World War II
Unsinkable! Japan's Lost Battleship - YouTube (54:58)
Musashi was Japan's biggest battleship. It went down in its first battle at the Leyte Gulf and disappeared from history. Now a team lead by David Mearns looks to find the wreck. He used a variety of military records to determine where the ship went down. Will the expedition find the wreck of the Musashi? This documentary is a fascinating look at Battleship History as well as the science behind looking for shipwrecks. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Sinking the Hood - YouTube (53:19)
On May 24, 1941, the Hood was sunk by the Bismarck. There were only three survivors. The British public was shocked to hear that their flagship had sunk so quickly. There were two boards of inquiry to determine why the Hood sunk so quickly, but they were inconclusive. In 2012, there was an expedition to the wreck site to discover why the Hood sunk so quickly. It was also an expedition to recover the bell from the Hood. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Sinking the Tirpitz - YouTube (46:33)
This documentary is about the Dam Busters who sank the Tirpitz. It was the biggest and most dangerous battleship during World War II. To protect it, it was sent up to the Norwegian fjords. This is the story of the 617 bombing force. This documentary brings together the men who were part of that squadron that bombed Tirpitz. Additionally, crew members from the Tirpitz tell their stories. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Secrets of Hitler's Island Fortress - YouTube (54:53)
The Islands of Guernsey were the only part of the British Isles that was invaded by Hitler. In this documentary, historian Dan Snow talks with the residents of the Channel Islands to discover their unique wartime experience. Snow also visits sites that the Nazis build to protect their prize. This documentary is a fascinating tale about World War II. *Recommended for a history classroom, to use for clips and as well as for research purposes.*
Battle 360: Battle of Leyte Gulf - YouTube (54:53)
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the last great naval battle. The USS Enterprise took part in this battle. It also took place in the air and under the sea. There was nowhere to run nor nowhere to hide. The aircraft carrier’s mission was to scout the Philippine Sea for the Japanese Navy. Both the Musashi and Yamato battleships were going to take part in this battle. *This is a highly recommended documentary for both a World and American History Classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Battle 360 - Japanese Empire's Last Stand - YouTube (55:58)
The USS Enterprise is the most revered ship in the US Naval Fleet. She was the lead ship since Pearl Harbor. She saw all the high points of the Pacific War. She was known as Lucky E. As the war gets closer and closer to Japan, the Japanese get more desperate. They then target the Enterprise. Will, the Enterprise’s luck run out? What sort of weapon will the Japanese come up with to stop a potential invasion? *Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Hitler's Lost Battles - Episode 1 (51:37) Episode 2 (51:04)
It is July 1944, and the British Secret Service is putting a plan in place. Their goal was to assassinate Hitler. A man parachutes into Bavaria and he tracks down Hitler. However, the plan is abandoned. It has become clear that Hitler is the best way to defeat Germany. It has become clear that Hitler had made a series of blunders. When Britain had the chance to invade England, he pulled back allowing the army to rebuild. What other decisions did Hitler made that cost Germany the war? *This is a highly recommended documentary for a World History Classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Battle of the Bulge - YouTube (46:33)
It is December 1944 and the Germans launch an attack on the Ardennes Forest. This is the first step in what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge. The Americans are taken completely by surprise by the one last desperate attempt to turn the tides of war. The American forces push back against the German troops with tanks in the largest tank counterattack in all of World War II. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Leningrad - The Hero City - YouTube (51:59)
Leningrad was subjected to the longest siege in the history of war. The city was both bombed and shelled by the Nazis. The siege lasted nine hundred days and killed one million inhabitants. However, the city and its residents stood against the Nazi invasion. Leningrad defied the odds and its residents survived without electricity, sewage disposal, and food. How did they do it? How could they survive such an onslaught? *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Station X - YouTube (1:53:15)
Bletchley Park was Britain’s super secret headquarters for cracking German codes during World War II. Germany employed the Enigma machine and this was a machine that produced unbreakable codes. Against all the odds school boys, academics, and crossword fanatics worked to crack those codes. Once those codes were cracked Germany’s greatest weapon was turned into Germany’s greatest liability. This documentary is a first-hand account of what went on in Bletchley Park. *This is recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Women Who Made History - Sophie Scholl - YouTube (51:09)
