Secondary Catalogue

This programme considers the aftermath of the Holocaust immediately following the war, when the full extent of its evil finally came to light. The plight of European Jews continued into the post-war period, with most unable to return to their homes and facing long and, at times, fruitless journeys to seek refuge overseas. Students will also learn how the pressure for a Jewish state intensified during this time, culminating in the formation of Israel. Show Less

Exploring the rise of anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany and the spread of Nazi control across Europe, this programme looks at how and why the Jewish people went from being distrusted and blamed for Germany’s ills, to being violently vilified through events such as Kristallnacht, to finally being rounded up for mass extermination. Intended for viewing by audiences from middle secondary and older, this background to the Holocaust will help students to contextualise one of the worst atrocities in human history. Show Less

The Holocaust was carried out at such a scale that the world took time to come to grips with the enormity of it. But, incomprehensibly, the Holocaust was not the last atrocity of its nature to be committed. Concluding the series, this programme outlines more recent attempts at genocide and takes students through the significance of coping with and commemorating the Holocaust many decades on, and long into the future. Show Less

How much did the Allies know of the horrors being committed against European Jews at the hands of the German Nazis, and were they in a position to act against them as they were occurring? This programme considers this unsettling question before exploring the Allied response after the war, when the full and harrowing extent of the Holocaust was revealed. A close examination of the Nuremburg Trials provides students with insight into the considered legal process of Nazi retribution. Show Less

The first settlers to Polynesia’s many islands were met with unique environments, flora and fauna that were unlike those they had migrated from. How they managed these natural resources over the centuries has not always been sustainable. Focusing on the disastrous environmental consequences on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), students will learn about the complex historical relationship between people and place in Polynesia. Show Less

Polynesia’s islands take the formation of a huge triangle in the Pacific Ocean, but how people came to call these islands home is a long-debated topic. In this video, students will learn about the unique geography of Polynesia and meet the people throughout history who have attempted to solve the mystery of Polynesian migration. Show Less

For the Polynesian island nation of Rapa Nui, the giant Moai statues possess a strong, spiritual power, called ‘mana’. This video explores the way that Rapanui spirituality is expressed both artistically and through the cultural tradition of the Birdman competition, ‘Tangata Manu’. Show Less

With grand visions for a stable, peaceful empire, Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a wall in his name spanning the width of northern Britainnia, demarcating the north-west frontier of the Roman empire. As this video explores, Hadrian's wall was mighty in proportion, not only as a defensive structure, but also as a physical reminder of the Roman empire's strength and power. Diagrams and purposeful narration make this a valuable resource for students of senior Classical Studies and History courses. Show Less

The City Dionysia was a religious festival and celebration of Athenian culture and its pinnacle event, a competition of the dramatic arts, was held at the Theatre of Dionysus, birthplace of Greek tragedy. Seating 15,000, including dignitaries from afar, the theatre staged plays which payed homage to Greek history and mythology and provided often outspoken commentary on politics and justice. An ideal resource for students in senior Classical Studies and History courses, this video explores the cultural significance of Athenian theatre and how it spread across the Greek world. Show Less

Athenian art and culture flourished under the leadership of Pericles, who wanted to create a society that history would remember. The Parthenon serves as one of the civilisation's most remarkable structures and evidence that Pericle's wish for a lasting Athenian legacy came true. Using primary and secondary sources, this video will help students in senior Classical Studies and History courses to understand why and how the Parthenon was constructed, the intricacies of its sculptures which are indicitive of Athenian style, and its enduring significance. Show Less

Built to seat over 250,000 spectators, Circus Maximus was referred to by one Greek historian as "one of the most beautiful and admirable structures in Rome." The chariot racing that took place there was the epitome of Roman entertainment but, as this video explores, also served to distract the Roman public from important matters of civic life, placating them with the spectatcle. Using primary and secondary source materials, this video is an ideal accompaniment to senior Classical Studies and Ancient History courses. Show Less

When Mao Zedong announced China’s second five-year plan, the Great Leap Forward, in 1958, it promised a Communist utopia based on collectivisation of agricultural property and production, and industrialisation where everyday citizens produced steel. But, as this video reveals, it spawned a catastrophic, widespread famine. The Party had to change tack, and Mao’s influence waned, but for how long…? Show Less

Like other dictators, Mao Zedong exploited his own personality cult. This video examines the grip he had on China’s population during the fear and hysteria of the Cultural Revolution. Citizens carried copies of his ‘Little Red Book’, attended study classes on Mao Zedong Thought and acquired vast quantities of Mao merchandise that glorified their leader. Ironically, religion was outlawed and replaced by the godlike adoration of Chairman Mao. Show Less

