Secrecy, Democracy, and the Birth of the CIA

Explore the origins and evolution of America's premier intelligence organization in this 28-minute video from the series "The Agency: A History of the CIA." Delve into three crucial periods of U.S. history that led to the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency. Examine the late creation of the CIA in the context of American and world history, the necessity of espionage during wartime despite public disdain, and the emergence of a permanent intelligence division following Pearl Harbor. Discover the role of the Office of Strategic Services as a precursor to the CIA, learn about President Truman's establishment of the Central Intelligence Group, and understand how the Cold War ultimately forged a permanent CIA. Gain insights into the complex relationship between secrecy, democracy, and intelligence gathering in the United States.

Gina Haspel Exposes Secret Government Power
Objectively Examining CIA Competence
Three Periods Which Question the Necessity of the CIA
The Late Creation of the CIA in US and World History
War Necessitated Espionage Despite Public Disdain
A Permanent Intel Division Looms after Pearl Harbor
Office of Strategic Services: Precursor to the CIA
Truman Establishes the Central Intelligence Group
The Cold War Forges a Permanent CIA