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World War 2: The Complete History

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World War 2: The Complete History

Overlord
Season 1  |  Episode 11  |  The History Channel  |  June 5, 2014

Modern history

Ethical understanding

Critical thinking
9-10 11-12
Classification: Parental Guidance Classification: Parental Guidance

By the Spring of 1944 it seemed obvious that the Allies would have to mount an invasion of Western Europe in order to bring about the end of the war. In an elaborate game of double cross the Allied forces managed to convince Germany that this attack would happen at the French port of Calais. In fact the real target lay further to the west, in Normandy.

By the Spring of 1944 it seemed obvious that the Allies would have to mount an invasion of Western Europe in order to bring about the end of the war. In an elaborate game of double cross the Allied forces managed to convince Germany that this attack would happen at the French port of Calais. In fact the real target lay further to the west, in Normandy.

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In this episode, we examine the might of the Japanese as they win victory after victory in the Pacific. In this phase of the conflict the Allies endured some of their most significant losses. Singapore fell to the Japanese in one of the greatest defeats the British Empire had ever known. The Americans were driven from the Philippines and in the seas off Malaya two British battleships were sunk by Japanese fighter pilots. In Russia the German forces were to endure the severest of winters but despite heavy losses were ready to go on the offensive again by spring. Renewed attacks began in the south as German forces turned their attention to the city of Stalingrad. But after a few months of triumph the tide began to turn against the Japanese. American bombers appeared in the skies over Tokyo and in two titanic battles the USA began to crush Japan's dreams of victory. The fighting in the Mediterranean and North Africa intensified as the siege of the island of Malta intensified and Rommel mounted ever more threatening operations in the desert.

World War 2: The Complete History: Six Months To Run Wild

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In this episode, we examine the might of the Japanese as they win victory after victory in the Pacific. In this phase of the conflict the Allies endured some of their most significant losses. Singapore fell to the Japanese in one of the greatest defeats the British Empire had ever known. The Americans were driven from the Philippines and in the seas off Malaya two British battleships were sunk by Japanese fighter pilots. In Russia the German forces were to endure the severest of winters but despite heavy losses were ready to go on the offensive again by spring. Renewed attacks began in the south as German forces turned their attention to the city of Stalingrad. But after a few months of triumph the tide began to turn against the Japanese. American bombers appeared in the skies over Tokyo and in two titanic battles the USA began to crush Japan's dreams of victory. The fighting in the Mediterranean and North Africa intensified as the siege of the island of Malta intensified and Rommel mounted ever more threatening operations in the desert.
Even after the triumph of VE Day, there still remained a war to be fought. The final act of this war was played out in the skies above Japan. A new US President, Harry Truman, took the devastating decision to deploy a new weapon against the forces of Japan. The atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the dreams of Imperial Japan were ended at a stroke.

World War 2: The Complete History: The Presence of History

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Even after the triumph of VE Day, there still remained a war to be fought. The final act of this war was played out in the skies above Japan. A new US President, Harry Truman, took the devastating decision to deploy a new weapon against the forces of Japan. The atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the dreams of Imperial Japan were ended at a stroke.
If any of those involved in the war doubted what all the fighting had been for then the last months of conflict would show them. As soldiers entered the territory of the Third Reich conclusive proof of the evils of Nazism was found as the death and concentration camps were uncovered.

World War 2: The Complete History: Unconditional Surrender

Modern history, Ethical understanding, Critical thinking

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52:01
If any of those involved in the war doubted what all the fighting had been for then the last months of conflict would show them. As soldiers entered the territory of the Third Reich conclusive proof of the evils of Nazism was found as the death and concentration camps were uncovered.
In this episode, we see how across the world the forces of the Axis were in retreat. In the sands of the desert Rommel had been overwhelmed by the Allies and driven out of Africa. A new legend was born in the shape of Bernard Montgomery.

