Watch Could Hitler Have Been Stopped?

Could Hitler Have Been Stopped? is a thought-provoking documentary that investigates the question of whether the rise of Hitler and the subsequent devastation of World War II could have been prevented. The show is available to stream on BBC Select, a new service from the BBC offering high-quality documentaries on demand.

The documentary features interviews with leading experts in the field of modern history, including historians, authors, and former politicians. Using a combination of archival footage, reconstructions, and expert analysis, the show examines the key events and decisions that led to Hitler's ascension to power and the outbreak of war in Europe.

The narrative of the documentary is divided into four parts, each exploring a different aspect of the historical context surrounding Hitler's rise and Germany's expansionist ambitions in the years leading up to World War II. The first part examines the Treaty of Versailles, the punishing peace treaty imposed on Germany at the close of World War I, and how this contributed to the country's economic instability and political unrest.

The second part of the show focuses on the early years of Adolf Hitler's political career, his political beliefs, and the formation of the Nazi Party. It charts his rise to power, including his appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933, and explores how his extremist views and rhetoric escalated the country's aggressive foreign policy.

The third part of the documentary looks at the diplomatic efforts made by the international community to prevent war, including the policies of appeasement adopted by Britain and France towards Germany in the late 1930s. It also examines the actions of other world leaders, such as the United States, the Soviet Union, and Japan, and how their decisions and policies contributed to the outbreak of war.

The final part of Could Hitler Have Been Stopped? examines the military and strategic decisions made by the Allies in the early years of the war, including the failure of the Maginot Line, the Dunkirk evacuation, and the Battle of Britain. The show raises important questions about whether alternative policies and strategies could have been adopted to prevent some of the most catastrophic events of the war.

Throughout the documentary, the expert commentary provides an informative and insightful analysis of the historical events, while the use of archival footage and reconstructions helps to bring the past to life. The show takes a nuanced and well-researched approach to its subject matter, presenting a balanced and thought-provoking account of one of the most significant periods in modern history.

Overall, Could Hitler Have Been Stopped? is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of World War II and the political and diplomatic decisions that shaped the course of the 20th century. With its combination of expert analysis, archival footage, and reconstructions, the show offers a compelling and informative insight into one of the most important questions of modern history.

Could Hitler Have Been Stopped? is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between April 4, 2022 and on BBC Select