Witness History Episodes Available now
The Spanish Influenza Pandemic
In 1918, more than fifty million people died in a global flu pandemic.
Irina Ratushinskaya
The dissident poet was released from a labour camp on the eve of a US-Soviet summit
Good Vibrations
In October 1966, the Beach Boys released their "pocket symphony" Good Vibrations.
Exposing Child Abuse in the Catholic Church
In 1994, a TV programme in Northern Ireland lifted the lid on clerical child sex abuse.
Thai University Massacre
On October 6th 1976 Thai security forces opened fire on student demonstrators in Bangkok.
The Poisoned Painkiller
In October 1982 seven people in the US died after taking painkillers laced with cyanide.
Sir Stanley Spencer
He was one of Britain's most admired 20th century painters. His daughters remember him.
The Mayak Nuclear Disaster
On September 29th 1957 there was a major nuclear accident in the Soviet Union.
The Attica Prison Rebellion
In 1971 inmates rioted and seized control of the US jail, taking guards hostage
South Africa's 1985 State of Emergency
In the dying years of Apartheid, the white government was desperate to keep control.