World War 2: The Complete History: The Beginning of the End

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In this episode, we see how across the world the forces of the Axis were in retreat. In the sands of the desert Rommel had been overwhelmed by the Allies and driven out of Africa. A new legend was born in the shape of Bernard Montgomery.
As the conflict continued, countries in all corners of the globe became deeply entangled in their own theatres of war. In the desert the Afrika Korps seemed certain of their successful capture of Egypt. But yet another change of British commander saw the arrival of a man who created his own desert legend, a legend to match Rommel.

World War 2: The Complete History: The End of the Beginning

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As the conflict continued, countries in all corners of the globe became deeply entangled in their own theatres of war. In the desert the Afrika Korps seemed certain of their successful capture of Egypt. But yet another change of British commander saw the arrival of a man who created his own desert legend, a legend to match Rommel.
This episode begins in Russia, with Stalin's army fighting to defend Moscow. Hitler believed his enemies beneath contempt as both communists and as Slavic people. He intended to obliterate them; for this conflict the end would only come at the expense of the total destruction of one side or the other.

World War 2: The Complete History: The Day of Infamy

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This episode begins in Russia, with Stalin's army fighting to defend Moscow. Hitler believed his enemies beneath contempt as both communists and as Slavic people. He intended to obliterate them; for this conflict the end would only come at the expense of the total destruction of one side or the other.
In this episode, we look at the impact of the Battle of Britain. Hitler's aim was total air supremacy, to negate British Naval power and enable the German army to cross the Channel and invade Britain. But the battle proved to be more complex.

World War 2: The Complete History: Time of Legend

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In this episode, we look at the impact of the Battle of Britain. Hitler's aim was total air supremacy, to negate British Naval power and enable the German army to cross the Channel and invade Britain. But the battle proved to be more complex.
As 1940 drew to a close the conflict was spreading. Disasters were continuing to unfold around the Italian war effort. The invasion of Greece had turned to catastrophe as the Italians were driven back into the hills of Albania. In North Africa the British Army drove the Italians deeper into retreat. These failures had begun to draw Germany further into the south to rescue its Axis comrade. At the same time another front had opened up in North Africa; Erwin Rommel and his North Afrika Korps stepped up to take their place in history.

World War 2: The Complete History: The World Shall Hold It's Breath

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52:13
As 1940 drew to a close the conflict was spreading. Disasters were continuing to unfold around the Italian war effort. The invasion of Greece had turned to catastrophe as the Italians were driven back into the hills of Albania. In North Africa the British Army drove the Italians deeper into retreat. These failures had begun to draw Germany further into the south to rescue its Axis comrade. At the same time another front had opened up in North Africa; Erwin Rommel and his North Afrika Korps stepped up to take their place in history.
On May 13, 1940 Winston Churchill became Britain's Prime Minister. He gave no quick solution to the conflict but swore there would be no appeasement of Hitler. This decision was made all the more difficult as, in the first few hours of Churchill taking office, the war in Europe exploded into life.

World War 2: The Complete History: A Kind of Victory

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On May 13, 1940 Winston Churchill became Britain's Prime Minister. He gave no quick solution to the conflict but swore there would be no appeasement of Hitler. This decision was made all the more difficult as, in the first few hours of Churchill taking office, the war in Europe exploded into life.
The time that followed the destruction of Poland came to be known as the Phoney War, a period were neither side wanted to engage the other. Both armies used the time to fortify their positions and many, on both sides, hoped that the war might simply go away if neither side upset the other.

World War 2: The Complete History: The War that Wasn't

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The time that followed the destruction of Poland came to be known as the Phoney War, a period were neither side wanted to engage the other. Both armies used the time to fortify their positions and many, on both sides, hoped that the war might simply go away if neither side upset the other.
Now that his systematic deletion of the Versailles Treaty was complete, Hitler began to turn his eyes to his weaker neighbours. The Anschluss had made Germany even stronger and now Hitler focused his attention on Czechoslovakia and Poland.

World War 2: The Complete History: The End of Illusion

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Now that his systematic deletion of the Versailles Treaty was complete, Hitler began to turn his eyes to his weaker neighbours. The Anschluss had made Germany even stronger and now Hitler focused his attention on Czechoslovakia and Poland.