Sophie Scholl was a woman who fought back against the Nazis during World War II. Her childhood was ordinary. She had two brothers and two sisters. Her father was the mayor of a small town. Eventually, the family moved and the family had only each other to rely on. As a child, she joined the Hitler Youth but would eventually she would turn against Hitler. What were the events that turned her against Hitler? Why did she turn against Hitler? *Highly recommended for a world history classroom and independent study students.*
Nancy Wake - YouTube (1:07:47)
Nancy Wake was the Allied Forces’ most daring spy. She was the Gestapo’s most wanted woman in World War II and was codenamed “The White Mouse.” She came from New Zealand and was a drop-dead gorgeous woman. She traveled to France and became a journalist. Nancy struck up many friendships with journalists who protected her as she reported. She enjoyed life in Paris and the Rivera. Nancy was a woman who knew what she wanted and how to get it. *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Leopoldville - YouTube (50:43)
An allied troop ship lies in ruins. It is here that nearly 800 American soldiers lost their lives. It is evidence of a forgotten tragedy. Secrecy and mystery surround this shipwreck. It sunk on Christmas Eve bringing over troops to France. Why did so many men die in this wreck? What were the mistakes that were made that delayed the rescue of these men? A new dive on the wreck reveals new details about the sinking. What went so horribly wrong on this wreck? *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Queen Mary and Curacoa - YouTube (51:52)
It is the height of World War II and the RMS Queen Mary has been converted into a troop ship. She is carrying US Troops to Europe to fight in the war. When she gets to the Irish Coast, she is met by the escort ships that will escort her through the Irish Seas. Unfortunately, Queen Mary rams one of her escort ships the Curacoa. The light cruiser sinks in six minutes and only ninety-nine sailors survived the shipwreck. What happened to cause this ramming? What will the wreck divers discover about the ramming? Who is to blame for this tragedy? *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Stealth Sub - YouTube (51:07)
In the English Channel off the Isle of Wright, 80 feet beneath the surface there is the wreck of the submarine. Although the English Channel was a busy area during World War II, there was no known submarine sinking in English History. The official history of the area shows that there were no submarine patrols. So why is this submarine there? What happened to it? The Deep Wreck Mystery crew is on the case. *HIGHLY Recommended for both a science and history class.*
D-Day - YouTube (53:54)
It was the early morning of December 6, 1944, and a group of ships were making their way for the beaches of Normandy. Many of these men did not know where they were going. On the French shore, nobody expected the invasion. It would have been an immense gable that could have cost the soldiers thousands of lives. What happened to prepare for D-Day behind the scenes? Who made what decisions? Who were the secret agents involved with the D-Day invasion? This documentary examines the unknown facts and stories behind the D-Day invasion. *Recommended for a history class.*
The Outbreak of World War II - The First Victim (48:17) The First Day (48:12)
Poland fell under the Nazi Blitzkrieg which would start World War II. This attack would last for six weeks. However, its consequences for Poland would be devastating. Poland would endure the harshest conditions under the Nazi regime. The governor of Poland Hans Frank would have the power of life and death over the Polish people. He would rule Poland with brutality and would eventually come to justice for his crimes. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
Nazi Secrets - YouTube (46:53)
Hitler unleashed some of the most terrifying weapons on the sea. These weapons were lost to sea. Imagine if you were draining the seas to learn more about these weapons. This episode looks at several different wrecks. How close did Hitler come to building an atomic bomb? Was the pride of Australia sunk by a German secret weapon? How did the Nazis invent a nearly invisible sub? Using the latest in technology these wrecks are scanned and examined to learn more about those Nazi secrets. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
Hunt for U-479 - YouTube (55:50)
There are 50,000 shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea. It has unique environmental conditions that help preserve the shipwrecks. It is considered a treasure trove of history. During World War II, the Soviets and the Nazis were fighting for control of the Baltic Sea. The biggest disaster took place in the Baltic Sea. The Wilhelm Gustloff was sunk in the sea and took 9,000 souls. A dive team is assembled to tell this story among others from World War II. *Not recommended for a history class or for research purposes.*
