
“Two Centuries of Technological Evolution”
Operating out of sight in the depths of the oceans, submarines have undergone remarkable technological advances in less than two centuries. Once used to explore the underwater world, they evolved into strategic military weapons. This documentary traces their history from early experiments and exploration to World War II and the present day.
Browse episodes by season for this series.


2021-01-19
Aired 2021-01-19
In less than two centuries submarines have undergone a technological revolution. Used both for exploration and military means. This first part traces out the early development of underwater vessels in the 19th century up to the outbreak of World War II.

2021-01-19
Aired 2021-01-19
In less than two centuries submarines have undergone a technological revolution. This second part shows the rapid technological advances made during the Second World War in terms of propulsion and missile technology. But submarines remained dangerous vessels. Celebrated by Nazi propaganda, the dreaded U-Boats terrorised allied forces in the Atlantic but this aura of invincibility hid another reality: two-thirds of submariners in the German navy lost their lives.
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