Hey friends. Just a reminder that this is a very broad overview of a big topic. I could make a 12 part documentary series on just Saudi Arabia alone. But I hope this provides a broad understanding of how things have gone down in the region since the 30s. I encourage to go down the rabbit holes of parts of this that are interesting to you. There's so much more to learn about each of these events. Thanks for watching!

Haha thanks for the shoutout! Always glad my maps could help! :D

Your talent and ability to make me love history is mind-blowing. I absolutely love this series.

Johnny Harris needs his own Netflix Series honestly.

As a saudi i have to say that having 22 wives is NOT a thing in islam ! Not even in Saudi Arabia !! Very upsetting to hear

Me: "Why didn't he say his last name? Half of the Middle East is named Muhammad." five min later "oh my."

I literally gasped when you said Osama Bin Laden was the son of the guy who built the US military bases

This is a brilliant video and I really appreciate the plug :)

As a Saudi, I would like to add some further context. At around the 4:43 mark, when the California-Arabian Standard Oil Company first began operations and oil was discovered, there were clear signs of racial discrimination in the company’s facilities. For example, when air conditioners were introduced, there were specially cooled rooms reserved exclusively for Americans, and Saudi workers were not allowed to enter them. This kind of discriminatory practice extended to many other aspects of life within the company. I believe this was one of the main reasons the Saudi government gradually increased its ownership stake in the company—to improve the living and working conditions of Saudi workers. This is part of the broader narrative. In Saudi Arabia, Saudi oil workers staged a series of protests and labor strikes at the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco) between 1945 and 1958, particularly in the oil cities of Dhahran, Ras Tanura, and Abqaiq. These protests were primarily aimed at improving the working conditions of Saudi and Arab workers. American company officials treated local workers like masters treated slaves. Saudi workers earned meager wages—often delayed—that didn’t exceed 30 cents, and they lived in tin shacks far from their families. In contrast, American workers lived in luxurious homes with recreational facilities and had their families with them. Moreover, Saudis were subjected to racial segregation: there were buses exclusively for Americans, which Saudis were forbidden to ride, and even water coolers were reserved only for American workers.

What a masterpiece of a video. Bravo 👏

You deserve a netflix show man this was top notch quality

Vox: Borders is cancelled. Johnny: Bish, you can't stop me from doing magic with maps on YouTube.

Moral of the story the US is always the villain playing the victim. No offence

The background of Osama Bin Laden is something that is not talked about at ALL in history. Excellent Job

"Osama doesn't chill..." Johnny you have no idea how happy I am that Vox introduced me to you. The quality of this video and the way you're able to deliver such a complicated topic in such an understanding way is incredible , bless you and your love of maps

Missed the part where the CIA helped put Saddam in power

I am impressed. My college history does not compare to your truthful knowledge and insight. Please don't stop.

The second he said "Son named Osama" I was like HOLY SHITT😱

Hi Johnny, if you want to make a video "How The U.S. Stole Indonesia," contact me. I'll record and take photos for you. I'm Indonesian journalist and fan of your work.

Learned more in 20 mins than I did my whole life.