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Prying into the territory of the other side was fraught with danger. During the Cold War the super powers mobilised thousands of spies and spotters to lift the enemy's secrets. Even the allied military missions in Germany doubled as covert observers in the spying game.

The Spying Game

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Prying into the territory of the other side was fraught with danger. During the Cold War the super powers mobilised thousands of spies and spotters to lift the enemy's secrets. Even the allied military missions in Germany doubled as covert observers in the spying game.
Once Hitler seizes power, he transforms his Alpine retreat in Bavaria into a vast mansion called the Berghof. The area becomes a magnet for the most powerful Nazis and Hitler's Berghof a show piece for the Reich.

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Once Hitler seizes power, he transforms his Alpine retreat in Bavaria into a vast mansion called the Berghof. The area becomes a magnet for the most powerful Nazis and Hitler's Berghof a show piece for the Reich.
Germany is on the rise and Hitler has plans for world domination. He sees the battleship as the ultimate status symbol for his new Third Reich, and orders two vessels to be constructed that are bigger, more powerful, and more heavily armoured than anything else at sea. But the British will stop at nothing until Hitlers new mega-weapons are destroyed.

Nazi Megastructures: Hitler's Megaships

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Germany is on the rise and Hitler has plans for world domination. He sees the battleship as the ultimate status symbol for his new Third Reich, and orders two vessels to be constructed that are bigger, more powerful, and more heavily armoured than anything else at sea. But the British will stop at nothing until Hitlers new mega-weapons are destroyed.
As European countries fall like dominoes to the all-conquering German armies, Hitler becomes convinced of his own military genius. He plans to invade Russia and orders the construction of a huge, heavily protected command complex of bunkers and buildings named the Wolfs Lair. But as he isolates himself in his concrete city, the war begins to slip from his grasp, and a conspiracy is hatched to make the secret base his tomb.

Nazi Megastructures: The Wolf's Lair

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As European countries fall like dominoes to the all-conquering German armies, Hitler becomes convinced of his own military genius. He plans to invade Russia and orders the construction of a huge, heavily protected command complex of bunkers and buildings named the Wolfs Lair. But as he isolates himself in his concrete city, the war begins to slip from his grasp, and a conspiracy is hatched to make the secret base his tomb.
In this final episode in the series we examine the end game of the Cold War and look at how the gradual thawing of the conflict began. This was the era that began with detente and ended with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. Neither Reagan nor Thatcher believed in the high ideals of detente. They spoke the language of new weapons and renewed aggression towards communism. Thatcher's foreign policy was confrontational and confident. She, just as Reagan, saw no reason to compromise with or accept communism. In Thatcher, Reagan saw a great ally and the chance to expand its nuclear sphere of influence. At the same time, the Soviet Union was suffering the effects of life under a succession of failed rulers. The economy was collapsing and there was growing dissent among the nations in the Soviet Empire. One by one countries like Poland and Czechoslovakia rejected Soviet rule and established their own independence. Russia had lost its superpower status and with it had gone the need for cold war. But did the end of this period in history bring about the positive social changes that everyone predicted or did it leave behind it a world empty of order, just as dangerous but in a different way? Time has yet to tell but it is certain that history has not quite finished with America and Russia.

Stalemate: The Cold War: Part 6

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In this final episode in the series we examine the end game of the Cold War and look at how the gradual thawing of the conflict began. This was the era that began with detente and ended with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. Neither Reagan nor Thatcher believed in the high ideals of detente. They spoke the language of new weapons and renewed aggression towards communism. Thatcher's foreign policy was confrontational and confident. She, just as Reagan, saw no reason to compromise with or accept communism. In Thatcher, Reagan saw a great ally and the chance to expand its nuclear sphere of influence. At the same time, the Soviet Union was suffering the effects of life under a succession of failed rulers. The economy was collapsing and there was growing dissent among the nations in the Soviet Empire. One by one countries like Poland and Czechoslovakia rejected Soviet rule and established their own independence. Russia had lost its superpower status and with it had gone the need for cold war. But did the end of this period in history bring about the positive social changes that everyone predicted or did it leave behind it a world empty of order, just as dangerous but in a different way? Time has yet to tell but it is certain that history has not quite finished with America and Russia.
Nazi Megastructures returns with a third series that uncovers the hidden remains of some of Hitler's most ambitious projects, telling the stories of the engineers that built them and revealing how these structures changed warfare forever. In June 1940, the Nazis set foot on British soil. The Channel Islands, a British territory since the 11th century is now under German occupation. Hitler becomes obsessed with keeping control of this small corner of Britain and orders the construction of some of the most fortified structures in the Third Reich.

