Ep 7. Sitzkrieg: The Phony War

In the seventh episode of Secrets of War season 1, titled "Sitzkrieg: The Phony War," viewers are taken back in time to the beginning of World War II. This episode delves into the period between September 1939 and April 1940, when the war had officially started but no major military action had yet taken place. This period became known as "The Phony War" because there was a lack of actual fighting, despite the fact that Germany had invaded Poland and Britain and France had declared war on Germany.

Through interviews with military historians and experts, as well as archival footage and reenactments, Secrets of War explores the political and military strategies of both the Allied and Axis powers during this time. Although there was no major fighting, there was still strategic planning and preparation happening on both sides. The episode looks at how the Allied powers were focused on building up their military and defenses, while the Axis powers were busy consolidating their gains in Europe.

One of the key events covered in this episode is Hitler's decision to invade Denmark and Norway. The reaction from the Allies was slow, giving Germany the opportunity to make significant gains in those countries. The episode also explores the naval clashes that occurred during this time, as Britain blockaded German ports and Germany attempted to disrupt British shipping.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the exploration of the psychological impact of The Phony War. Civilians in both Britain and Germany were living in a state of uncertainty, not knowing if or when the war would escalate to their cities. The episode looks at how propaganda was used in both countries to keep morale high and how this affected the perception of the war by the general population.

The episode also looks at the role of technology during The Phony War. Britain, in particular, was using the latest advancements in radar and radio communications to detect and intercept German planes. This technology would eventually play a crucial role in the Battle of Britain.

Overall, "Sitzkrieg: The Phony War" is an insightful episode of Secrets of War that sheds light on a little-discussed period of World War II. Through the use of historical footage, interviews, and reenactments, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the political and military strategies of the time, as well as the impact on civilians and technology. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II history.