The History Channel Classroom
20th Century: Hispanics in America
By the year 2050, Hispanic-Americans will make up one quarter of the U.S. population. This program examines the history of Hispanic immigration to America and the contributions of Hispanics to American society. 9/19

Conquest of America:
Northwest
By 1725, Russia was the only major European nation that had not yet taken part in the conquest of the new world. That was about to change. Peter the Great was interested in knowing whether or not Asia and North America were connected at any point, as well as the extent that Spain's empire stretched northward in North America. Peter selects Danish sea captain Vitus Bering to lead an expedition that will be a direct challenge to Spanish, English and French dominance in North America. 10/13
Southeast
Old World rivalries spill over onto the virgin soil of Florida as France seeks to make a foothold while Spain becomes determined not to let any country trespass on their claims. 10/11
Southwest
By 1540 the Spanish had conquered the Aztecs and Incas of Mexico and Peru. A conquistador looking for new lands had only one way to go. Indians told the conquerors of wealthy civilizations, which the Spanish believed were the famous and gold-filled, lost "Seven Cities" from an old Spanish legend. The assignment to find them went to Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, the young governor of a province in northern Mexico. 10/10

Digging for the Truth: Passage to the Maya Underworld
The ancient Maya of Central America were the greatest pyramid builders of the ancient world. The Egyptians built less than a hundred pyramids, however the Maya built thousands. But what was the significance of these towering structures? Why did the mysterious Maya erect a pyramid in every city they built? 10/17

Hispanics and the Medal of Honor
While they are members of a rapidly expanding and increasingly influential community in America, they have gone unheralded in their contributions to America's wartime efforts. From their struggle with prejudice at home to their sacrifice and courage on the battlefield, this Unsung Heroes special focuses on the soldiers of Hispanic descent who fought in World War II and earned America's highest military decoration. 9/20

Mexico (4 Parts)
From the glory of Incan and Mayan cultures to the chaotic heart of the modern capital, from Cortes' arrival to Pancho Villa's famous raid, Mexico travels across the country and through its past. It is a compelling chronicle of a land shaped by the rise and fall of empires, the exploits of men like Montezuma and Maximillian, and near-constant battles for freedom, sovereignty and independence.
Part I - God, Gold, and Glory
Before Cortes arrived in 1519, the land that would become Mexico had already seen some of the greatest leaders and warriors in human history. But in the collision between the Old and New Worlds, its future was forged. This episode presents the early history of Mexico up until the time of conquest by Cortes and Spain. 10/3
Part II - From Independence to the Alamo
For 300 years after the conquistadors' triumph over the Aztecs, Mexico was the crown jewel of the Spanish colonial empire. But the injustices of the feudal system Spain imposed and the excesses of the Inquisition sparked the fires of revolution. 10/4
Part III Battle for North America
As hard as the struggle for freedom from Spain was, the first decades of autonomy were perhaps even more difficult for Mexico. Its hard-won victory was seemingly squandered in a vicious cycle of war and tyranny embodied by Santa Anna, the flamboyant general who gave away Texas in exchange for his life. 10/5
Part IV Revolution and Rebirth
By the end of the 19th century, Mexico was exhausted from years of fighting. But the battles were not over. After thirty years of iron-fisted rule, the nation rose up against the dictator Porfirio Diaz. Before the dust finally settled, new legends were made and Mexico was transformed yet again. 10/6

Puzzling Pyramids of Mexico
This one-hour documentary will explore the recent excavations made by on-site archaeologists in the city of Teotihuacan-- home of the mysterious Mexican pyramids. In the city's sacred caves, experts look for clues they hope will someday reveal secrets of this once mighty empire. 10/7

The Spanish-American War (2 Parts)
In 1898, a brief conflict with Spain, that lasted less than four months, marked a turning point in American and World History. The American defeat of the Spanish indicated the transition that was taking place - the decline of Spain, and other European colonial powers, and the rise of the United States in the century that would eventually become known, in the words of Henry Luce, as the American Century. This "splendid little war" gave the United States the territories of Cuba and Puerto Rico, and began the American ascent to superpower status. 9/22 and 9/23

The Spanish Armada
David meets Goliath on the high seas. On July 30, 1588, the massive Spanish Armada enters the English Channel, bent on sacking London and toppling Queen Elizabeth. The only thing standing between England and imminent destruction is a ragtag navy, lead by a dashing pirate-Sir Francis Drake. What happened next has been the center of controversy for over four hundred years, but new archaeological finds might hold the key to the question of what happened to the Spanish Armada. 9/21