Nazi Megastructures: Hitler's Island Megafortress

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Nazi Megastructures returns with a third series that uncovers the hidden remains of some of Hitler's most ambitious projects, telling the stories of the engineers that built them and revealing how these structures changed warfare forever. In June 1940, the Nazis set foot on British soil. The Channel Islands, a British territory since the 11th century is now under German occupation. Hitler becomes obsessed with keeping control of this small corner of Britain and orders the construction of some of the most fortified structures in the Third Reich.
Since 1945, there have been no less than eight wars being fought somewhere on the planet at any given time. They have rarely been proper wars - with uniformed soldiers confronting each other - more often than not they have been guerrilla wars, and they have employed some of the most terrifying tactics. In this program, we examine the origins of guerrilla warfare and how they have subsequently given birth to the global phenomenon of terrorism. Each new decade brings its own developments in this strategy of war. The 1960s saw revolutionary politics become cool and suddenly every city had its own brand of urban guerrilla. In the 1970s, the increase in cheap air travel meant that terrorists were no longer confined to committing atrocities in their own backyard. Now they were free to send a message anywhere by hijacking and blowing up planes in the full glare of the media spotlight. But nothing could compare with the far reaching potential of the centuries newest type of urban guerrilla - the cyber terrorist, armed with the potential to cripple the world at the touch of a keypad. The world has changed, and a new age begun, and however interpreted or understood, it is an age of terror.

Strategy: The Genius of Warfare: Terrorism - War Without Frontiers

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Since 1945, there have been no less than eight wars being fought somewhere on the planet at any given time. They have rarely been proper wars - with uniformed soldiers confronting each other - more often than not they have been guerrilla wars, and they have employed some of the most terrifying tactics. In this program, we examine the origins of guerrilla warfare and how they have subsequently given birth to the global phenomenon of terrorism. Each new decade brings its own developments in this strategy of war. The 1960s saw revolutionary politics become cool and suddenly every city had its own brand of urban guerrilla. In the 1970s, the increase in cheap air travel meant that terrorists were no longer confined to committing atrocities in their own backyard. Now they were free to send a message anywhere by hijacking and blowing up planes in the full glare of the media spotlight. But nothing could compare with the far reaching potential of the centuries newest type of urban guerrilla - the cyber terrorist, armed with the potential to cripple the world at the touch of a keypad. The world has changed, and a new age begun, and however interpreted or understood, it is an age of terror.
As the 1960s began, a generation was growing to adulthood which had known only the cold war. In those early years of the 1960s there was an idealistic hope. John F Kennedy had been elected as president and he talked of the torch being passed to a new generation. There were hopes that he would break the cold war deadlock and bring an end to the conflict. These hopes were dashed when he engaged in a stand-off with Nikita Khrushchev over Russian nuclear bases being built in Cuba. Kennedy was not the kind of man to back down and a tense few days ensued with the world waiting to see who would give in first. In the end, both sides gave a little; Russian returned its missiles to the Soviet Union and the US removed their missiles from Turkey. But the damage had been done and by the end of the decade both leaders would be gone; one deposed by his own parliament and the other killed by a sniper's bullet. The end of the decade was a dark time for peace. The nuclear club grew with the explosion of Chinese and French nuclear weapons, and conflicts in far away places like Egypt, Israel and Vietnam led the American people to question their country's involvement in wars that were happening in places that they had never seen and didn't care about.

