The World at War

A documentary series that gives a historical account of the events of World War II, from its roots in the 1920s to the aftermath and the lives it profoundly influenced.

A documentary series that gives a historical account of the events of World War II, from its roots in the 1920s to the aftermath and the lives it profoundly influenced.

Despite having the largest pre-war European army, France's outdated forces were humiliated by the Germans. Identifying a weakness in the Maginot Line, a defensive border which ran along the north east of France but did not extend to the channel in the west, German air and armour power simply skirted the line in the north and forged south.

With France fallen, the USA as yet uninvolved and the Russian pact with Hitler still in force, Britain stands all alone against the Germans forces across the English Channel.

Hitler turns his tanks towards Russia. After a succession of devastating victories, the Germans delay fatally, and the fierce Russian winter takes a grip.

The Japanese, at war on the Chinese mainland since 1931, hope for quick victories over the British and the Dutch, but 7 December 1941 brings the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, and the start of an all-conquering sweep through Southeast Asia culminating in the taking of Singapore.