Watch The Homefront

The Homefront is a groundbreaking, four-part documentary series produced by PBS in 2015 that explores the impact of America's involvement in World War II on the lives of everyday Americans on the home front. Through interviews with historians, journalists, and surviving veterans and their families, the series provides a vivid and powerful portrait of the social, cultural, and economic changes that occurred during this tumultuous period in American history.

The series is divided into four episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of the war's impact on American life. Episode one, "A Call to Arms," explores the deep divisions that existed in American society in the lead-up to the war and the difficult choices that families faced when deciding whether to join the fight or stay at home. The episode examines the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion and the government's efforts to mobilize the industrial sector for the war effort.

Episode two, "The Cost of War," delves into the economic and social costs of the war on the home front. The episode examines the challenges faced by families who had to ration food, fuel, and other essential resources and the impact of inflation and scarcity on the American workforce. Through interviews with veterans who returned home with physical and emotional wounds, the episode highlights the human cost of the war and the difficulties faced by those who tried to reintegrate into civilian life.

In episode three, "The Battlefront and the Home Front," the series shifts its focus to the experiences of African Americans, women, and other marginalized groups during the war. The episode explores the role of African American soldiers and workers in the war effort and the ways in which the war challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for greater social and political equality. The episode also examines the internment of Japanese Americans and the impact of the war on Native American communities.

The final episode of the series, "Endgame," explores the aftermath of the war and the ways in which the conflict reshaped American society and culture. The episode examines the political and social changes that occurred in the postwar period, including the rise of the civil rights movement and the emergence of a new consumer culture. Through interviews with veterans and their families, the episode also explores the lasting emotional impact of the war and the ways in which American identity and patriotism were transformed by the experience of fighting a global conflict.

Overall, The Homefront is a powerful and engaging documentary series that offers a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the impact of World War II on American life. Through its insightful analysis and moving personal stories, the series illuminates the ways in which the war transformed American society and culture and left an indelible mark on the lives of millions of people. For anyone interested in the history of the United States or the second world war, The Homefront is an essential watch.

The Homefront is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between May 25, 2015 and on PBS