Stalemate: The Cold War: Part 5

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As the 1960s began, a generation was growing to adulthood which had known only the cold war. In those early years of the 1960s there was an idealistic hope. John F Kennedy had been elected as president and he talked of the torch being passed to a new generation. There were hopes that he would break the cold war deadlock and bring an end to the conflict. These hopes were dashed when he engaged in a stand-off with Nikita Khrushchev over Russian nuclear bases being built in Cuba. Kennedy was not the kind of man to back down and a tense few days ensued with the world waiting to see who would give in first. In the end, both sides gave a little; Russian returned its missiles to the Soviet Union and the US removed their missiles from Turkey. But the damage had been done and by the end of the decade both leaders would be gone; one deposed by his own parliament and the other killed by a sniper's bullet. The end of the decade was a dark time for peace. The nuclear club grew with the explosion of Chinese and French nuclear weapons, and conflicts in far away places like Egypt, Israel and Vietnam led the American people to question their country's involvement in wars that were happening in places that they had never seen and didn't care about.
An exploration of the stories behind the resistance groups that formed to fight the Third Reich during World War II. These took many practical forms. Guerrilla forces of all sizes fought military actions against Axis troops; clandestine civilian organisations performed acts of sabotage or espionage; religious groups led acts of civil disruption and protest and underground presses spread prohibited ideas and information. Who were the men and women who made up the resistance movements?

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An exploration of the stories behind the resistance groups that formed to fight the Third Reich during World War II. These took many practical forms. Guerrilla forces of all sizes fought military actions against Axis troops; clandestine civilian organisations performed acts of sabotage or espionage; religious groups led acts of civil disruption and protest and underground presses spread prohibited ideas and information. Who were the men and women who made up the resistance movements?
The escalation of the Cold War meant that the whole world began to take sides. Rather like children attaching themselves to gangs in the schoolyard, the two superpowers gathered teams of allies, supporters, henchmen and followers. The world became a giant chessboard, with nations as squares of the board to be captured. As the cold war became a way of life, technology moved fast to keep up the pace. The launch of the American U2 spy plane and the Russian satellite Sputnik brought about a new chapter in the cold war story; now both sides could see what the other was up to. While the US was concentrating on the threat in Europe, it nearly missed the threat appearing in its own backyard. A revolution, supported by Russia, had overthrown the ruling dictator and replaced him with the legendary Fidel Castro. This period in the Cold War's history is one of significant events and great change. The Berlin Wall appeared overnight and made East Berlin a prison, and two new players joined the game, determined not to concede any points to the other side. Nikita Khrushchev and John F Kennedy would come to symbolise a period of the Cold War where the whole world would truly have to hold its breath.

Stalemate: The Cold War: Part 4

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The escalation of the Cold War meant that the whole world began to take sides. Rather like children attaching themselves to gangs in the schoolyard, the two superpowers gathered teams of allies, supporters, henchmen and followers. The world became a giant chessboard, with nations as squares of the board to be captured. As the cold war became a way of life, technology moved fast to keep up the pace. The launch of the American U2 spy plane and the Russian satellite Sputnik brought about a new chapter in the cold war story; now both sides could see what the other was up to. While the US was concentrating on the threat in Europe, it nearly missed the threat appearing in its own backyard. A revolution, supported by Russia, had overthrown the ruling dictator and replaced him with the legendary Fidel Castro. This period in the Cold War's history is one of significant events and great change. The Berlin Wall appeared overnight and made East Berlin a prison, and two new players joined the game, determined not to concede any points to the other side. Nikita Khrushchev and John F Kennedy would come to symbolise a period of the Cold War where the whole world would truly have to hold its breath.
Seventy years ago, British India was divided into two countries, India and Pakistan. The repercussions of that event last till this day. Through the modern day victims of partition, we explore its legacy.

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Seventy years ago, British India was divided into two countries, India and Pakistan. The repercussions of that event last till this day. Through the modern day victims of partition, we explore its legacy.
The story of the mistakes and miscalculations made by both the British and German armies as they fought for control of Crete in 1941.

