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A History of Britain Season 2 Episodes
Season 2 Episode Guide
4 Episodes 2001 - 2001
Episode 8
The British Wars
Mon, Oct 29, 200159 mins
Simon Schama looks beyond the romantic stories of Cavaliers and Roundheads to the real story of the English Civil War, in which hundreds of thousands died, countless families were torn apart and the nation was divided. Two events unique within British history resulted: the public execution of the monarch, Charles I, and the creation of a republic.
Episode 9
Revolutions
59 mins
Simon Schama examines the turbulent years in Britain from 1649 to 1689, from Oliver Cromwell's republic to Charles II's restoration and James II's subsequent pro-Catholic rule from which he was quickly deposed. This is the dramatic story of the revolutionary period after the execution of Charles I, when Cromwell ruled with an iron hand and Charles II attempted to restore the luster of the monarchy.
Episode 10
Britannia Incorporated
59 mins
Simon Schama's epic history reaches the 18th century and the birth of modern Britain. Due to an economic explosion, the consumer society is born, agriculture becomes big business and London becomes the fastest growing city in Europe. However, many in Scotland are unhappy with the union of the Scottish and English parliaments. When Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army advance on London, the country's new-found peace and prosperity are threatened.
Episode 11
The Wrong Empire
59 mins
The British Empire was the largest, most enlightened and most liberal of its kind to ever exist on this earth. Simon Schama, however, looks into its history and finds its sad failings and most uncomfortable secrets. How it created the slave trade in the Caribbean. How it used its military against the 13 American colonies. How it helped a mega corporation to take over the Indian subcontinent.