Witness History: Archive 2011

The leader of a student protest in Greece nearly 40 years ago tells Alan Johnston about the moment when the country's military junta sent in the tanks, and how she only just managed to escape with her life. This programe was first broadcast last year.

In the 1960s, radio and stage shows helped provoke a change in attitudes towards World War I. Songs once sung by men in the trenches helped audiences to think of the war from the point of view of ordinary soldiers rather than officers. Image: British soldiers during the Battle of the Somme (Press Association)

In November 1989 the civil war in El Salvador hit the capital city. Rebels fighting the US-backed goverment began attacks in San Salvador. But after less than two weeks of gun-battles and street fighting the rebels left the capital. Image: VT Freeze Frame

The Soviet leader died in November 1982 after years of ill health. He had ruled the USSR for 18 years and presided over a period of economic and political stagnation. Image: Associated Press

In November 1964 the first spacecraft to go to Mars left Earth. It was to send back the first photographs of the Red Planet. Engineer John Casani designed the Mariner craft. Photo: One of the images sent back by Mariner.

In 1980, the British swimmer, Duncan Goodhew, faced a moral dilemma over whether to compete in the Moscow Olympics, which were being boycotted by the USA. In the end, he decided to compete and won Gold in the 100m breastroke. For Witness, David Prest hears from Duncan Goodhew and other British athletes at the 1980 games. PHOTO: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

It is 20 years since the newspaper magnate disappeared off his yacht. After his death it soon became clear that his publishing empire was in serious financial difficulties. We hear from one man who knew him well.

Soviet tanks rolled into Budapest on 4 November 1956 ending a shortlived popular uprising For six year old Miklos Gimes it would mean his last meeting with his father - and exile. Photo: Getty Images

On 2 November 1936 the first regular TV service in the world was launched by the BBC. Initially it only had a few hundred viewers and was only broadcast for two hours a day. Viewers watched variety acts beamed live from the studios.

How a jazz concert organised by a 17-year old turned into a bestselling album. And how it almost didn't happen. Vera Brandes describes the difficulties surrounding the legendary performance by the American pianist. Photo credit: Jacques Munch/AFP/Getty Images