World War II: Countdown to Victory Season 1, Episode 1: The Road to War

1

The Road to War

When Adolf Hitler's troops invaded Poland in September 1939, war in Europe looked unavoidable. The start of a fascinating 24-part series charting key events of WWII.

56 min

2

Battle Lines Drawn

Everything you wanted to know about WWII. In early 1940, Britain faced up to the prospect of rationing and Hitler prepared for full-scale invasion of Scandinavia.

56 min

3

First Blood

Blood, toil, tears and sweat: the story of WWII. Winston Churchill's first task as incoming Prime Minister in May 1940 was the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk.

56 min

4

Britain Under Attack

A thorough guide to the deadliest conflict in history. With much of Europe under his power, Hitler's advance continued west - resulting in the Battle of Britain.

56 min

5

Fighting Further Afield

An in-depth guide to WWII. As 1940 drew to a close, Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Italy and Germany. Nightly bombing raids decimated British cities.

56 min

6

On Land, in the Air and All at Sea

This captivating WWII retrospective focuses on early 1941, as the Luftwaffe continued to bomb Britain and the Afrika Korps blossomed under Rommel.

56 min

7

The Blitz, the Bismarck and Barbarossa

After failing to conquer Britain by 1941, Hitler switched his focus to Russia. Incredible archive footage brings the realities of war to life.

56 min

8

Russian Roulette

The Siege of Leningrad began in September 1941, but the Red Army refused to give in easily. Find out how they used the bleak Soviet winter to their advantage.

56 min

9

America at War

This epic account of WWII is a must-see for history buffs. As Germany fought Russia in the east, Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor crucially brought the US into the war.

56 min

10

The Fall of Singapore

As the US Army arrived in Britain in 1942, Japan strengthened their position in the Pacific with the capture of Singapore. An epic, blow-by-blow guide to WWII.

56 min

11

The Battle of Midway and Beyond

Vivid memories of WWII. The US struck key victories over Japan in two naval battles. Britain came under heavy fire once again in the Baedeker Raids.

56 min

12

El Alamein to Stalingrad

The turbulent story of WWII. Hear how the arrival of top general Bernard Montgomery in mid-1942 marked a change of fortunes for the Allies in North Africa.

56 min

13

The Tide Begins to Turn

The definitive guide to WWII. As 1942 drew to a close, the Allies were making real headway: the British on top in North Africa and the US dominating Japan.

56 min

14

Facing the Music

Experience the heroism and horror of war in this compelling series. The 6th Army surrender at Stalingrad in early 1943 and the RAF target German cities from the sky.

56 min

15

Resistance is Never Futile

In May 1943, the RAF carried out the renowned Dambusters raid, which disrupted water and electricity supplies in a key area for the manufacture of Germany's munitions.

56 min

16

Tentative Steps

Discover the triumph and tragedy of World War II. After their success in North Africa, the Allies returned to action in occupied Europe and began the fight for Italy.

56 min

17

New Challenges

Epic history series. With the Axis under the cosh by late 1943, the Big Three - Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill - met at the Tehran Conference to plan their next move.

56 min

18

Blueprint for Victory

Reflections on when the world went to war. In early 1944, the Allies prepared for the invasion of German-occupied Europe under US general Dwight D Eisenhower.

56 min

19

D-Day at Last

The D-Day landings of 1944 resulted in a huge victory for the Allies, with their sheer numbers and element of surprise catching Germany on the hop. Watch to learn more.

56 min

20

Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

The ultimate guide to WWII. As a jubilant France was liberated by the Allies, German officer Claus von Stauffenberg made an attempt on Hitler's life.

56 min

21

Onwards, Ever Onwards

The complete guide to WWII. Hear how the Nazis managed to inflict heavy US casualties at the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, despite their terrible position.

56 min

22

The Race for Berlin

The key events of the most destructive war in history. Hear how the endgame was in sight by early 1945, with Allied forces advancing on Germany from both sides.

56 min

23

Churchill's Finest Hour

Relive the pivotal moments of WWII. The war in Europe finally climaxes as the Allies enter Berlin and Hitler commits suicide, sparking VE Day celebrations.

56 min

24

Brave New World

In August 1945, President Truman decided to end the war swiftly and take the controversial step of dropping two atomic bombs on Japan. Relive the shocking resolution.

56 min