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The story of the mistakes and miscalculations made by both the British and German armies as they fought for control of Crete in 1941.
In 1966, the photographer Philip Jones Griffiths first visited Vietnam. It was an experience that would profoundly shape his career and legacy, as well as the world's understanding of the humanitarian cost of war. Griffiths captured incredible images of the victims of war and his 1971 photo journal, Vietnam Inc, transformed forever our understanding of this terrible conflict. This beautifully shot documentary gives fascinating insight into the life and legacy of a man who was a true humanitarian and whose pictures are classics of photojournalism, as powerful today as the day they were taken.

The Man Who Shot Vietnam

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In 1966, the photographer Philip Jones Griffiths first visited Vietnam. It was an experience that would profoundly shape his career and legacy, as well as the world's understanding of the humanitarian cost of war. Griffiths captured incredible images of the victims of war and his 1971 photo journal, Vietnam Inc, transformed forever our understanding of this terrible conflict. This beautifully shot documentary gives fascinating insight into the life and legacy of a man who was a true humanitarian and whose pictures are classics of photojournalism, as powerful today as the day they were taken.
The Polish people were among the first to feel the full heart-stopping force of the German Wermacht. This is the story of the ways in which they fought back, including the Ghetto Uprising of 1943.

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The Polish people were among the first to feel the full heart-stopping force of the German Wermacht. This is the story of the ways in which they fought back, including the Ghetto Uprising of 1943.
From the ruins of world war the battle lines of the cold war had emerged. Old wartime alliances had dissolved and friends and enemies had changed place. The weapons of war had also changed; the building of nuclear weapons had changed the rules and each side now raced to develop their own nuclear capabilities. The US had been first but when Russia detonated its own nuclear bomb in 1949 the impetus to build ever more destructive weapons accelerated. In Episode Three of the series we examine how the rise of Communism in countries all over the globe made the cold war not just a fight for land but a fight for the minds of the people of the world. As China becomes a communist regime the US begins to fear the spread of these new politics with an almost maniacal ferocity. As always throughout history, the tide of change brings fear and suspicion and US Senator Joseph McCarthy begins his witch-hunts and suspected spies are caught and executed. The cold war was a game where each side knew the limits but as a new decade dawned there appeared to be no chance of the cold war thawing out any time soon.

Stalemate: The Cold War: Part 3

Modern history, History

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From the ruins of world war the battle lines of the cold war had emerged. Old wartime alliances had dissolved and friends and enemies had changed place. The weapons of war had also changed; the building of nuclear weapons had changed the rules and each side now raced to develop their own nuclear capabilities. The US had been first but when Russia detonated its own nuclear bomb in 1949 the impetus to build ever more destructive weapons accelerated. In Episode Three of the series we examine how the rise of Communism in countries all over the globe made the cold war not just a fight for land but a fight for the minds of the people of the world. As China becomes a communist regime the US begins to fear the spread of these new politics with an almost maniacal ferocity. As always throughout history, the tide of change brings fear and suspicion and US Senator Joseph McCarthy begins his witch-hunts and suspected spies are caught and executed. The cold war was a game where each side knew the limits but as a new decade dawned there appeared to be no chance of the cold war thawing out any time soon.
After the German invasion of 1940, the Norwegian government fled to London, leaving the country in the hands of the collaborator Quisling. But there were many willing people to fight back.

Europe's Secret Armies: Norwegian Heroes

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After the German invasion of 1940, the Norwegian government fled to London, leaving the country in the hands of the collaborator Quisling. But there were many willing people to fight back.
On the afternoon of April 29, 1992, the powder keg that was the city of Los Angeles, exploded. A jury in the all-white community of Simi Valley had just found four white LAPD officers not guilty in the brutal, videotaped beating of an African American taxi driver named Rodney King. Roiling resentment against the police, which under Chief Daryl Gates had an "us against them" mentality, turned the City of Angeles into a war zone. In South Central, motorists were pulled from their vehicles and beaten. Television viewers saw one white man, Reginald Denny, pulled from his tractor trailer, beaten to a pulp and then witnessed a rioter slam a huge cinder block into the Denny's head while he lay helpless on the ground. The LA riots had begun. For six days the city was under siege, taken over mostly by thugs who used the King verdict as an excuse to run rampant. Stores were looted. Korean shop owners armed themselves and shot anyone who tried to storm their stores. Hundreds of fires burned for days, making LA resemble the oil fields of Iraq when Saddam Hussein's fleeing troops set alight oil wells in the desert. Police abandoned entire neighbourhoods, instead trying to protect upscale enclaves like West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Daryl Gates said during a press conference "Let it burn". Long standing scores between gangs, neighbours and anyone with a grudge were violently settled.

