Secondary Catalogue

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

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

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 Stalin after World War I. It is an ideal resource for students of modern European history and politics. Show Less

Why were the years between the two world wars marked by some of the most brutal and politically radical dictatorships in European history? This programme examines the economic, political, and social climate in the aftermath of World War I, which gave rise to a number of dictatorships. It is an excellent resource for students of modern European history and politics. Show Less

Imagine eating just bread, oat porridge and vegetable stew…or trying to impress your rich friends with a dinner of peacock. Daily life was very different for the poor peasants of medieval society, compared to their rich Lords. However, both the rich and poor alike suffered rickets, scurvy and bad teeth, and it wasn’t uncommon for a peasant to bath just once a year! Show Less

After 1066, William the Conqueror, and subsequent Norman Kings, built thousands of castles to ensure their control. Learn about the castles’ Motte and Bailey design, as Wilburg and Norman explain key features such as moats, keeps and murder holes! Students will also learn information about castle life – including jousting and feasts. Show Less

After the death of Edward the Confessor, there was a bloody four-way battle for the throne. Discover how William the Conqueror defeated the last of the Viking kings, and one of the richest men in England, in order to seize the throne and all of England’s wealth for the Normans. This clip explores the impact this had on the power structure and political system of Medieval England. Show Less

During the Medieval period, trial by ordeal was not uncommon. The accused was tied up and tossed in the water – if they floated they were guilty but if they drowned they were innocent. Justice was not exactly being served! However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. After the Norman invasion, Parliament was the highest court in England and Edward the First introduced more statutes than any other medieval king. Show Less

An alliance made in heaven! Did you know that William the Conqueror colluded with Pope Alexander II? Or that some of the first schools in England were started by churches? Or that monasteries brewed their own beer? This clip takes a fascinating glimpse into the power and influence of the Church in Medieval England Show Less

The ‘Enterprise of England’ was King Philip II’s papal-backed Catholic crusade against Queen Elizabeth and Protestant England. This programme explores how events in the Netherlands and the New World contributed to this invasion. It investigates the tactics, strategies, weapons, vessels and key players involved in this mighty sixteenth century clash of nations, and uncovers the consequences of England’s victory and Spain's defeat. Show Less

Murder, conspiracy, double-dealing, plotting, secret messages, trial and execution. This programme uncovers the bloody drama surrounding Elizabeth’s cousin, and rival claimant to the throne, Mary, Queen of Scots. The action takes place in Scotland, England and has European implications. You decide - was Mary the architect of her own downfall or a tragic victim of circumstance? Show Less

This programme explores developments in health and medicine during the 20th and 21st centuries. These include: diagnostics and x-rays, CT and MRI scans, the understanding of genetics and how it impacts individuals’ health, antibiotics, blood transfusions, insulin, and anti-histamines. It also looks at examples of legislation aimed at improving public health, and the development of the NHS. This is a valuable resource for GSCE history students. Show Less

This programme examines health, medicine and surgery in Britain between 1250 and 1500, when knowledge and practices were largely based on superstition and untested theories such as the human body’s four humours. It also looks at the various causes wrongly attributed to the Black Death, which killed 1.5 million people. This is an interesting and informative history resource, ideal for GCSE history students. Show Less

The Industrial Revolution brought about some important advancements. These included the understanding of: human physiology, diseases and their treatment, medicine, and medical procedures. This programme, targeted at GCSE history students, covers a range of important developments, including Pasteur’s Germ Theory, improvements in hospital care and the work of Florence Nightingale, the use of anaesthetics and vaccinations, and the Public Health Act of 1875. Show Less