Watch Battleground: Pre-WWII

Battleground: Pre-WWII is a gripping television series produced by 321 Productions in 2011. This show delves into the complex political and social conditions that led up to the Second World War. Each episode explores the different events, people or ideologies that contributed to the escalating tensions between countries in Europe, Asia and the United States.

The series features exhaustive research that brings to light some of the lesser-known facts and influences surrounding the most catastrophic event in human history. It examines the interplay of various powers, such as Germany, Japan, Italy, the Soviet Union and the United States, and how their objectives led to an unavoidable, catastrophic global conflict.

Battleground: Pre-WWII consists of eight episodes, each of which provides a deep insight into a different aspect of the pre-war period. The episodes are titled "Rise of Fascism", "The Spanish Civil War", "Appeasement", "The Nazi-Soviet Pact", "The Invasion of Poland", "The Mukden Incident", "The Rape of Nanking", and "The United States and Japan".

In "Rise of Fascism," viewers are introduced to the political and social conditions in Europe that enabled fascist organizations such as the Nazi Party and the Fascist Party in Italy to establish power. The episode highlights the economic turmoil, nationalist fervor and societal insecurity that led to the rise of dictators such as Mussolini and Hitler.

"The Spanish Civil War" takes viewers to the Iberian Peninsula where the fascist-leaning General Franco led an insurgency against the leftist Republican government. This episode uncovers the proxy war between fascist and communist powers that was fought on Spanish soil and how it served as an ominous prelude to the Second World War.

"Appeasement" examines the diplomatic policy that was pursued by the Western powers in the face of Hitler's aggression in Europe. The episode questions the motivation behind British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's policy of appeasement, and examines its disastrous consequences.

"The Nazi-Soviet Pact" recounts the events leading up to the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 1939, which was a crucial precursor to the outbreak of the Second World War. This episode investigates the motivations and objectives of the two ideological rivals who found common ground in their pursuit of global domination.

"The Invasion of Poland" looks at the numerous warning signs leading up to Hitler's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, which marked the beginning of the Second World War. This episode highlights the international complacency that allowed the Nazi regime to sweep across Europe with little resistance.

"The Mukden Incident" explores the events leading up to Japan's invasion of Manchuria, which was a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the Second World War. This episode reveals the level of planning and ambition behind Japan's expansionist policies, and the impact such actions had on international relations.

"The Rape of Nanking" examines the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army during the occupation of Nanking. This episode reveals the inhumane and violent nature of the Japanese army's expansionist policies, and the impact they had on the people of China.

"The United States and Japan" presents accounts of the events that led up to Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. This episode highlights the tensions between Japan and the United States, as well as the intelligence failures that precipitated the attack.

Overall, Battleground: Pre-WWII is an enlightening and informative series that delves deep into the social, political, economic and military complexities that led to the Second World War. It brings to light a wealth of facts and insights that serve to enrich the understanding of this tragic period in human history.