Leningrad - YouTube (49:51)
Hitler decided to invade Russia and by 1941, Leningrad was completely surrounded. Hitler expected that the invasion would be quick and that the Russians would surrender quickly. However that was not what would happen. The Germans would lay siege to the city for 872 days. One and a half million people would die from starvation or from the German artillery bombardment. It was one of the costliest sieges in history. *Not recommended for a history class or for research purposes.*
Demon Doctors - YouTube (44:13)
Under the name of Dr. Eugene, Marcel Petoit worked to gain the trust of refugees who were hiding in France during World War II. He offered to help these refugees out of the country. However, once they entered the house they were robbed and murdered. It was proven that he had killed at least 27 people. A whole family was counted among his victims. So what prompted this crime spree? How was this murderer caught. *Nor recommended for a history class.*
Screaming Eagles - YouTube (53:58)
The Screaming Eagles were an integral part of the allied strategy during World War II. They were the ones who would parachute into enemy territory and take down targets before the main army arrived. Their training forged them together into a tight-knit fighting force. These soldiers were the first soldiers to land in Normandy and would have a huge impact on turning the war into the Allies favor. *HIGHLY recommended for both a history class, independent study students as well as for research purposes.*
Red Devils - YouTube (50:30)
It was a unit known as the Red Devils. The First Airborne was an elite fighting force in World War II. There was a similar unit in the German military that inspired its creation. These were paratroopers for the British military. They were known to be physically fit and were going to be an elite regiment. The First Airborne would become one of the bravest units of World War II. *HIGHLY recommended for both a history class, independent study students as well as for research purposes.*
World War II in Numbers
World War II in Numbers - Episode 1 The War of the World - YouTube (45:05)
A forty-four-year man was shot and killed. He was stuck in a German uniform and dropped into a Polish radio station. This death would be the catalyst for World War II. It was the first truly global war in history. It was a war driven by numbers. It was a war that had its roots in a treaty. A treaty that would cause disillusionment and despair. However, it was hoped that such a global war would never happen. What were the numbers behind World War II? *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 2 Lightning War - YouTube (45:26)
A group of men snuck across the Polish border. Their job was to seize a railroad junction in the mountains. This was going to be the first step in invading Poland. However, the attack was delayed and the Polish guards caught these men. Hitler denied everything about their plans and the Polish government believed. However, five days later the Nazis invaded Germany and after the invasion started, the Polish army blew up the railroad depot. *Good for independent study students, just skip this episode in a history class.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 3 Backs to the Wall - YouTube (45:02)
Britain evacuated thousands of troops from Dunkirk and was now squarely the target of the enemy. Adolf Hitler was planning a full-scale invasion of Britain. Once the British were defeated, he would turn his eyes to Russia. However, his plans hinged on the Germans achieving air superiority. Unfortunately for Hitler, the Brits had other plans for the battle of the air. How did the Royal Air Force manage to defeat the German Air Force in the skies? *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 4 Global War - YouTube (44:57)
United States President Roosevelt is running for an unprecedented third term in office. America entering World War II seems inevitable. However, the US public does not want to enter a war. However, there are forces swirling around that make the United States entering the war seem inevitable. Things change when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. By attacking Pearl Harbor, the course of the war was changed. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 5 The Road to Stalingrad - YouTube (44:44)
The Siege of Leningrad occurred in September 1941. The German Army was going to target Leningrad. It was the place where the Russian Revolution so it would have been a symbolic victory for the Germans. However, they had no money nor the strength to take the city. Instead, he would starve the city to death. The citizens could not leave the city and the German Army had no interest in saving the civilians. The Siege of Leningrad was the longest siege in history. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 6 Leviathan Strikes Back - YouTube (45:25)
