Witness History

In a harrowing act of protest, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk set himself on fire in 1963, stirring global outrage and highlighting the tensions between the South Vietnamese government and the Buddhist community. Eyewitness accounts reveal the emotional toll of this profound sacrifice, as witnesses grappled with the moral implications. The act not only intensified unrest but also drew significant international attention to the struggles for religious rights in Vietnam, marking a pivotal moment in the country's history.

Dive into the heart of the Iran-Contra affair, a scandal that rocked Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Discover how covert arms deals to Iran tied into hostage negotiations. Hear about the CIA's attempts to cover up evidence and the fallout from congressional hearings. Explore the tangled web of U.S. foreign policy and the secret operations that led to significant consequences, revealing the high stakes of geopolitical tensions in the 1980s. This reflection on a pivotal moment in history highlights intrigue, personal motivations, and the impact of political decisions.

Karen Smith, co-creator and executive producer of Strictly Come Dancing, shares her insights on revolutionizing ballroom dance for modern audiences. She discusses the challenges faced in transforming Come Dancing into a global sensation, emphasizing the importance of captivating celebrity pairings. Smith also details how set design and diverse judges enhance viewer experience. The conversation touches on the show's unexpected journey from initial skepticism to international acclaim, revealing the hard work behind the glitzy facade that keeps audiences enthralled.

Campbell McLaren, the TV producer behind the UFC, discusses the groundbreaking birth of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993, emphasizing its unruly and chaotic fights. He reveals how he used controversy for clever marketing, which drew fierce criticism, most notably from Senator John McCain. McLaren also shares insights on the early struggles and pushback the organization faced, including a powerful New York Times article that threatened its future. His unique perspective brings to life the dramatic inception of a now-global phenomenon.

Delve into the profound themes of 'Lord of the Flies,' exploring human nature through the lens of schoolboys stranded on an island. Insights from Golding's daughter illuminate the author’s inspirations and wartime experiences. Discover the contrast between romantic childhood notions and the harsh moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Witness the heartbreaking moments marking the destruction of innocence, as symbolized by Piggy’s death and the shattered conch. Reflect on how World War II shaped Golding's perspectives and ultimately, this iconic narrative.

Discover the gripping emotions surrounding Macau's handover from Portuguese to Chinese rule in 1999. Hear firsthand accounts of mixed feelings that defined the transition, from celebration to apprehension. Explore the significance of the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy and its effect on local identities. Dive into the intricate impacts on the community and the geopolitical landscape during this historic moment, all told through the eyes of those who experienced it firsthand.

The harrowing stories of Yarmouk during the Syrian civil war reveal relentless suffering, with residents facing airstrikes and starvation. Amidst despair, one musician finds solace through music, offering hope to children while battling the chaos around him. Personal anecdotes speak to the resilience of families and the painful memories of a torn community. The journey of a pianist highlights the transformative power of art, underscoring how creativity can emerge from the ashes of conflict.

Explore the courageous journey of Iranian Christians who faced persecution after the 1979 revolution. Discover how Naghmeh Panahi and her husband established secret house churches despite serious risks. Hear about transformative moments during interrogations that deepened faith. Witness the growth of this underground movement, fueled by passionate young believers. Delve into the emotional tale of a woman's advocacy for her imprisoned husband, highlighting resilience and the fight for freedom amidst oppression.

Explore the rich history of naturism in Germany, where nude bathing dates back to the 19th Century. Discover the impact of political regimes, including the Nazis and East Germany's communism, on this cultural practice. Personal narratives illustrate how nudism became a form of resistance and a symbol of freedom. Learn about the evolution of nudism from health-focused origins to a flourishing movement in the 1920s, showcasing how beach culture reflects societal changes and attitudes in post-war Germany.

In 2013, a six-year-old from Argentina became one of the youngest people in the world to legally have their gender changed on official documents through self-declaration. It followed the introduction of the Gender Identity Act in 2012, that aimed to reduce the exclusion of transgender people. But as Luana's mother Gabriela Mansilla reveals, the fight for recognition wasn’t easy. Gabriela speaks to Madeleine Drury.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Luana hugging her mother Gabriela Mansilla in 2015. Credit: AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)