The Lost Tapes: LA Riots

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On the afternoon of April 29, 1992, the powder keg that was the city of Los Angeles, exploded. A jury in the all-white community of Simi Valley had just found four white LAPD officers not guilty in the brutal, videotaped beating of an African American taxi driver named Rodney King. Roiling resentment against the police, which under Chief Daryl Gates had an "us against them" mentality, turned the City of Angeles into a war zone. In South Central, motorists were pulled from their vehicles and beaten. Television viewers saw one white man, Reginald Denny, pulled from his tractor trailer, beaten to a pulp and then witnessed a rioter slam a huge cinder block into the Denny's head while he lay helpless on the ground. The LA riots had begun. For six days the city was under siege, taken over mostly by thugs who used the King verdict as an excuse to run rampant. Stores were looted. Korean shop owners armed themselves and shot anyone who tried to storm their stores. Hundreds of fires burned for days, making LA resemble the oil fields of Iraq when Saddam Hussein's fleeing troops set alight oil wells in the desert. Police abandoned entire neighbourhoods, instead trying to protect upscale enclaves like West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Daryl Gates said during a press conference "Let it burn". Long standing scores between gangs, neighbours and anyone with a grudge were violently settled.
The story of the cold war proves that an individual can leave his or her mark on history. It is certain that the personalities of the leaders of America and the Soviet Union in those first post war years shaped history and plotted the path of world events. The second episode of this series examines how America solidified its position as a new superpower and how the Soviet Union, under the iron fist of Stalin, continued to spread the word of communism. Britain, exhausted by world war and lacking in resources, began to break up her Empire. Britain gradually reduced its position on the world stage and America stepped in to fill the void. At the same time the relationship that had developed between Russia and the US during the final stages of World War II slowly began to disintegrate as both sides grew to see the other as a threat to their respective ideals.

Stalemate: The Cold War: Part 2

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51:45
The story of the cold war proves that an individual can leave his or her mark on history. It is certain that the personalities of the leaders of America and the Soviet Union in those first post war years shaped history and plotted the path of world events. The second episode of this series examines how America solidified its position as a new superpower and how the Soviet Union, under the iron fist of Stalin, continued to spread the word of communism. Britain, exhausted by world war and lacking in resources, began to break up her Empire. Britain gradually reduced its position on the world stage and America stepped in to fill the void. At the same time the relationship that had developed between Russia and the US during the final stages of World War II slowly began to disintegrate as both sides grew to see the other as a threat to their respective ideals.
The songs tell stories about the lives of Gurindji people who lived and worked at Wave Hill station before they began a protest against poor conditions in 1966.

Wajarra: Songs from the Stations

Indigenous Australians, Modern history, History

Years 9-10, 11-12 Indigenous Australians, Modern history, History
19:26
The songs tell stories about the lives of Gurindji people who lived and worked at Wave Hill station before they began a protest against poor conditions in 1966.
More than 600km long, Hitler's Siegfried Line was one of the greatest fortifications in warfare history. The campaign to breach it took more than six months and cost 140,000 American casualties.