Pearl Harbor has been attacked and the Japanese Admiral feared that they had awakened a sleeping giant. Admiral Yamamoto predicted that the Japanese would have success in the Pacific for the first six months but if the war went longer than he expected nothing. He had lived in the United States and had some insights into what America was. Admiral Yamamoto’s predictions came true. How did the United States turn around its defeat? *This is a highly recommended documentary for both a world history and American history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 7 The Allies Strike Back - YouTube (45:07)
Allied ships are heading towards the French coast. They had quietly been building up their strength and will be landing on French beaches. The Royal Air Force is keeping the Luftwaffe at bay. Unfortunately, this invasion is a disaster. Sixty percent of the soldiers die in this invasion. It is not June 1944, it is August 1942. What happened was a test to see how hard it was going to be to land in France. The Soviets have the Nazis on the run and they meet again at the Battle of Kursk. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 8 Twilight of the Axis - YouTube (45:57)
March 1945, Hitler issued one of the most chilling orders of his regime. He gave the order to destroy everything that could help the enemy. Germany would have been totally destroyed by the order. The German commanders ignored the order. Why would Hitler order such a thing? In his mind, if Germany was defeated then they were the weaker nation and should not survive. On the other side of the world, the Japanese were willing to fight to the last man. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Wilhelm Gustloff
World's Deadliest Sea Disaster - Video No Longer Available
The Wilhelm Gustloff was a ship that was sunk in the Baltic towards the end of World War II, taking with her 10,000+ souls. It was the deadliest shipwreck in history. The survivors come together to tell their survival story. This can also be used in a computer science class as they determined the number of people who died in the wreck by using computer simulations. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Sea of Death - YouTube (51:37)
Sea of Death is about the expedition to the wreckage of three ships that were sunk at the end of World War II killing over 20,000 refugees from the Soviets. The Goya, Wilhelm Gustloff, and General von Stueben were all sunk by Soviet Submarines, taking with them over 20,000 refugees. The story of these ships sinking was lost in the chaos of the war’s end. Now this expedition is mapping those wrecks. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Musashi was Japan's biggest battleship. It went down in its first battle at the Leyte Gulf and disappeared from history. Now a team lead by David Mearns looks to find the wreck. He used a variety of military records to determine where the ship went down. Will the expedition find the wreck of the Musashi? This documentary is a fascinating look at Battleship History as well as the science behind looking for shipwrecks. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Sinking the Hood - YouTube (53:19)
On May 24, 1941, the Hood was sunk by the Bismarck. There were only three survivors. The British public was shocked to hear that their flagship had sunk so quickly. There were two boards of inquiry to determine why the Hood sunk so quickly, but they were inconclusive. In 2012, there was an expedition to the wreck site to discover why the Hood sunk so quickly. It was also an expedition to recover the bell from the Hood. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Sinking the Tirpitz - YouTube (46:33)
This documentary is about the Dam Busters who sank the Tirpitz. It was the biggest and most dangerous battleship during World War II. To protect it, it was sent up to the Norwegian fjords. This is the story of the 617 bombing force. This documentary brings together the men who were part of that squadron that bombed Tirpitz. Additionally, crew members from the Tirpitz tell their stories. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Secrets of Hitler's Island Fortress - YouTube (54:53)
The Islands of Guernsey were the only part of the British Isles that was invaded by Hitler. In this documentary, historian Dan Snow talks with the residents of the Channel Islands to discover their unique wartime experience. Snow also visits sites that the Nazis build to protect their prize. This documentary is a fascinating tale about World War II. *Recommended for a history classroom, to use for clips and as well as for research purposes.*
Battle 360: Battle of Leyte Gulf - YouTube (54:53)
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the last great naval battle. The USS Enterprise took part in this battle. It also took place in the air and under the sea. There was nowhere to run nor nowhere to hide. The aircraft carrier’s mission was to scout the Philippine Sea for the Japanese Navy. Both the Musashi and Yamato battleships were going to take part in this battle. *This is a highly recommended documentary for both a World and American History Classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Battle 360 - Japanese Empire's Last Stand - YouTube (55:58)
