Up Next
Back to Show
American Experience
Command and Control, Deterrence and the Turn of a Key
“The whole reason I sat out there was to prevent anything from happening. That's what deterrence was about. But deterrence is worthless if you don't demonstrate that you are willing to do it.” Lieutenant Allan Childers was a deputy commander of the Titan II Missile Combat Crew. He was on duty the night of the accident in Damascus, Arkansas.
Support Provided By
Season
1:52:30
The story of housewives who led a grassroots movement to galvanize the Superfund Bill.
Women's History Month
52:54
The untold story of the people who fought tirelessly to save women from cervical cancer.
1:52:39
The lively but neglected history of the women who changed the world while flying it.
52:32
The story of the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi group active across the US in the 1930s.
Unlock with PBS Passport
51:27
Explore the culture war that erupted over the spectacular rise of disco music.
1:47:21
The story of a Mississippi town’s effort to integrate its public schools in 1970.
1:52:40
Revisit 1970s Boston, when court-mandated school integration unleashed racial unrest.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:36:51
Casa Susanna was a refuge for transgender women and cross-dressing men in the 1950s-60s.
52:22
Unsung scientist Mária Telkes dedicated her career to harnessing the power of the sun.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:29
Discover the story of the 1969 showdown between President Nixon and the antiwar movement.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:17
Discover the unexpected history behind Monopoly, America’s favorite board game.
1:52:24
The influential author and anthropologist whose work reclaimed and honored Black life.