The Explorers

Explore the history of a unique generation, children aged 10 in 1940, who grew up in exceptional times: 650,000 orphans, 120,000 juvenile delinquents, 90,000 children lost during population movements, 11,500 Jewish children deported. Caught between collaboration and resistance, wartime childhood experiences and stories have, for a long time, been hushed up. Far from being spared by the brutal conflict, they were thrown into the chaos of dark and sinister times. For four years, this age group became the epicentre of national upheaval. Placed at the heart of Marechal Petain's 'regeneration' project, put to work out of necessity, exposed to hunger, death and deportation, and widely condemned by a fragile and incompetent judicial system, war children were both the instruments and scapegoats of a totalitarian regime. Listen to the testimony of those, on the fringes of history in the making, who came of age in the shadows of the 'national revival' imposed by Vichy during the worst world war in history.

Kennedy. Kim. Bhutto. Gandhi-Nehru. Just a few of the political dynasties that have been at the forefront of generations of war and revolution. But, having a revered name does not guarantee the survival of an individual. This episode explores the ascension and assassinations of the Kennedys, and the partition and ensuing instability that fuelled the rise and untimely demise of members of the Bhutto and Nehru-Gandhi families.

Examine the Parthenon marbles from Athens which is the best-known example of cultural heritage where there is a heavy ongoing debate. Should the marbles be unified? Should the country of origin have a say in how cultural heritage is introduced far away from home? Problems created by people long ago which now need to be solved.