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As negotiations between Britain and its American Colonies give way to open violence, the British garrison at Boston finds itself besieged by Patriot militias. At Charlestown, these Patriots will take a stand against the advancing Redcoats, in what becomes known as the Battle of Bunker Hill. Across the Colonies, British power is waining, just as American confidence is growing. Now both sides must step up their preparations for all-out war.

In 1949, after decades of revolution, invasion and civil war, Mao Zedong finally takes control of China. Chairman Mao proclaims it a 'People's Republic', but democracy is not on the agenda. Instead, he wields absolute power in an authoritarian government determined to rebuild China in line with his communist ideals. In the years that follow, his regime will oversee the expansion of China's influence and its transformation into a major player on the international stage. But in his attempts to revolutionise Chinese society, Mao will also unleash catastrophic violence and sow the seeds of humanitarian disaster.

In the darkest days of World War Two, the British Empire is the last major power fighting Nazi Germany. But German U-Boats scour the Atlantic and prey on Allied convoys bringing vital supplies to Britain. To stand any chance of fighting on, British codebreakers at Bletchley Park must crack the elusive Naval Enigma, and fast. Discover this remarkable true story of groundbreaking intelligence work, daring maritime raids and the genius of Alan Turing.

1812 : Everything changes for Napoleon. Forced to abandon Moscow during the Russian winter, the soldiers of the Grande Armée must fight to escape Cossack horsemen. Cold, famine, and savagery — how many will survive?

The conclusion to our Rise of China series follows the nation’s transformation into the superpower we see today. In the wake of Mao Zedong’s death, Deng Xiaoping takes control and attempts to forge a new path for the People’s Republic. His reforms promise a brave new future, as China opens up to the world, transforms its economy and improves the living standards of its people. But China’s transformation will only be allowed to go so far. When popular protests erupt in 1989, the Tiananmen Square massacre becomes a startling reminder of China’s authoritarian government - one that survives to the present day.