The USS Enterprise is the most revered ship in the US Naval Fleet. She was the lead ship since Pearl Harbor. She saw all the high points of the Pacific War. She was known as Lucky E. As the war gets closer and closer to Japan, the Japanese get more desperate. They then target the Enterprise. Will, the Enterprise’s luck run out? What sort of weapon will the Japanese come up with to stop a potential invasion? *Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Hitler's Lost Battles - Episode 1 (51:37) Episode 2 (51:04)
It is July 1944, and the British Secret Service is putting a plan in place. Their goal was to assassinate Hitler. A man parachutes into Bavaria and he tracks down Hitler. However, the plan is abandoned. It has become clear that Hitler is the best way to defeat Germany. It has become clear that Hitler had made a series of blunders. When Britain had the chance to invade England, he pulled back allowing the army to rebuild. What other decisions did Hitler made that cost Germany the war? *This is a highly recommended documentary for a World History Classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Battle of the Bulge - YouTube (46:33)
It is December 1944 and the Germans launch an attack on the Ardennes Forest. This is the first step in what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge. The Americans are taken completely by surprise by the one last desperate attempt to turn the tides of war. The American forces push back against the German troops with tanks in the largest tank counterattack in all of World War II. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Leningrad - The Hero City - YouTube (51:59)
Leningrad was subjected to the longest siege in the history of war. The city was both bombed and shelled by the Nazis. The siege lasted nine hundred days and killed one million inhabitants. However, the city and its residents stood against the Nazi invasion. Leningrad defied the odds and its residents survived without electricity, sewage disposal, and food. How did they do it? How could they survive such an onslaught? *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Station X - YouTube (1:53:15)
Bletchley Park was Britain’s super secret headquarters for cracking German codes during World War II. Germany employed the Enigma machine and this was a machine that produced unbreakable codes. Against all the odds school boys, academics, and crossword fanatics worked to crack those codes. Once those codes were cracked Germany’s greatest weapon was turned into Germany’s greatest liability. This documentary is a first-hand account of what went on in Bletchley Park. *This is recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Women Who Made History - Sophie Scholl - YouTube (51:09)
Sophie Scholl was a woman who fought back against the Nazis during World War II. Her childhood was ordinary. She had two brothers and two sisters. Her father was the mayor of a small town. Eventually, the family moved and the family had only each other to rely on. As a child, she joined the Hitler Youth but would eventually she would turn against Hitler. What were the events that turned her against Hitler? Why did she turn against Hitler? *Highly recommended for a world history classroom and independent study students.*
Nancy Wake - YouTube (1:07:47)
Nancy Wake was the Allied Forces’ most daring spy. She was the Gestapo’s most wanted woman in World War II and was codenamed “The White Mouse.” She came from New Zealand and was a drop-dead gorgeous woman. She traveled to France and became a journalist. Nancy struck up many friendships with journalists who protected her as she reported. She enjoyed life in Paris and the Rivera. Nancy was a woman who knew what she wanted and how to get it. *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Leopoldville - YouTube (50:43)
An allied troop ship lies in ruins. It is here that nearly 800 American soldiers lost their lives. It is evidence of a forgotten tragedy. Secrecy and mystery surround this shipwreck. It sunk on Christmas Eve bringing over troops to France. Why did so many men die in this wreck? What were the mistakes that were made that delayed the rescue of these men? A new dive on the wreck reveals new details about the sinking. What went so horribly wrong on this wreck? *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Queen Mary and Curacoa - YouTube (51:52)
It is the height of World War II and the RMS Queen Mary has been converted into a troop ship. She is carrying US Troops to Europe to fight in the war. When she gets to the Irish Coast, she is met by the escort ships that will escort her through the Irish Seas. Unfortunately, Queen Mary rams one of her escort ships the Curacoa. The light cruiser sinks in six minutes and only ninety-nine sailors survived the shipwreck. What happened to cause this ramming? What will the wreck divers discover about the ramming? Who is to blame for this tragedy? *Recommended for a history classroom and independent study students.*
Stealth Sub - YouTube (51:07)