Nazi Megastructures: Hitler's Siegfried Line

Design and technologies, Modern history, History

Years 9-10, 11-12 Design and technologies, Modern history, History
44:12
More than 600km long, Hitler's Siegfried Line was one of the greatest fortifications in warfare history. The campaign to breach it took more than six months and cost 140,000 American casualties.
The Cold War lies at the very heart of the story of the 20th century. This conflict reduced the world into the simplest of divisions - us versus them. But it was, to coin a phrase, a looking glass world. To cross to the other side was to see the same threats and evils somehow back to front and upside down. In both East and West the cold war world was a place where the man next door could be a spy, an informer; a place where hysteria and suspicion could be enough to prove guilt. In this six part series we examine the origins of this conflict and take a closer look at what motivated each side. In this first episode we focus on the early part of the 20th century and see how revolution in Russia and the aftermath of two world wars led to divisions and alliances between the worlds most influential governments. How were the seeds of the cold war conflict sown, and is there any truth to the view that the cold war was a threat created by governments on all sides to keep their populations in line?

Stalemate: The Cold War: Part 1

Modern history, History

Years 9-10, 11-12 Modern history, History
52:16
The Cold War lies at the very heart of the story of the 20th century. This conflict reduced the world into the simplest of divisions - us versus them. But it was, to coin a phrase, a looking glass world. To cross to the other side was to see the same threats and evils somehow back to front and upside down. In both East and West the cold war world was a place where the man next door could be a spy, an informer; a place where hysteria and suspicion could be enough to prove guilt. In this six part series we examine the origins of this conflict and take a closer look at what motivated each side. In this first episode we focus on the early part of the 20th century and see how revolution in Russia and the aftermath of two world wars led to divisions and alliances between the worlds most influential governments. How were the seeds of the cold war conflict sown, and is there any truth to the view that the cold war was a threat created by governments on all sides to keep their populations in line?
An exploration of the stories behind the resistance groups that formed to fight the Third Reich during World War II. These took many practical forms. Guerrilla forces of all sizes fought military actions against Axis troops; clandestine civilian organisations performed acts of sabotage or espionage; religious groups led acts of civil disruption and protest and underground presses spread prohibited ideas and information. Who were the men and women who made up the resistance movements?

Europe's Secret Armies: Germany: Resisting from Within

Modern history, History

Years 9-10, 11-12 Modern history, History
46:42
An exploration of the stories behind the resistance groups that formed to fight the Third Reich during World War II. These took many practical forms. Guerrilla forces of all sizes fought military actions against Axis troops; clandestine civilian organisations performed acts of sabotage or espionage; religious groups led acts of civil disruption and protest and underground presses spread prohibited ideas and information. Who were the men and women who made up the resistance movements?
Relive Hitler's final days, detailed through never-before-seen interviews with the men and women who were with him during those last desperate moments.

The Day Hitler Died

Modern history, History

Years 11-12 Modern history, History
46:42
Relive Hitler's final days, detailed through never-before-seen interviews with the men and women who were with him during those last desperate moments.
Just how did the cruise missile become the ultimate surgical attack weapon? This film tracks the flight of a Tomahawk cruise missile on an attack mission. At every key stage of its journey - launch, flight, targeting, impact - we uncover the roots of the technology that make this missile the awe-inspiring weapon it is today.

Machines of War

Modern history, Design and technologies, History

Years 9-10, 11-12 Modern history, Design and technologies, History
1:01:11
Just how did the cruise missile become the ultimate surgical attack weapon? This film tracks the flight of a Tomahawk cruise missile on an attack mission. At every key stage of its journey - launch, flight, targeting, impact - we uncover the roots of the technology that make this missile the awe-inspiring weapon it is today.
Every nation involved in World War II recognised that maintaining the morale of the population was vital. Everywhere a great effort was made to offer entertainment, diversion and often to package it with the reassurance that the cause was just and victory certain. Radio and cinema were the great mass communicators of the day and we see examples of some of the performers and productions that helped to lighten the darkness of living in the shadow of war.

Living in the Shadow of World War Two

Modern history, History

Years 9-10, 11-12 Modern history, History
52:08
Every nation involved in World War II recognised that maintaining the morale of the population was vital. Everywhere a great effort was made to offer entertainment, diversion and often to package it with the reassurance that the cause was just and victory certain. Radio and cinema were the great mass communicators of the day and we see examples of some of the performers and productions that helped to lighten the darkness of living in the shadow of war.

Teaching resources for the Australian Curriculum

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