CineScope

An Ocean Apart

An Ocean Apart Poster

When the 20th century opened, Britain dominated world affairs, and America stood on the sidelines. Now their positions are reversed. This is the story of how it happened.

Documentary

2.8 / 5

20th April 1988 - 1st June 1988
Director
Adam Curtis
Producer
Peter Salmon
Top Cast
David Dimbleby
Watch Providers 🇬🇧
Currently no watch providers
Production Companies
+1 more

Hats Off to Mr. Wilson Still
Hats Off to Mr. Wilson
20th April 1988

Episode 1

This episode tells how the Americans were dragged reluctantly into the First World War, of their journey across the Atlantic, their welcome in Liverpool, and their disillusion when the war was over. For President Woodrow Wilson, victory had turned sour, but America had started its journey towards world leadership.

Home in Pasadena Still
Home in Pasadena
27th April 1988

Episode 2

This episode examines the economic relations between England and the United States during the 1920s and discusses how free trade and mass production techniques after World War I changed British and U.S. manufacturing and created economic rivalry between the two countries.

Here Come the British, Bang! Bang! Still
Here Come the British, Bang! Bang!
4th May 1988

Episode 3

This episode about the 1930s discusses how America is reluctant to enter World War II on Britain's side. Charles Lindbergh encourages U.S. neutrality in the war but Roosevelt decides to aid Britain.

Trust Me to the Bitter End Still
Trust Me to the Bitter End
11th May 1988

Episode 4

America and Britain ally in World War II to defeat Nazi Germany. Clear U.S. dominance develops with the creation of the atom bomb.

If You Don't Like Our Peaches, Quit Shaking Our Tree Still
If You Don't Like Our Peaches, Quit Shaking Our Tree
18th May 1988

Episode 5

In a reversal of roles, Britain becomes isolationist and the United States a superpower. Britain's dependence on the US becomes clear after the Suez crisis.

Under the Eagle's Wing Still
Under the Eagle's Wing
25th May 1988

Episode 6

Britain cooperates with the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis but avoids involvement in Vietnam.

Turning Up the Volume Still
Turning Up the Volume
1st June 1988

Episode 7

During the 1980s, the United States and Britain form an alliance against the Soviet Union.