1945: The Year That Changed The World

In this programme we will see how in January the Western Allies suffer a major military set back; while on the Eastern Front the Red Army launches one of the biggest military offensives in history. And how during February German cities are being pulverised by British bombers. We will examine the controversial military decisions and the behind the scenes scheming that characterise the first two months of 1945.

In this programme we’ll see how in March the Allied forces face fanatical Nazi resistance and The Western Allies discover the horrors of the Nazi regime. In April the Americans finally land on Japanese soil but at great cost to life on both sides. The Americans allow Stalin to take Berlin as his prize and Britain starts to realise they’re out in the cold.

In this programme we will see how in May the Allies finally force Germany to its knees and Europe celebrates. In June The Soviet Union, land grab is swiftly followed by political purges. By July a new world order begins to emerge dominated by two, not three, superpowers. We examine how veiled threats and broken promises in the summer of 1945 determine the political future of millions of people, for the next 50 years.

In this programme we see how in August the ultimate weapon of mass destruction is used for the first time against the Japanese. In September the European powers reclaim their colonies but still face an increasing clamour from independence movements throughout South East Asia. As America gives birth to the nuclear age, it watches old empires die, as its own expands.

In this programme we will see how as 1945 drew to an end, the world was to change shape forever. Millions of people are forced to move as borders were redrawn and new occupying governments installed. By November The Nuremberg trials have started and the victors have set about ensuring there will be no third world war. But by December 1945 America and Russia are on the brink of a new, cold war. We examine the roots of what would come to dominate international politics for the next 50 years.