Past Programs
History
National treasures
23/08/2008
In 1979, the late Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein, said that "antiquities are the most precious relics the Iraqis possess." At the time the dictator maintained one of the most flourishing archaeological collections in the Middle East.
But things changed with the first Gulf War when Saddam Hussein's men went on a ruthless campaign to destroy relics of Shite culture and then in 2003 more was lost with the looting of the Iraq Museum. This discussion is about what happened next.
Eric Foner - Freedom and America Read Transcript
31/05/2008
For Eric Foner 'freedom' is the central word in American political rhetoric.
But the meaning of freedom is a source of continual debate and history is littered with bitter conflicts over who has the right to enjoy liberty.
Pompey Elliott
26/04/2008
Pompey Elliott led the counter-attack at Villers-Brettoneux on 25 April 1918.
It was a decisive moment in the drawn out war on the Western Front.
Preventing the German forces from advancing further meant that the Australians really had an effect on the war's outcome.
So why isn't the battle at Villers-Brettoneux regarded with the same reverence as Gallipoli or Kokoda?
Robin Archer Read Transcript
22/03/2008
The United States is the only advanced capitalist country without a Labor party.
In 1894 America came very close, but in the end they backed away from forming a Labor based party.
What difference has it made to their political system?
Travellers Tales: The Forbidden City Read Transcript
08/03/2008
We've had our debates, as you know, around so-called black armband views of history. We're far from alone. China has had a vociferous version in a way ever since the Communists took over in 1949. But theirs are often lethal, and claim real casualties.
Michael Burleigh Read Transcript
08/03/2008
In his new book the historian Michael Burleigh looks at terrorist organisations across the decades.
But why has he choosen to write about terrorism as a way of life?
Drawing the Global Colour Line Read Transcript
01/03/2008
A history of Australia in its dynamic global context.
War Memorial
23/02/2008
On Tuesday the new 'Conflicts 1945 to today' galleries will open at the Australian War Memorial.
Reflections on the Apology Read Transcript
16/02/2008
Don Watson reflects on the speech apologising to the Stolen Generations by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