China’s economy improved in the early 1960s, but Chairman Mao didn’t like what he saw – an emerging market economy and privileged ruling class. This video looks at the Red Guard – created when Mao mobilised China’s youth to lead a cultural revolution by fanatically attacking the Four Olds – old ideas, culture, customs and habits – and brutally reinforcing a purer Communist ideology by whatever means it took. Show Less

During WWII, 30,000 Australian soldiers were imprisoned in Europe and the Pacific. Conditions were horrific and many didn’t survive. This programme explores confronting details about life as an Australian POW, told by Judy Monroe whose father, Ian Barker, was held captive by the Italian army for four years, later writing his memoirs at age 80. Commentary is also provided by the ANU’s Professor David Horner. Show Less

Australia was at war, yet although Indigenous Australians were considered unfit to fight, plenty enlisted, including Reg Saunders who fought in the Mediterranean and New Guinea, becoming the first commissioned Aboriginal officer. This frank account of his valour and the toll that war took on him, is told by his daughter Glenda Humes. It is an outstanding resource for middle and senior secondary level history students Show Less

During the third century BCE, two bastions of the civilised world - Carthage and Rome - fought for supremacy. This clip examines the Second Punic War - the roles played by significant figures including Hannibal, Publius, Fabius and Scipio, different tactics that were employed and the key events that led to Rome's ultimate victory. It is an excellent resource for upper secondary level students of Ancient History. Show Less

Well-structured mobile fighting forces, along with widespread social reform, ensured Rome's domination as a centre of political and military might. This clip explores the post-Second Punic War period, changes instigated by Gaius Marius, Julius Caesar's influence and how the military continued to change under the first Emperor Augustus and his successor Tiberius. It is an ideal learning resource for upper secondary level students of Ancient History. Show Less

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration full of fun and festivities. But what exactly is the purpose of NAIDOC Week? And what is the history behind it? This Miniclip explores the events that led up to the formation of NAIDOC, how the Day of Mourning transformed from a protest march to a celebration, and how NAIDOC Week recognises the contributions of Indigenous Australians! This is a fantastic resource to introduce your young students to the historical and cultural importance of celebrating NAIDOC Week in the Australian community. Show Less

With WWII raging in Europe, Australia’s military was thrust to the front line. This clip explores its foray into the Mediterranean – the Battles of Bardia, Crete, and El Alamein, the Seige of Tobruk, and the Syria-Lebanon campaign. Historical footage and audio, and expert commentary from ANU’s Professor David Horner, deliver an engaging, informative account for senior students of history Show Less

December 1941 – suddenly WWII arrives on Australia’s doorstep. This clip examines Japan’s entry to the war and its menacing impact on Australia’s strategic interests, advancing through Malaya, Singapore, Indonesia and New Guinea, where the now legendary story of Kokoda unfolded. Historical clips and insightful commentary by the ANU’s Professor David Horner provide an excellent resource for senior students of history. Show Less

Mussolini in Italy, Stalin in Russia, Franco in Spain, Tōjō in Japan and Hitler in Germany – all presided over harsh, brutal regimes. Ideologies differed, but their methods of enforcing and maintaining power were similar. This programme studies the rise, decline, and legacy of Hitler after World War I. It is an ideal resource for students of modern European history and politics. Show Less

Mussolini in Italy, Stalin in Russia, Franco in Spain, Tōjō in Japan and Hitler in Germany – all presided over harsh, brutal regimes. Ideologies differed, but their methods of enforcing and maintaining power were similar. This programme studies the rise, decline, and legacy of Tōjō after World War I. It is an ideal resource for students of modern European history and politics. Show Less

Mussolini in Italy, Stalin in Russia, Franco in Spain, Tōjō in Japan and Hitler in Germany – all presided over harsh, brutal regimes. Ideologies differed, but their methods of enforcing and maintaining power were similar. This programme studies the rise, decline, and legacy of Mussolini after World War I. It is an ideal resource for students of modern European history and politics. Show Less

Mussolini in Italy, Stalin in Russia, Franco in Spain, Tōjō in Japan and Hitler in Germany – all presided over harsh, brutal regimes. Ideologies differed, but their methods of enforcing and maintaining power were similar. This programme studies the rise, decline, and legacy of Franco after World War I. It is an ideal resource for students of modern European history and politics. Show Less