s trouble in the small but strategically-located Kingdom of Korea, as rival factions in the royal family fight for power and against popular uprisings. Shaken by a major revolt, Korea’s King Kojong calls on China for help – but Japan intervenes, setting off a war that will devastate Korea and upend the old order in Asia.

Mussolini's Blunder: Greece and North Africa 1940 (WW2 Documentary)

826K views · 1y ago · 26:08

Guest: Mussolini's Blunder

Watch 16 Days in Berlin Gift Nebula to a friend Hitler's victories in 1940 present a historic opportunity to Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini to expand the Italian Empire. Instead, Italy suffers a series of humiliating disasters in Greece and North Africa. So why did Mussolini declare war on the Allies at this moment, and could Germany be ultimately responsible for the Italian fiasco?

The Iran-Iraq War 1980-1988 (Documentary)

3.5M views · 1y ago · 41:05

In September 1980, Iraq invades Iran. Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is convinced that now is the time to strike, since Iran is still shaken by its Islamic Revolution, and he expects victory within weeks. Instead, the conflict will last 8 years, cost hundreds of thousands of lives , threaten world oil markets, and draw the US into the Persian Gulf for good. It’s the last total war of the 20th century.

📰 Mentioned news: The World Debate: The War the World Needs to Remember.

Battle of Norway 1940 (Documentary)

484K views · 1y ago · 23:06

The Battle of Norway in Spring 1940 cemented the reputation of the daring and invincible German war machine under Adolf Hitler. But while Denmark and Norway were successfully occupied by Germany, the campaign came at a heavy cost. This was especially true for the German Kriegsmarine which lost a significant amount of warships including the Blücher - losses that essentially crippled them for the remainder of the war.

The Chinese Civil War 1945-1949 (Documentary)

1.3M views · 1y ago · 40:50

With the Japanese surrender in September 1945, the Second World War comes to an end. But for China there won't be peace right away because the nationalists under Chiang Kai-Shek and the communists under Mao Zedong still haven't resolved their struggle and so the Chinese Civil War will flare up once again.

Topics: Japanese Surrender · Opposing Forces · KMT Offensives · CCP vs KMT Strategy · Civilian Experience · CCP Huaihai Campaign

Downfall: The Battle of Berlin 1945 (Documentary)

3.7M views · 1y ago · 23:08

Watch 16 Days in Berlin Gift Nebula to a friend April 1945. After nearly six years of war, the Red Army stands massed on the banks of the Oder River in eastern Germany. The Nazi capital and Hitler’s bunker are just 60km away, but the Nazi Party and the Wehrmacht are preparing to fight to the bitter end in the final struggle of WW2 in Europe – the Battle for Berlin. » SUPPORT US

Battle of Saipan 1944: Total War in the Pacific (Documentary)

1.4M views · 1y ago · 33:25

In June 1944, an armada of warships and landing craft is getting ready for D-Day. Thousands of American soldiers are about to attack a prepared enemy with formidable defenses. But this isn’t Normandy, this is the island of Saipan. And the bloody battle there will bring total war to the Pacific.

Topics: Why the US Landed on Saipan · American Plan for Saipan · Japanese Defenses on Saipan · Preparations for D-Day on Saipan · D-Day on Saipan · Marine Combat Shotguns on Saipan

▶️ Mentioned videos: the Royal Armouries video about the Model 12

The Vietnam War 1955-1975 (Full Documentary)

5.7M views · 2y ago · 2:42:30

Watch 16 Days in Berlin Gift Nebula to a friend When the US enters the Vietnam War, it’s confident in its military might, but it soon finds itself struggling with an underestimated enemy, a widening war, and political turmoil at home. North Vietnam has been fighting for an independent and unified Vietnam for decades. As both sides clash in the jungles of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, the war becomes a quagmire in which military power alone cannot secure victory.

