I recorded the first two episodes of the new Channel 5 documentary series World War II in Numbers. I would recommend it to anybody who is interested in understanding the big picture of WW2.
The series has prominent historians explaining the events and also the key numbers - e.g economic, men, aircraft, tanks and ships that are relevant to each event. Each episode is nearly two hours long. I have actually watched the first episode three times and found it really fascinating.
The first episode starts from the aftermath of WW1 and explains how the Wall Street Crash of 1929 destabilised many economies and set the scene for Japan to expand into China and for the rise of the Nazis in Germany. I had not realised how these events were linked. The program also examines the expansion of Germany into the (demilitarised) Rheinland, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. Chamberlain's decision for appeasement is shown to have been a way to gain time for Britain and France to rearm. The background to the invasion of Poland is also explained. Although Britain and France declared war on Germany, in September 1939, they did not actively support Poland in any meaningful sense. Russia and Germany split Poland between themselves by the end of the month. The episode goes on to cover the German invasion of Norway, the Soviet invasion of Finland. The program finishes with the invasion of Holland Belgium and France including Dunkirk and the French surrender at Versailles on 22nd June.
Mick
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April 26, 2024, 01:11:23 AM
