The Rise of History's Biggest Empire

Editor's Take

Journalist Abby Martin, in this Empire Files report, examines the ascent of the United States to global superpower and the consequences of that dominance for people and the planet. The film is openly critical, framing American power as a subject for scrutiny rather than celebration. Its method is essayistic and argument-driven, advancing a clear point of view. Viewers should approach it as a stated critique to be weighed rather than a neutral history of American power.

In this Empire Files report, journalist Abby Martin examines the rise of the United States as a global superpower. It explores how the country climbed to world hegemony and the impact of that dominance on people and the planet. The film takes a critical view of American power, tracing its expansion and consequences. It is a pointed introduction to a series questioning the reach of the modern empire. Free to watch in HD on Dr Documentary.

Courtesy of Documentary on YouTube. Watch on YouTube ↗

More History & War Documentaries

Disney's FastPass: A Complicated History2021•1h 42m•HD•★9.2The Dyatlov Pass Case2021•41m•HD•★9.1The Vanishing of Flight 3702022•39m•HD•★9.1The Battle of Chile1975•1h 36m•HD•★8.9China: Rebirth of an Empire2022•56m•HD•★8.0The Norman Conquest of Sicily: Roger the Great Count2020•30m•HD•★8.0Iran 1979: The Worst Hostage Crisis in American History2025•49m•HD•★8.0The Golden Age of Egyptian Civilization | Lost Worlds (S1, E3) | Full Episode | History2025•46m•HD•★7.9The Day Medieval Warfare Died: The Battle of Pavia 15252026•36m•HD•★7.8The Deadliest Trade Route Ever | Silk Road2026•52m•HD•★7.7Hagia Sophia: Istanbul's Ancient Mystery | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS2023•54m•HD•★7.7How Elite Commandos Survive the World's Toughest Jungle2025•47m•HD•★7.7