The Untold History of the United States

The Untold History of the United States, by Oliver Stone, investigates the reasons behind the Cold War, the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan, and America’s role in the world since the fall of communism. Over the course of ten episodes, the series draws upon little-known and newly uncovered archival material to explore some of the most underreported and darkest periods in modern American history.

The film looks beyond official narratives to examine the deeper implications of past events and how they have shaped the world today. Although it features no interview subjects, it draws heavily on archival footage, photographs, historical writings, voice acting, and Stone’s narration to capture the mood of the various eras. Furthermore, while the series is historical in nature, it is also forward-looking and includes commentary on the Bush–Obama era and the rise of terrorism.