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The Road to War E1 56 min

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.

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Battle Lines Drawn E2 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.

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First Blood E3 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.

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Britain Under Attack E4 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.

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Fighting Further Afield E5 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.

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On Land, in the Air and All at Sea E6 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.

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The Blitz, the Bismarck and Barbarossa E7 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.

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Russian Roulette E8 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.

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America at War E9 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.

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The Fall of Singapore E10 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.

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The Battle of Midway and Beyond E11 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.

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El Alamein to Stalingrad E12 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.

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The Tide Begins to Turn E13 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.

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Facing the Music E14 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.

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Resistance is Never Futile E15 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.

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Tentative Steps E16 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.

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New Challenges E17 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.

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Blueprint for Victory E18 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.

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D-Day at Last E19 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.

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Liberty, Equality and Fraternity E20 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.

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Onwards, Ever Onwards E21 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.

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The Race for Berlin E22 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.

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Churchill's Finest Hour E23 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.

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Brave New World E24 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.

World War II: Countdown to Victory poster

World War II: Countdown to Victory (2009)

10.0 (1) 1 Season 56m/ep 2009-01-01 GB

Tracking the main events of World War II is a truly fascinating experience, and with the help of remarkable archive footage you can literally see for yourself exactly what happened, and when. From the early battles right through to the complexities of the endgame, this extensive series of 24 programmes will help shine a spotlight on a period of history that should never be forgotten. Each episode spans a few months of the conflict, giving the viewer an incredible level of detail into each and every event. From Adolf Hitler marching his troops into Poland on the 1st of September 1939 to the freezing attacks along the Eastern Front; The sweeping Pacific Naval clashes to that fateful day on the 2nd of September 1945 when World War II was brought to a swift end with the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Genres: Documentary

Stars: Liam Dale