I tend to learn best through video so I wanted to know if anybody could reccomend any series of videos exploring history (preferrably not reanactments or dranatzations). Currently I only watch Extra History and Crash Course History on a regular basis and I'm looking to expand my horizons. I'm interested in pretty much all types of history but I prefer linguistic and cultural history, history on a global scale, industrialization, and any period or place that the average person doesn't often seen covered. I'd prefer for them to be free or on Netflix but if something is especially good and unavailable without cost through legal means I may plan to purchase it in future.
If you're interested in learning about World War II, there's one series that I cannot recommend enough...
Here's the first episode, the opening narration always gives me chills.
There's 26 episodes in all, it's the most thorough documentary on WWII that I've ever come across, anyone remotely interested in the subject should give it a watch, it's well worth it.
Definitely check out some Ken Burns documentaries, particularly The Civil War, which is my favorite. It's one of the few historical documentaries that I would call "artful". He's also done series on baseball, jazz and WWII. Most of his stuff is on Netflix but he directs for PBS, so maybe his stuff is legally accessible for free on the Internet somewhere.
Although I would skip the episode on David, Simon Schama's The Power of Art is a good introduction to art history and framing a major piece of art within their historical context. It crosses the line at a few points into entertainment and Schama overplays his arguments at points. The most problematic episode was his take on David and the French Revolution where he pretty much draws a comparison between David and Goebbels. Yet the series overall is a solid documentary.
I would look at Dogfights, a great series on aerial combat throughout multiple wars. The Last Days of World War 2 dives into well the last days of world War two. The Color of War which gives a better perspective on the impact of war on individuals. The Korean War: Fire and Ice a great short series from the old history channel that pulls no punches. Warplane a 4 part series (I believe) on the evolution of aircraft in the military. Commanders at War which gives insight on the reasoning behind military decisions and helps to connect the smaller details to the big picture in the Second World War. The Men Who Built America shows the rise of industry however I do not know if it is free and available. Most of these should be easily found on YouTube, PBS, or the History channel (or one of those educational networks). Tell me if you want anything more specific from the 20th century and I will see what I can do. On a side note I try to stay away from the American Heroes Channel as it seems to gloss over anything to dark pointing of the highs with big flashing signs and putting up a detour around the low points in American history.
I'd recommend this small history channel called "history Den". https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmMFJIKfsSLNVxA55Kt42Q This channel covers many exotic topics in history (mostly ancient). The guy who does the videos does an extremely good job at explaining complex topics while also answering any questions you may have in the comments.
Civilisation: A Personal View by Kenneth Clark (1969), a sprawling 13 part series by the BBC on the history of Western civilisation since the fall of Rome, with particular emphasis on cultural and philosophical aspects. A true milestone in the documentary genre.
Connections (BBC 1978), by James Burke. A 10 part history of technological evolution, Burke draws fascinating insights into how seemingly disparate and unconnected inventions throughout history are surprisingly related (for example, how the Norman's use of stirrups on horses eventually led to modern telecommunications). Can't recommend this one enough.
Both are a little long in the tooth now but have stood the test of time very well in my opinion.