CNN Millennium — Season 1, Episode 10: The Twentieth Century: Century of the Globe

Episode synopsis

For the first time, mankind saw the world as a whole. Sigmund Freud explored the human psyche. Science split the atom. DNA revealed the origin of life. The bloodbath of World War I, the starvation of millions in the Soviet Union and China, Nazi genocide and the crimes of Pol Pot in Cambodia surpassed the horrors of previous centuries. This is the century of migrations, Asians to Britain, Hispanics to the US, the Chinese worldwide. Now telephones, satellite television and computers allow us to circle the world instantly. Charlie Chaplin, Princess Diana, brand names such as Coca Cola and global events like the World Cup are recognized everywhere. The East rises. Japan, China, the tiger-economies of the Pacific Rim, bid for the limelight and for power. The wheel turns full circle. The planet survives and begins the next Millennium.

About CNN Millennium

A documentary series covering the last 1,000 years. Each of the 10 episodes focuses on a single century, brought to life by five vignettes from five different locations worldwide. Inspired by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's book, "Millennium," and filmed in 28 countries, the series is as geographically far-ranging as the world it covers.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Eleventh Century: Century of the Sword
• E2The Twelfth Century: Century of the Axe
• E3The Thirteenth Century: Century of the Stirrup
• E4The Fourteenth Century: Century of the Scythe
• E5The Fifteenth Century: Century of the Sail
• E6The Sixteenth Century: Century of the Compass
• E7The Seventeenth Century: Century of the Telescope
• E8The Eighteenth Century: Century of the Furnace
• E9The Nineteenth Century: Century of the Machine