Rise of the Nazis
How did 20th Century Europe's most liberal democracy fall into the hands of fascists? From Hitler's political scheming that turned Germany's parliament into a House of Cards, his War on Truth leading to book burning, and his scapegoating of minorities, this series explores in extraordinary detail the events leading up to the outbreak of World War II.
Seasons
1. Politics
Air Date: 2019-09-02
Delving into the corridors of power where Germany’s top political mastermind sees an opportunity to use the popularity of the Nazis for his own ends.
2. The First Six Months in Power
Air Date: 2019-09-09
It is 1933 and Adolf Hitler is the chancellor of Germany, but he does not have absolute power as there is still a democratic parliament, a head of state and the rule of law. Hitler calls a general election to increase Nazi representation, but a fire in the Reichstag building is blamed on communists – prompting thousands of arrests of left-wingers. Hitler then calls on President von Hindenburg to act and a decree is passed giving the Nazis emergency powers to ban free speech and the right to protest.
3. Night of the Long Knives
Air Date: 2019-09-16
Hitler has suspended democracy and is bringing all of Germany under Nazi control. But to gain absolute power and control of Germany's military, Hitler must be named successor to the ageing President Hindenburg before he dies.
1. Barbarossa
Air Date: 2022-02-14
At the peak of his power, Hitler now faces fellow ruthless dictator Stalin.
2. Stalingrad
Air Date: 2022-02-21
The Nazis have lost in Moscow. Hitler and Stalin take charge of their armies - with no-one to hold them back. In Stalin, Hitler has met his match - it's now a fight to the death.
3. The Home Front
Air Date: 2022-02-28
Facing defeat on the Eastern Front, Hitler retreats. Deep rifts emerge, and his inner circle vies for power. The resistance gets a student voice, and an enemy within plots to kill Hitler.
1. Who Will Betray Him?
Air Date: 2022-10-10
In the winter of 1944, Germany is losing the war on all fronts, but Hitler refuses to contemplate surrender. Instead, he calls leading military generals to a secret location and orders them to start preparing a massive surprise attack against the Western Allies as part of his policy of total war. It's an attack he believes will finally break them.
2. Hitler's Birthday
Air Date: 2022-10-10
At the end of March 1945, Nazi Germany is on the brink of collapse, and with Berlin under daily bombardment, Hitler has permanently retreated to his bunker.
3. Into the Abyss
Air Date: 2022-10-10
In April 1945, most of Germany is occupied by invading Allied forces. As the Soviets near Hitler's hiding places, the Nazi regime starts to disintegrate.
1. Most Wanted
Air Date: 2023-09-19
In the immediate aftermath of World War II, as the Allies uncover the scale of the Holocaust, the hunt is on to capture and convict the highest-ranking Nazis.
2. The Ratline
Air Date: 2023-09-26
As the Cold War escalates, most Nazi hunting is abandoned. Suddenly, Nazis are able to return to normal life or find refuge overseas. Thousands begin new lives in South America.
3. The Reckoning
Air Date: 2023-10-03
In the 1960s and 70s, WW2 is a distant memory, but a few diehards are determined to hunt down thousands of Nazi war criminals, some of whom are living in plain sight.
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Rating
7.4/10
Release Date
2019-09-02
Episodes
12 (4 seasons)
Status
Returning Series
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
BBC
72 Films