Biography: Pancho Villa
The story of the life and legend of the outlaw who rose to the rank of general during the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. This story is told through interviews with historians, archivists, authors and people who actually knew Pancho Villa, including his granddaughter who is a historian living in Mexico City. Mexican locations and artifacts, including a rare sample of official "Pancho Villa" money which he had printed while governor of the state of Chihuahua, illustrate his remarkable career. The one hour documentary traces the fact and folklore of the man who gained fame and infamy on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border, from his early years as a peasant whose family worked on a large hacienda in northern Mexico to his crucial participation in the Mexican civil war that took the lives of more than a million and half people between 1910 and 1920. 7/15 and 10/12 - 7PM

History of Cinco de Mayo
Each May 5th, Cinco de Mayo Mexican celebrations are held in cities throughout the United States. Few people, however, know the significance of this holiday. Cinco de Mayo is a story that began on a sweltering day in the city of Puebla, Mexico. It was in this city and surrounding the forts that an ill-equipped Mexican Army along with Zacapoaxtla Indians and regular citizens beat the invading French Army, the most powerful army in the world at the time, in a bloody battle on the morning of May 5, Cinco de Mayo, 1862. 9/15 and 10/01 - 8PM

Biography: Carlos Santana
He was born in a tiny Mexican village in 1947. His father was a mariachi violinist who taught him music. Carlos Santana took the music world by storm back in 1969, with his fiery performance at Woodstock. And he was the first guitarist to skillfully blend rock with Latin music, blues, and Afro-Cuban rhythms to create a unique sound. 9/16 and 9/27 - 7PM

History Alive: Mexico - (Parts 1 and 2)
This program explores the entry of the first humans into the Valley of Mexico roughly 20,000 years ago. Beginning with the Aztecs, the greatest pre-Columbian civilization, the interaction between the Spanish, led by Hernan Cortes and the Aztecs between the years 1519-1521. 9/17 - 8PM

Roots of America: Machu Picchu
Perched on a ridge in the Peruvian Andes, sixteen hundred feet above the river valley below, is the mysterious Machu Picchu. Here, without the use of the wheel or iron tools, Inca craftsmen constructed a city of stone. The site exemplifies Inca engineering at its best. But Machu Picchu has closely guarded its secrets. Its true identity and purpose concealed for over 400 years. Who exactly built Machu Picchu and for what purpose? 9/18 - 7 PM

History Alive: Mexico - (Parts 3 and 4)
The re-emergence of Santa Anna after his defeat by the Texans. This program focuses on the Mexican-American War from 1846-1848. 9/18 - 8PM

American Justice: Selena: Death of a Star
In 1994, Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez was on the verge of megastardom. Her powerful vocals, sexy on-stage outfits and winning smile had made her an idol in the Mexican-American community. She regularly drew crowds of over 60,000 fans, and in 1994 had won her first Grammy. She was a woman with everything to live for but Selena would never have the chance to live out her dreams. One bullet would silence her forever. 9/18 and 10/9 - 10PM

Biography: Gloria & Emilio Estefan
They came to this country penniless and have built a multi-media empire encompassing music, film and television. Gloria and Emilio Estefan have been credited with making America dance to Latin rhythms once again. Their love story reminds many of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, except this one seems headed for a happy ending. With numerous Grammy Awards and 60 million records sold, along with a string of heartaches, the Estefans have truly endured all the obstacles and captured the American Dream. 9/19 and 10/5 - 7PM

Height of Passion: Real Madrid v. Barcelona
The heritage and conflict between Catalan and Castilian has raged for many centuries in Spain. The rivalry now on the field, rekindles the bloody confrontations of the past, off the field, where national identity is still triggered by language and tradition. 9/19 and 9/23 - 8PM

Biography: Oscar de la Hoya
He comes from a family of boxers. But neither his grandfather nor father achieved the success that Oscar de la Hoya has had. At 28, he is one of the most popular athletes in the world. 9/20 - 7PM

History's Mysteries: Spanish Armada
David meets Goliath on the high seas. On July 30, 1588, the massive Spanish Armada enters the English Channel, bent on sacking London and toppling Queen Elizabeth. The only thing standing between England and imminent destruction is a ragtag navy, lead by a dashing pirate-Sir Francis Drake. What happened next has been the center of controversy for over four hundred years, but new archaeological finds might hold the key to the question of what happened to the Spanish Armada. 9/21 and 10/12 - 8PM

Biography: Anthony Quinn
He was born in 1915 amidst the poverty of Chihuahua, Mexico to parents fighting for the cause of Pancho Villa in the Mexican Revolution and moved to East L.A. when he was still a boy. Quinn traded janitorial services for elocution and acting classes in an attempt to correct a speech impediment. And later played Oscar-winning performances in VIVA ZAPATA (1952) and LUST FOR LIFE (1956) cementing his reputation as an actor of the highest caliber. 9/22 and 10/13 - 7PM

Biography: Che Guevara
Che Guevara his face has become the symbol of revolution all over the world across generations. A myth in his own lifetime and an international martyr on his death. A revolutionary fighting against injustice who was ruthless with his enemies; a doting father and social philosopher; a doctor who was to become Fidel Castro's right-hand man during the Cuban revolution. Che had a dream to unite Latin America and the rest of the developing world against imperialism through armed revolution. 9/23 and 10/6 - 7PM