In the English Channel off the Isle of Wright, 80 feet beneath the surface there is the wreck of the submarine. Although the English Channel was a busy area during World War II, there was no known submarine sinking in English History. The official history of the area shows that there were no submarine patrols. So why is this submarine there? What happened to it? The Deep Wreck Mystery crew is on the case. *HIGHLY Recommended for both a science and history class.*
D-Day - YouTube (53:54)
It was the early morning of December 6, 1944, and a group of ships were making their way for the beaches of Normandy. Many of these men did not know where they were going. On the French shore, nobody expected the invasion. It would have been an immense gable that could have cost the soldiers thousands of lives. What happened to prepare for D-Day behind the scenes? Who made what decisions? Who were the secret agents involved with the D-Day invasion? This documentary examines the unknown facts and stories behind the D-Day invasion. *Recommended for a history class.*
The Outbreak of World War II - The First Victim (48:17) The First Day (48:12)
Poland fell under the Nazi Blitzkrieg which would start World War II. This attack would last for six weeks. However, its consequences for Poland would be devastating. Poland would endure the harshest conditions under the Nazi regime. The governor of Poland Hans Frank would have the power of life and death over the Polish people. He would rule Poland with brutality and would eventually come to justice for his crimes. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
Nazi Secrets - YouTube (46:53)
Hitler unleashed some of the most terrifying weapons on the sea. These weapons were lost to sea. Imagine if you were draining the seas to learn more about these weapons. This episode looks at several different wrecks. How close did Hitler come to building an atomic bomb? Was the pride of Australia sunk by a German secret weapon? How did the Nazis invent a nearly invisible sub? Using the latest in technology these wrecks are scanned and examined to learn more about those Nazi secrets. *Highly recommended for a history class.*
Hunt for U-479 - YouTube (55:50)
There are 50,000 shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea. It has unique environmental conditions that help preserve the shipwrecks. It is considered a treasure trove of history. During World War II, the Soviets and the Nazis were fighting for control of the Baltic Sea. The biggest disaster took place in the Baltic Sea. The Wilhelm Gustloff was sunk in the sea and took 9,000 souls. A dive team is assembled to tell this story among others from World War II. *Not recommended for a history class or for research purposes.*
Leningrad - YouTube (49:51)
Hitler decided to invade Russia and by 1941, Leningrad was completely surrounded. Hitler expected that the invasion would be quick and that the Russians would surrender quickly. However that was not what would happen. The Germans would lay siege to the city for 872 days. One and a half million people would die from starvation or from the German artillery bombardment. It was one of the costliest sieges in history. *Not recommended for a history class or for research purposes.*
Demon Doctors - YouTube (44:13)
Under the name of Dr. Eugene, Marcel Petoit worked to gain the trust of refugees who were hiding in France during World War II. He offered to help these refugees out of the country. However, once they entered the house they were robbed and murdered. It was proven that he had killed at least 27 people. A whole family was counted among his victims. So what prompted this crime spree? How was this murderer caught. *Nor recommended for a history class.*
Screaming Eagles - YouTube (53:58)
The Screaming Eagles were an integral part of the allied strategy during World War II. They were the ones who would parachute into enemy territory and take down targets before the main army arrived. Their training forged them together into a tight-knit fighting force. These soldiers were the first soldiers to land in Normandy and would have a huge impact on turning the war into the Allies favor. *HIGHLY recommended for both a history class, independent study students as well as for research purposes.*
Red Devils - YouTube (50:30)
It was a unit known as the Red Devils. The First Airborne was an elite fighting force in World War II. There was a similar unit in the German military that inspired its creation. These were paratroopers for the British military. They were known to be physically fit and were going to be an elite regiment. The First Airborne would become one of the bravest units of World War II. *HIGHLY recommended for both a history class, independent study students as well as for research purposes.*
World War II in Numbers
World War II in Numbers - Episode 1 The War of the World - YouTube (45:05)
A forty-four-year man was shot and killed. He was stuck in a German uniform and dropped into a Polish radio station. This death would be the catalyst for World War II. It was the first truly global war in history. It was a war driven by numbers. It was a war that had its roots in a treaty. A treaty that would cause disillusionment and despair. However, it was hoped that such a global war would never happen. What were the numbers behind World War II? *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 2 Lightning War - YouTube (45:26)
