Into the Deep: America, Whaling & the World

Directed by Ric Burns, this documentary miniseries explores the rise and fall of the American whaling industry, a pivotal force that helped shape the nation's economy and global influence during the 18th and 19th centuries. The series traces the journey of whaling ships from the ports of New England to the furthest reaches of the Pacific, illustrating how the pursuit of whale oil fueled the Industrial Revolution and illuminated the world. Beyond the economic impact, the series delves into the complex social and environmental consequences of the industry. It examines the lives of the diverse crews—including Indigenous peoples and African Americans—who faced extreme danger at sea, while also addressing the devastating ecological toll on whale populations and the eventual decline of the trade as petroleum emerged as a competitor.