Channel 4 Learning


Learning Programme Notes - History

THE WAR OF THE WORLD

PROGRAMME 4: 'A TAINTED VICTORY'

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00.00 – 04.57

An introduction by Niall Ferguson. We see how, by 1942, Germany and Japan had control of vast areas of Europe and Asia.

04.58 – 10.30

In Kursk, Central Russia, Niall begins the story of the huge-scale battle between Germany and Russia in 1943.

10.31 – 16.24

Film footage illustrates how this battle progressed, employing sophisticated weaponry, including thousands of tanks.

16.25 – 22.57

Visiting Okinawa, Japan, Niall describes the Japanese soldiers' culture of sacrifice and honour, and their extreme violence as they invaded and controlled more and more of Asia and the Pacific.

22.58 – 25.03

We see an amazing image from the cover of an American magazine in 1944, and learn how Americans adopted the same core ideas as the Japanese, with atrocities on both sides.

25.04 – 29.17

We are shown images of the bombing of Dresden.

29.18 – 30.54

The Axis powers stepped up their levels of violence as their defeat became more and more inevitable.

30.55 – 33.39

We see how the bombing of enemy towns by the allies was justified, with footage of 'Bomber' Harris.

33.40 – 35.51

We learn of the fate of the German Jew, Victor Klemperer.

35.52 – 39.47

Using images of Dresden and Hiroshima, Niall questions the moral cost of the bombing policy.

39.48 – 44.13

Looking at some of the actions of the Allies, especially the Soviets, Niall questions the sanctimonious attitude the Allies had towards the actions of the Axis powers.

44.14 – 46.44

Looking back at the violent actions of all parties, Niall calls the end of the war 'a tainted Victory'.

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