World War II: Countdown to Victory

The key events of the Second World War.

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  1.The Road to War

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  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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  2.Battle Lines Drawn

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  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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  3.First Blood

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  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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  4.Britain Under Attack

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  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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  5.Fighting Further Afield

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

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  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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  7.The Blitz, the Bismarck and Barbarossa

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  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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  8.Russian Roulette

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  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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  9.America at War

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  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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  10.The Fall of Singapore

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  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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  11.The Battle of Midway and Beyond

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  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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  12.El Alamein to Stalingrad

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  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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  13.The Tide Begins to Turn

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  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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  14.Facing the Music

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  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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  15.Resistance is Never Futile

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  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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  16.Tentative Steps

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  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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  17.New Challenges

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  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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  18.Blueprint for Victory

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  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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  19.D-Day at Last

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  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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  20.Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

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  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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  21.Onwards, Ever Onwards

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  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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  22.The Race for Berlin

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  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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  23.Churchill's Finest Hour

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  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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  24.Brave New World

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  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.