Topics: Part I: Why did the Vietnam War Break Out? · Part II: Vietnam War 1965-67 · Part III: Tet Offensive 1968 · Part IV: Vietnam War 1969-1975 · Part V: Forgotten Armies of the Vietnam War · Part VI: Vietnam War in Laos and Cambodia

▶️ Mentioned videos: Chapter 1 · Chapter 2 · Chapter 3 · Chapter 4

Soviet Invasion of Finland: Winter War 1939-40 (Documentary)

1.4M views · 2y ago · 23:54

November 1939. Germany and the Soviet Union have conquered Poland, and Germany is at war with France and Britain. Moscow is free to do as it pleases in Eastern Europe and sets its sights on Finland – but the Winter War will be a nasty surprise for Stalin.

How the US Turned Iran Into a Dictatorship: The 1953 Coup (Documentary)

1M views · 2y ago · 19:01

In 1953, Iran is at a crossroads. After decades of interference by foreign powers eager to exploit its oil reserves, the government decides it will throw them out and take control of the country’s wealth. But with the super powers’ Cold War paranoia and thirst for oil, it won’t be easy – especially once the CIA gets involved.

Desert Storm: The Gulf War 1990-1991 (Documentary)

7.5M views · 2y ago · 30:29

Guest: Desert Storm

When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in the summer of 1990, he didn't anticipate a massive international backslash and unanimous Security Council response. Soon a broad military Coalition under leadership of the United States assembled and kicked the Iraqi Army out of Kuwait. In the aftermath several Iraqi groups rose up against Saddam but the Coalition didn't support a regime change.

Topics: Saddam Hussein Victorious (but Broke) · Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait · The Coalition Against Iraq Forms · Operation Desert Shield · Operation Desert Storm · Iraqi Highway of Death

The Battle of Britain 1940 (WW2 Documentary)

1M views · 2y ago · 27:53

Watch Battle of Britain on Nebula Summer 1940. The United Kingdom is gripped by the fear of a German invasion. Even if the Luftwaffe secures the sky over Britain, could Germany's Operation Sea Lion ever really work? » SUPPORT US

The Indochina War 1945-1954 (Full Documentary)

1.6M views · 2y ago · 57:51

The Indochina War is a pivotal conflict in the Cold War emerging from the end of the Second World War. When the former imperial power France tries to reclaim their former colony of Indochina, they encounter resistance in today's Vietnam by the Viet Minh under Ho Chi Minh.

Topics: Indochina during WW2 · Proclamation of Vietnamese Independence · Post-WW2 Occupation of Vietnam · Operation Masterdom · Road to Indochina War · Outbreak of the Indochina War

Arab-Israeli War 1967 (Six-Day War Documentary)

2M views · 2y ago · 22:56

Watch Red Atoms on Nebula In just six days in 1967 Israel managed to decisively defeat Egypt, Jordan and Syria in the Six Day War. In the process they expand the territory they control with the Golan Heights, Sinai, the West Bank and Gaza.

The Korean War 1950-53 (4K Documentary)

5.1M views · 2y ago · 48:07

Only five years after the end of WW2, the major nations of the world are once again up in arms. A global UN coalition and an emerging Chinese juggernaut are fighting it out in a war that will see both sides approach the brink of victory - and defeat.

1943: Turning Point of WW2 in Europe (Documentary)

3M views · 2y ago · 2:00:58

The so-called forgotten year of WW2 sees the Allies push the Germans out of North Africa, Sicily, part of Italy, the Atlantic, and smash the Wehrmacht backwards from the Volga and Kursk in Russia to the Dnipro in Ukraine while Allied bombers begin to relentlessly bomb the Reich itself.

Topics: Tunisia 1943 - Rommel's Last Battle · U-Boat War 1943 - Hunter to Hunted · Invasion of Sicily 1943 - Operation Husky · Kursk 1943 - Why Germany Lost · Air War 1943 - Masters of the Air? · Holocaust 1943 - Genocide & Resistance