TELEVISION
About
Who were the unsung heroes of the European Theater of World War II? In this fascinating series, look beyond the epic battles and military strategy to meet some of the ordinary people who made an extraordinary impact on the defining conflict of the 20th century.
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Episodes
1. Andrée de Jongh and the Resistance
26m
When the Germans began their lightning-quick invasions across Europe, many ordinary citizens were stunned. Others, however, stood up to fight back. In this first episode, meet Dedee de Jongh, a 23-year-old nurse who built an escape line through Belgium and France to rescue stranded British airmen. Witness her courage and ingenuity.
2. The Tory Rebels Who Helped Save England
30m
In hindsight, it may appear inevitable that Winston Churchill would take command of the British and lead them into victory. At the time, however, it seemed unthinkable that the powerful Neville Chamberlain would step down. See how a few brave politicians orchestrated one of the most striking political transitions in history.
3. Victor de Laveleye and V for Victory
30m
History is filled with ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things. As an Olympic athlete, Victor de Laveleye was not your ordinary man, yet there was no reason to think he would come up with one of the most popular symbols in the war, helping to buoy spirits and wage psychological warfare against the Germans. Uncover the story of the V for Victory campaign.
4. Wilhelmina and Haakon: Royalty Fight Back
30m
When the Germans invaded the Netherlands and Norway, Adolph Hitler wanted to secure not only the land, but also the leadership of these nations. In this episode, Professor Olson shows you the wrenching decisions and harrowing escapes of Queen Wilhelmina and King Haakon, and how these royal figures fought the war from Britain.
5. Polish Pilots and the Battle of Britain
31m
The RAF's air battle to defend Britain from Germany in 1940 is one of the most iconic (and dangerous) periods in the war. Few people know that roughly 20% of the RAF was comprised of non-British pilots. Here, witness the stunning courage and successful maneuvers of Polish fighter pilots who saved the day.
6. Wendell Willkie: "A Godsend to This Country"
32m
It might seem impossible, today, to discover a politician willing to sabotage his own presidential campaign for the good of the country, but that is exactly what Wendell Willkie did in his 1940 run against President Roosevelt. See why he went against his own party and supported FDR's plans to help Britain.
7. The Earl of Suffolk and Heavy Water
32m
Despite his comically aristocratic name, Charles Henry George Howard, the 20th Earl of Suffolk, was a swashbuckling, unshaven, dark-haired Englishman who seemed unlikely to be responsible for the future of the free world. See how he smuggled French scientists to England and foiled Nazi efforts to obtain a nuclear bomb.
8. Marie-Madeleine Fourcade: Spymaster
30m
For years, the official history books suggested there were no women leaders of the Resistance in France, and even today the role of women is often underplayed. The story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade blows this theory out of the water. Meet this extraordinary woman and see how she led a massive spy ring throughout France.
9. John Winant and the Special Relationship
31m
Winston Churchill allegedly once said that you can always count on the Americans to do the right thing, but only after they have exhausted every other option. Until John Winant became the Ambassador to Great Britain in March 1941, the British were distraught by the Americans' lack of support. Trace the beginning of the special relationship between these two countries.
10. Marian Rejewski and Breaking Enigma
29m
The story behind the story is often more interesting than the dominant narrative. You likely have heard of the British codebreakers at Bletchley Park, whose Enigma machine helped win the war. Here, meet several Polish mathematicians who developed a prototype Enigma machine and broke much of the German code years before Bletchley Park.
Extended Details
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