Watch World War II

1939
1 Season
0.0 (8)

World War II from History is a documentary miniseries that delves into the many facets of the Second World War from a unique perspective. The series first aired on History channel in 2009 and comprises of 13 episodes, each focusing on a distinct topic related to the conflict.

The show takes viewers on a chronological journey through the war, starting with its roots in the Treaty of Versailles and following the course of events that led to the global conflagration. Each episode covers a specific period and location, such as the Battle of Britain, the Pacific Campaign, and the Eastern Front, among others. The series also examines major turning points in the war's history, including D-Day, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The episodes are structured around archival footage, interviews with historians and experts, and dramatic re-enactments. The archival footage ranges from government propaganda films to newsreels and battle footage. Meanwhile, the interviews provide context and analysis, with expert commentators offering their insights into the war and its far-reaching consequences. Actors portray notable figures from the era, such as Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, to bring key moments in the story to life.

Beyond its focus on military affairs, World War II from History also highlights many of the social and economic upheavals of the time. The series explores the role of women and minorities in the war effort, as well as the experiences of civilians caught in the crossfire. It delves into the impact the war had on industry and innovation, shedding light on the technological advancements made to aid the war effort.

Throughout the series, the producers maintain a sense of balance and objectivity, presenting a nuanced account of events rather than propagating a particular viewpoint. The series acknowledges the atrocities committed by the Axis powers and their leaders, as well as the brutality on both sides of the conflict. However, it also recognizes the bravery and sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike.

The show's visual and auditory elements are also noteworthy. The re-enactments serve to illustrate the events in a way that archival footage cannot, bringing viewers closer to the experience of being on the front lines. The soundtrack, composed by Emmy Award winner Gary Schreiner, is an evocative blend of classical, folk, and contemporary music that enhances the emotional resonance of the story.

Overall, World War II from History provides a comprehensive and engaging survey of one of the most significant events of the 20th century. With its combination of expert analysis, archival footage, and re-enactments, the series offers a multi-faceted view of the conflict, detailing the diplomatic, social, and military aspects of the war. The show is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the roots, causes, and consequences of the Second World War.

World War II is a series that ran for 1 seasons (15 episodes) between September 1, 1939 and on History

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Seasons

15. WWII: The Lost Color Archives -Triumph and Despair

The Allies' Operation Overlord is about to launch the largest amphibious assault ever attempted, in a bid to establish the beachhead on the French coast. Through new-found color film from the front, the landings on the beaches of Normandy are revealed in all their chaos, sacrifice and heroism.

14. WWII: The Lost Color Archives - Total War

In the European arena, amazing color footage records the lightning advance of German troops pushing toward Moscow and the inhuman conditions of the Warsaw ghetto.

13. WWII: The Lost Color Archives - A New World Order

The year is 1937. In the German heartland, a massive Nazi rally reveals the full-blown theater of pre-war passions being nurtured under Hitler's single-minded leadership.

12. America's Unsung Heroes of WWII: Swede Momsen - Submarine Savior & Peter Tompkins - The Spy Who Sparred With Hitler

On May 23, 1939, the crew of a sunken submarine was rescued from certain death by the heroic actions of Swede Momsen - operating alone in enemy territory. At the age of 23, American spy Peter Tompkins already had a price on his head. Dropped deep behind Nazi lines to spark a partisan uprising in Rome, he would help secure the vital Anzio beachhead and save tens of thousands of Allied lives during their drive to liberate Italy.

11. America's Unsung Heroes of WWII: Dateline Tarawa & Flag Raisers of Iwo Jima

The unknown combat journalists sent to communicate to Americans the vital importance of defeating the Japanese war machine. The unblinking reports they sent home still stand as some of the most extraordinary wartime accounts ever created. One of the most famous American flags ever flown was the one that six men lifted up on a mountain overlooking the blood-stained Pacific island of Iwo Jima.

10. America's Unsung Heroes of WWII: Rangers In Korea & Colonel David

Numbering a mere 600 or so men, these elite fighters accomplished deeds disproportionate to their numbers, penetrating deep into enemy territory on vital, top-secret missions of sabotage and spying. The Allies' hard-won success at the Bulge--and the ultimate outcome of the war in Europe--may have hinged on the heroism and skill of a little-known Colonel and the teenage combat engineers who halted Hitler's Panzer tank advance.

9. America's Unsung Heroes of WWII: Red Mike Edson & Roy Geiger

A Marine's Marine, Edson invented a new kind of high-mobility warfare that helped win some of America's earliest ground victories in the Pacific arena. Marine General Roy Geiger gained a reputation as an air combat leader when he rallied his outgunned, out-numbered Cactus Air Force against waves of Japanese Zeroes on Guadalcanal.

8. Great Escapes of WWII: Escape from the Oklahoma

Pearl Harbor survivors recall their 36 hour ordeal trapped in the sunken battleship Oklahoma, where 404 men drowned or suffocated.

7. Great Escapes of WWII: Escape from Dunkirk

Trapped on the coast by the German Army, an overwhelmed British force manages to escape destruction by crossing the English Channel.

6. Great Escapes of WWII: Escape from Arizona

The story of the largest escape from a U.S. WWII P.O.W. camp--a 25-man breakout lead by a resourceful German U-boat commander.

5. Great Escapes of WWII: The Great Escape

This fascinating program tells the complete account of the legendary escape, from the designs of "tunnel king" Wally Floody to the actual flight of 76 men in 1944.

4. Last Secrets of the Axis

Examine the remarkable historical confluence that led to the German-Japanese alliance and discover how one German geography professor played a key role. Also, learn about Japan's intent to unleash biological warfare on the California coast!

3. The Last Days of World War II: Spoils of War

The German army systematically looted every town it overcame in its sweep across Europe. By the end of the war, countless treasures had been hidden underground as a protection against air raids.

2. The Last Days of World War II: Save Our History - Letters from World War II

During WWII, the nation put pen to paper and billions of letters were shipped from home to the front line and back again. Letters full of the horror, longing, fear, and hope felt by sailors, airmen, marines, and soldiers. We open a few of the billions of envelopes, and share these letters, which are now precious historical documents.

1. The Last Days of World War II: Tales of the Gun - US Guns of WWII

An examination of the weapons that came through surf and snow, dense jungle and choking dust...the guns the American G.I. Though WWII introduced instruments that pierced the dark and weapons that released the power of the atom, the infantryman's guns were designed decades before; but in dependability they were unequaled.

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Where to Watch World War II

World War II is available for streaming on the History website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch World War II on demand at History Vault.