Heaven on Earth: The Rise and Fall of Socialism (2005)

Heaven on Earth: The Rise and Fall of Socialism is a thought-provoking three-hour PBS documentary film that delves into one of the most powerful political ideas in history: socialism. Hosted by Ben Wattenberg and narrated by Henry Strozier, the series takes viewers on a captivating journey through the rise, evolution, and eventual decline of socialism.

Here’s a detailed synopsis of each hour-long section:

1. Hour 1: The Rise
   • The documentary begins by exploring early utopian socialism, with a focus on Robert Owen and his visionary ideas. It then delves into the development of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
   • The spotlight shifts to the Bolshevik Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin, the American labor movement, and an examination of Canadian socialism.
   • Hour 1 sets the stage for socialism’s ascent, tracing its roots and the fervor with which it spread across the globe.
2. Hour 2: Revolutions
   • This section delves into the tumultuous 20th century, where socialism faced both triumphs and challenges.
   • We witness the rise of Benito Mussolini and the spread of communism in China. The focus then shifts to democratic socialism in Great Britain and the unique Kibbutz movement in Israel.
   • The hour concludes with a sobering discussion about the apparent failures of many socialist movements.
3. Hour 3: The Collapse
   • The final section examines setbacks in established socialist and communist states. Capitalism gains favor as the dominant economic philosophy.
   • We explore how market forces transformed the once-idealistic Kibbutz community. The collapse of socialism becomes evident, leaving us pondering its afterlife.
   • Market dynamics, individual stories, and the transformation of ideologies all play a crucial role in this gripping narrative.

The documentary paints a vivid picture of socialism’s rise to prominence, its impact on societies, and the subsequent challenges it faced. From utopian dreams to harsh realities, Heaven on Earth invites viewers to reflect on an idea that shaped history, even as it ultimately faltered.