Little Ice Age: Big Chill (2005)

A period of extreme cold, known as the Little Ice Age from 1300 to 1850, dramatically reshaped the world. This era of cataclysmic weather froze Viking settlements in Greenland, worsened the Black Death, contributed to the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and played a role in the French Revolution. New York Harbor froze solid, allowing people to walk between Manhattan and Staten Island. Eskimos traveled as far south as Scotland, and unprecedented snowfall blanketed New England during a summer devoid of warmth. As climate scientists explore the possibility of another catastrophic cold snap in the 21st century, historians examine this past era for clues about our future. The Little Ice Age offers a stark reminder of the power of climate and a potential glimpse into what lies ahead.