Browse all episodes of China: A Century of Revolution

In 1911, China's centuries old history of imperial rule was overthrown and replaced with a republic. But the weak and ineffectual government that now ruled the massive country gave way to Japanese invasion and civil war.

China in Revolution: 1911-1949

The Mao Years, 1949–1976

Born Under the Red Flag, 1976–1997

Chronicles China’s turbulent 20th century through rare archival footage and eyewitness accounts, tracing its most violent era marked by foreign invasions, civil war, and political upheaval.

The documentary examines the decades-long conflict between Mao Zedong’s Communist forces and Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists (the latter supported by the U.S.), culminating in Mao’s establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949.

It also explores Mao’s radical attempts to reshape China, followed by Deng Xiaoping’s transformative market reforms after Mao’s death, which steered the nation toward economic modernization.

All Episodes of China: A Century of Revolution

All Episodes of China: A Century of Revolution

Season 1

China in Revolution: 1911-1949

Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 9/27/1989