Watch The Last Days of World War II

The Last Days of World War II is a compelling documentary series from History that offers a thorough and insightful look at the final days of the deadliest conflict in human history. Produced in 1995, the show is a mix of archive footage, interviews, and expert analysis that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the harrowing events that marked the end of World War II.

The series is divided into six hour-long episodes, each one focused on a different key moment of the war's last days. From the Battle of Berlin and the fall of Hitler to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the show covers all the major events that shaped the end of the war and set the stage for the post-war world.

The first episode sets the tone by exploring the final days of Hitler's "Thousand-Year Reich." Through a combination of historical footage and expert interviews, the show detailing the chaos and confusion that engulfed Germany as the Allies closed in on Berlin. We see the desperate and often futile efforts of the Nazi leadership to rally their troops and repel the invaders, and we witness the collapse of the Third Reich and Hitler's suicide in his bunker.

The second episode focuses on the Pacific theater, specifically the final weeks of the war as it played out on the Japanese islands. The episode provides a detailed account of the American campaign to capture Okinawa and the fierce resistance put up by the Japanese defenders. The show's experts explain the devastating impact of the battle on both sides and the catastrophic loss of life that accompanied the American victory.

The third episode turns to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The show uses archive footage and expert accounts to recreate the events leading up to the bombings and the immediate aftermath. It offers a sobering reminder of the terrible human toll of these devastating attacks and the moral questions they raised.

The fourth episode focuses on the often-overlooked role of the Soviet Union in the final days of the war. Through archival footage and interviews with historians, we learn about the Red Army's brutal assault on Berlin and the subsequent division of Germany and Europe into two opposing spheres of influence.

The fifth episode takes a look at the end of the Pacific war and the impact of Japan's surrender on the world. The show examines the complex negotiations and diplomatic maneuverings that led to Japan's capitulation and the subsequent occupation of the country by American forces. It also explores the bitter legacy of the war in the Pacific and the still-present tensions between Japan, the United States, and other Asian nations.

The final episode offers a broader perspective on the end of the war and its significance for the world. The show looks at the creation of the United Nations, the beginning of the Cold War, and the post-war reconstruction efforts that transformed Europe and Japan. The episode also considers the legacy of World War II for the modern world and the ongoing debates over the causes and consequences of the conflict.

Overall, The Last Days of World War II is a masterful documentary series that offers an in-depth and multi-perspective look at one of the most significant events in human history. The show's expert commentary, vivid archival footage, and gripping storytelling make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the war and its aftermath.