Ep 2. Roosevelt, Truman and Wallace

In episode 2 of Oliver Stone's Untold History Of The United States, titled "Roosevelt, Truman and Wallace," the show delves into the pivotal moments of World War II era politics and decision-making. The episode follows the story of Henry Wallace, the Secretary of Agriculture under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and his efforts to promote a progressive agenda of peace and cooperation with the Soviet Union. Despite his popularity with the American people and his clear vision for a post-war world, Wallace's ideas conflicted with the interests of powerful military and business leaders who favored a more aggressive stance against the Soviet Union.

The episode covers the tense negotiations and battles that took place within the Roosevelt administration as the president's health began to deteriorate. With the threat of a German victory in Europe looming, the responsibility of leading the country fell to Vice President Harry S. Truman, a little-known senator from Missouri. Stone examines Truman's rise to power and the difficult decisions he faced as he became increasingly aware of the awesome power of the atomic bomb and the implications of using it against Japan to end the war.

The show also explores the controversial role of the Soviet Union in the war, debunking many of the myths and misconceptions perpetuated in mainstream American history. We see how the US government, the media, and Hollywood helped to create a powerful narrative of Soviet aggression and villainy, often at the expense of the truth. Stone shows how these distorted views of the Soviet Union contributed to the red scare and the subsequent McCarthy era, leading to years of political repression and witch hunts.

Overall, episode 2 of Oliver Stone's Untold History Of The United States offers a fresh and critical perspective on a crucial period in American history. The show challenges many of the accepted notions of the era, illuminating the complex motivations and forces at work behind the scenes. With its clear-eyed analysis and compelling storytelling, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the politics, history, and culture of the mid-twentieth century.