El Camino Real
El Camino Real means the Royal Road, or King's Highway. The term was applied to all main government roads both in Spain and in the New World colonies. EL Camino Real in California is the road built in 1769 by a Franciscan priest named Junipero Serra to connect the Catholic missions in California from San Diego to Sonoma. Using expert interviews, breathtaking high-def mission footage, and historical re-creations, this hour-long, high-definition documentary special will retrace the arduous journey of Father Serra as he founded this historic road. 9/24, 10/2 and 10/15 - 8PM

Remember the Alamo
March 1836: nearly two hundred Texans are slaughtered by sixteen hundred Mexicans at the Alamo, the fortified mission in the heart of San Antonio. Among the dead are three American heroes - Davy Crockett, the King of the Wild Frontier; Colonel William Barret Travis; and James Bowie, famous for the knife that bears his name. Six weeks later, the cry "Remember the Alamo" spurred the Texans on to take their revenge at the battle of San Jacinto. But in telling the story, people always latched on to the bits that fit the way they like to see themselves, and ignored the bits that don't. Remember the Alamo separates the fact from the fiction. 9/24 and 10/13 - 9PM

Roots of America: Blood and Treasure in Peru
A grave robbery in 1987 leads to the discovery of the Royal Tombs of Sipan, Peru, and the richest burial site ever found in the Western Hemisphere. Soon afterwards, the art market was flooded with ancient artifacts made of solid gold and silver. Art historians identified the treasure as belonging to the Moche, a pre-Columbian civilization in Peru, but were unable to locate its source. Where were these riches found? Soon the looters themselves provided the answer. 9/25 - 7PM

Height of Passion: Flamengo vs. Vasco de Gama
Two of the most flamboyant teams in the world, going head to head in the biggest stadium in the world: the Maracana. Their very existence is born of the people, at all levels and of all races, reflecting the classic jogo bonito - the beautiful game from Brazil. 9/26 - 8PM

America's Castles: Chapultepec Castle
This special episode takes us south of the border, to North America's southern region - Mexico. Towering two-hundred feet above the world's largest city is a castle that houses over three-hundred years of Mexican history. Sitting on a hill named by the Aztecs, originally built by Spanish Conquistadors, greatly expanded by a Hapsburg Emporer, and lavishly decorated by a Mexican dictator, Chapultepec Castle is one of the New World's greatest castles. 9/28 - 8PM

Biography: Eva Peron
Eva Peron lived her life as the wife of Argentina's strongman president, Juan Peron. It was a life full of mystery. To the backward people of Argentina, she held in one hand the promise of comfort and wealth, in the other hand she held a whip. Yet, she was worshipped by her entire nation. Eva Peron outshined her husband as a public image and began her claim to personal power through control of the workers, whom she termed the "shirtless ones". In a few years, Eva Peron had risen from an obscure actress to the wife of the Dictator of Argentina. 9/29 - 7PM

Biography: Frida Kahlo
She began painting while convalescing from a serious bus accident at the age of 18. She brought her work to the painter Diego Rivera, whom she later married (1929). Characterized by vibrant imagery, many of her paintings are striking self-portraits. Pain and the suffering of women are recurring and indelible themes in her often shocking pictures. 10/3 and 10/10 - 7PM

History Traveler: Height of Passion: AC Milan vs. Internazionale
One stadium, two teams. Home of the richest and one of the most intense derbies in the world. Where commerce and football walk hand in hand, as players are drawn by the prestige and money, to realize dreams at the highest level. 10/3 8PM Biography: Diego Rivera Born in Guanajuato, Mexico in 1886, his family moved to Mexico City in 1892. Considered the greatest Mexican painter of the twentieth century, Diego Rivera had a profound effect on the international art world. Rivera is credited with the reintroduction of fresco painting into modern art and architecture. His radical political views and tempestuous romance with the painter Frida Kahlo remain a source of public intrigue 10/4 and 10/11 - 7PM

Biography: Fidel Castro: El Comandante
The life story of the last of the great communist leaders. 10/7 and 10/14 - 7PM

Roots of America: Puzzling Pyramids of Mexico
This one-hour documentary will explore the recent excavations made by on-site archaeologists in the city of Teotihuacan-- home of the mysterious Mexican pyramids. In the city's sacred caves, experts look for clues they hope will someday reveal secrets of this once mighty empire. 10/7 - 7PM

History Traveler: Height of Passion: Boca Jr.'s v. River Plate
Whilst immigration united them, football divides them. River and Boca symbolized a society forged from Italian links only for the ties to be severed, as, in the eyes of Boca, River deserted their roots. Today, the deep emotions displayed by their colorful fans and players on field, reflect the animosity off, almost one hundred years on. 10/10 8PM