Ep 1. A New Germany: 1933 - 1939

The World At War is a documentary series that delves deep into the events of World War II. Its first episode, "A New Germany: 1933 - 1939," explores the rise of Nazi Germany and the factors that led to the outbreak of war.

The episode opens with a look at Germany following the end of World War I. The country was struggling economically, politically, and socially. The Treaty of Versailles had imposed harsh penalties on Germany, and the government was struggling to cope. Amidst this chaos, a young Adolf Hitler rose to power.

The documentary then examines the propaganda campaign that Hitler and the Nazi party used to gain support. They crafted a narrative that blamed Jews and other minorities for the woes of Germany, and promised to restore the country's greatness. They also used violence and intimidation to quell opposition and consolidate power.

As Hitler's grip on Germany tightened, the episode follows the country's military buildup and its increasing defiance of international treaties. Hitler's ambitions to expand Germany's territorial reach are explored, as well as the xenophobic ideology that drove these plans.

The episode also introduces key players of the time, such as British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who famously declared "peace in our time" after negotiating with Hitler. It shows how many saw Hitler's actions as those of a rational leader seeking to strengthen his nation, rather than the warning signs of an impending war.

Overall, "A New Germany: 1933 - 1939" gives viewers a comprehensive understanding of the rise of Nazi Germany and the conditions that led to the deadliest war in history. It shows how a combination of economic hardship, political instability, propaganda, and brute force allowed Hitler to gain ultimate power, and how the world failed to act in time to prevent the catastrophic consequences of his actions.