The World At War | Episodes 1-26

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The World At War | Episode 01. - A New Germany (1933–1939)



The rebirth of Germany and growth in power of the Nazi Party leading up to the outbreak of war.

In 1933 Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany. He immediately starts transforming the country into what he calls The New Germany. In March the parliament decides to allow Hitler to govern without the parliament, thus becoming a legal dictator. The Nazis begin persecuting journalists, socialists and Jews, and many intellectuals flee the country. A turning point is 30 June 1934, when Hitler and his body guard, SS, start murdering also opponents and rivals within the Nazi party. Between his appearances Hitler rests at Berchtesgarden in Bavaria, where his mistress, Eva Braun, documents his private life on film. The Treaty of Versailles from 1919 had demilitarized Germany, but step by step Hitler militarizes the country again. His troops also start recapturing the surrounding German-speaking provinces and countries: Saarland 1935, Rhineland 1936, Austria 1938 and Sudetenland 1938. They don't make a halt here, but capture also the rest of Czechoslovakia.​

 

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The World At War - 02. Distant War (September 1939 – May 1940)

France and Great Britain enter World War 2 following Germany's invasion of Poland. But with the exception of its navy Britain is rather uncertain how to prepare. After a failed operation in Norway lead by Churchill, Chamberlain is, ironically, replaced as Prime Minister by Churchill. The invasions of Poland, the Winter War, the sinking of the Graf Spee, the "phony war" and failure in Norway and the elevation of Winston Churchill to Prime Minister. Interviewees include Lord Boothby, Lord Butler, Admiral Charles Woodhouse, Sir Martin Lindsay and Sir John "Jock" Colville.​

 

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The World At War - 03. France Falls (May – June 1940)

In 1934 France starts building a sophisticated bulwark along the German border called the Maginot Line. It is a network of armed forts, connected by a narrow-gauge, underground railway.​

 

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The World At War - 04. Alone in Britain (May 1940 – May 1941)

In the end of May 1940, when the last French cities are captured by the Germans, half a million British and French soldiers retreat to the last channel port still open to them: Dunkerque. The following days Great Britain carries out the biggest evacuation in history.​

 

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The World At War - 05. Barbarossa (June - December 1941)

Following the conquest of France Hitler, almost casually by blitzkrieg standards, turn his eyes toward Russia. But Stalin is equally lackadaisical in preparing defenses against Germany. The German invasion rapidly reaches the gates of Moscow where it is stopped cold by the onset of winter then crushed by the Russian counterattack.​

 

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The World At War - 06. Banzai! Japan (1931–1942)

Following Japan's conquest of eastern Asia the Allies finally respond with sanctions. They prove so threatening to Japan that it prepares to conquer Southeast Asia to secure the resources it needs. But first the threat from the British and American Pacific fleets must be eliminated. ​

 

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The World At War - 07. On Our Way U.S.A. (1939–1942)

Although those in the know figured it was just a matter of time, the United States only reluctantly participated in World War 2. But it was not a foregone conclusion that the United States would side against both Germany and Japan. Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor precipitated a quick decision. But in Germany's case a long series of mutual provocations, some intended, some not, gradually turned the United States against Germany.​

 

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The World At War - 08. The Desert: North Africa (1940-1943)

In 1940 Mussolini deploys a massive army to invade British held Egypt, to capture the Suez Canal and most of all to establish an Italian empire to rival Germany's. So begins a multi-year campaign over a meaningless stretch of desert involving forces from a dozen nations and characterized by persistent attackers, stubborn defenders and ultimately controlled by supply line challenges.​

 

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The World At War - 09. Stalingrad (June 1942-February 1943)

Germany is dealt a crushing defeat when the Russians' stubborn defense of Stalingrad delays the German offensive giving the Russians time to mass their forces for a counter attack that surrounds then destroys the German Sixth Army and its supporting forces.​

 

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The World At War - 10. Wolf Pack: U-Boats in the Atlantic

For three years German u-boats ravage transatlantic convoys. Despite the critical need for the supplies and materiel British leadership give scant attention to the matter for two years. Finally in 1943 the allies begin introducing new tactics and weapons while Germany continues to focus on the numbers game.​

 

[yubacity]

Probably the best war documentary I've ever watched it years ago can remember the tune . Was thinking how to spend a lazy sunday you have just sorted it for me thanks

 

[yubacity]

The World At War - 09. Stalingrad (June 1942-February 1943)

Germany is dealt a crushing defeat when the Russians' stubborn defense of Stalingrad delays the German offensive giving the Russians time to mass their forces for a counter attack that surrounds then destroys the German Sixth Army and its supporting forces.​

Without the Russians the war would not have been one and if they had surrendered the germans would have access to all the natural resources they need . Remember something three-quarters of the german army was fighting in Russia. My grandad and his brother fought in Burma and Italy north africa for the British Indian army his brother died they were part of the Sikhs who fought along with 2 million other Indians .

 

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The World At War - 11. Red Star: The Soviet Union (1941–1943)



The rise of the Red Army, mobilization of Soviet production, the Siege of Leningrad, the Soviet partisans and the Battle of Kursk.

 

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The World At War - 11. Red Star: The Soviet Union (1941–1943)



The rise of the Red Army, mobilization of Soviet production, the Siege of Leningrad, the Soviet partisans and the Battle of Kursk.

 

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The World At War - 12. Whirlwind: Bombing Germany (September 1939 - April 1944)



While the British continue to rely on night bombing the American forces attempt to use more dangerous but more precise daylight bombing to interdict German military production and crush the national will.

 

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The World at War - 13. Tough Old Gut: Italy (November 1942 – June 1944)



The difficult Italian Campaign beginning with Operation Torch in North Africa, the invasion of Sicily; Salerno, Anzio, Cassino; and the capture of Rome.

 

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The World at War - 14. It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow: Burma (1942-1944)

Allied forces were totally unprepared for the Japanese invasion of Burma in 1942. The Japanese quickly overran the country. The Allies counter-attacked using troops unfamiliar with jungle warfare which were unsuccessful against the Japanese guerrilla forces. But the Allies persisted and gradually adapted to the jungle environment. As additional forces arrived the Allies succeeded in destroying the Japanese forces.​

 

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The World At War - 15. Home Fires: Britain (1940–1944)

Life and politics in Britain from post-Battle of Britain to the first V-1 attacks. The war effort required total commitment from British citizens stretching their bodies and spirits to the breaking point and occasionally beyond it. As a result of grim news early in the war, German bombing of British cities and disagreements on critical policies, Churchill faces a no confidence vote. But extraordinary measures gradually put the kingdom on an effective war footing.​

 

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The World At War Episode - 16. Inside the Reich Germany

Germany is jubilant after the surrender of France. Then the unsuccessful expansion of the war to include Russia and England gradually turns German morale from joy to fatalism. Even der Führer falls victim to the insidious fatalism caused first by the crushing defeat at Stalingrad then the bunker bombing that nearly killed him. All the while the tightening Nazi grip and Allied assaults adds to the gloom of fear.​

 

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The World At War - 17. Morning

Four years after France fell the Allies invade Normandy. Caught by surprise the German defenses are quickly overcome. Heading inland the Allies win major victories against fierce resistance.​