A group of men snuck across the Polish border. Their job was to seize a railroad junction in the mountains. This was going to be the first step in invading Poland. However, the attack was delayed and the Polish guards caught these men. Hitler denied everything about their plans and the Polish government believed. However, five days later the Nazis invaded Germany and after the invasion started, the Polish army blew up the railroad depot. *Good for independent study students, just skip this episode in a history class.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 3 Backs to the Wall - YouTube (45:02)
Britain evacuated thousands of troops from Dunkirk and was now squarely the target of the enemy. Adolf Hitler was planning a full-scale invasion of Britain. Once the British were defeated, he would turn his eyes to Russia. However, his plans hinged on the Germans achieving air superiority. Unfortunately for Hitler, the Brits had other plans for the battle of the air. How did the Royal Air Force manage to defeat the German Air Force in the skies? *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 4 Global War - YouTube (44:57)
United States President Roosevelt is running for an unprecedented third term in office. America entering World War II seems inevitable. However, the US public does not want to enter a war. However, there are forces swirling around that make the United States entering the war seem inevitable. Things change when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. By attacking Pearl Harbor, the course of the war was changed. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 5 The Road to Stalingrad - YouTube (44:44)
The Siege of Leningrad occurred in September 1941. The German Army was going to target Leningrad. It was the place where the Russian Revolution so it would have been a symbolic victory for the Germans. However, they had no money nor the strength to take the city. Instead, he would starve the city to death. The citizens could not leave the city and the German Army had no interest in saving the civilians. The Siege of Leningrad was the longest siege in history. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 6 Leviathan Strikes Back - YouTube (45:25)
Pearl Harbor has been attacked and the Japanese Admiral feared that they had awakened a sleeping giant. Admiral Yamamoto predicted that the Japanese would have success in the Pacific for the first six months but if the war went longer than he expected nothing. He had lived in the United States and had some insights into what America was. Admiral Yamamoto’s predictions came true. How did the United States turn around its defeat? *This is a highly recommended documentary for both a world history and American history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 7 The Allies Strike Back - YouTube (45:07)
Allied ships are heading towards the French coast. They had quietly been building up their strength and will be landing on French beaches. The Royal Air Force is keeping the Luftwaffe at bay. Unfortunately, this invasion is a disaster. Sixty percent of the soldiers die in this invasion. It is not June 1944, it is August 1942. What happened was a test to see how hard it was going to be to land in France. The Soviets have the Nazis on the run and they meet again at the Battle of Kursk. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
World War II in Numbers - Episode 8 Twilight of the Axis - YouTube (45:57)
March 1945, Hitler issued one of the most chilling orders of his regime. He gave the order to destroy everything that could help the enemy. Germany would have been totally destroyed by the order. The German commanders ignored the order. Why would Hitler order such a thing? In his mind, if Germany was defeated then they were the weaker nation and should not survive. On the other side of the world, the Japanese were willing to fight to the last man. *This is a highly recommended documentary for a world history classroom. Highly Recommended for independent study students.*
Wilhelm Gustloff
World's Deadliest Sea Disaster - Video No Longer Available
The Wilhelm Gustloff was a ship that was sunk in the Baltic towards the end of World War II, taking with her 10,000+ souls. It was the deadliest shipwreck in history. The survivors come together to tell their survival story. This can also be used in a computer science class as they determined the number of people who died in the wreck by using computer simulations. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
Sea of Death - YouTube (51:37)
Sea of Death is about the expedition to the wreckage of three ships that were sunk at the end of World War II killing over 20,000 refugees from the Soviets. The Goya, Wilhelm Gustloff, and General von Stueben were all sunk by Soviet Submarines, taking with them over 20,000 refugees. The story of these ships sinking was lost in the chaos of the war’s end. Now this expedition is mapping those wrecks. *Recommended for a history classroom as well as for research purposes.*
List Updated on January 13, 2024
