Oliver Stone's Secret History of America

I believe you're referring to "Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States," which aired on Showtime in 2012. However, it should be noted that there might be some variance in the name. Nevertheless, please find a detailed description of the show below:

"Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States" is a thought-provoking documentary series that provides a deep dive into the lesser-known aspects of American history, particularly focusing on the 20th century. Directed and narrated by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone, this series is an ambitious and critical look at the events that have shaped the modern United States, presenting an alternative perspective that challenges the mainstream historical narrative.

The series, consisting of multiple episodes, embarks on a journey beginning from the early 1900s to the Obama administration. Stone unpacks pivotal moments in U.S. history with a critical eye, aiming to illuminate the obscured stories of America’s past. His controversial approach to topics such as World War II, the Cold War, and the influence of various presidents attempts to shift viewers' understanding of widely accepted historical truths.

Throughout the show, Stone explores the influences and decisions of U.S. leaders that have had long-standing and often disputed impacts on both domestic policy and international relations. He examines the complex interplay between political power, military strategy, and economic interests with a skeptical lens, uncovering the motivations and consequences of American actions.

The narrative is punctuated with examinations of pivotal figures such as Presidents Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy, delving into their policies, decisions, and the pressures they faced during their tenures. The series does not shy away from discussing controversial topics like the use of the atomic bomb, the Vietnam War, the Red Scare, and the role of the United States in global conflicts.

One of the central themes of "Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States" is the exploration of what Stone calls the "national security state," a post-World War II development in which the U.S. government has often acted in secrecy to exert its influence both at home and abroad. The series suggests that this has led to a systematic undermining of democratic principles and overreach in international affairs.

Aside from focusing on presidents and famous figures, the series also sheds light on influential but less known personalities and movements in history that have contributed to the shaping of America but have been left out of the standard historical accounts. Stone emphasizes that understanding these overlooked aspects provides a more complete and nuanced view of America's role in the world.

Stone's narrative is supported by a wealth of archival footage, declassified documents, and commentary from historians and other experts, offering evidence to back his provocative claims and interpretations. The series, however, is not simply a litany of criticisms and untold stories; it is also a reflection on the potential paths not taken and the opportunities for alternative outcomes that may have substantially changed the course of history.

The documentary uses a dense and detailed approach, akin to reading a richly footnoted history book, highlighting the connections between events and decisions that have led to the present moment. Stone challenges viewers to question the standard narratives, confront uncomfortable truths, and finish the series with a more critical perspective on American history.

It is important to note that "Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States" is not without its critics. Some scholars and viewers have debated Stone's interpretations and the show's accuracy. However, the series does not purport to be the definitive account of American history; rather, it serves as a counterbalance to the traditional stories and a starting point for further exploration and discussion.

The series reaches its conclusion by examining the Obama administration, delving into recent history and summarizing the themes addressed throughout the episodes. Ultimately, Stone's narrative is an invitation to rethink and re-evaluate the American experience, encouraging viewers not only to passively consume but to actively engage with history. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Stone's perspective, "Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States" succeeds in stirring thought and debate about America's past and how it informs its present and future.