History Documentary Channel

A man of many talents, Benjamin Franklin was one of the most influential and intriguing of the Founding Fathers. A man of great intellect, he excelled as writer, business owner, politician, inventor, among many other things. He was widely known and respected, and is what many Europeans thought of when they pictured 'an American'.

The life and legacy of Americas first president is explored. From his earlier years and leading men in 'The French and Indian War', he transforms into the great leader and military commander needed by the colonies to defeat England and gain independence. He then leads the new nation, setting precedents still followed today.

A look into the start of the Great War, the factors and characters, that would plunge Europe into a bloody and costly war. Highlights the struggles of each side, as what was supposed to be a quick conflict, turns into a trenched stalemate of attrition.

German forces are being forced to retreat on both fronts, launch a massive counter-offensive aimed at the Allies in the Ardennes which ends in disaster for the German forces. As the Allied forces push towards Germany, the firsts of the concentration camps are discovered, exposing the brutal treatment of their occupants at the hands of the Nazi regime.

With the war in Europe finished, the Americans close in on the Japanese main islands. A decision to drop the new atomic bombs on Japan spares the Americans heavy losses from an invasion attempt, and forces the Japanese to cease resistance. The war with Japan is now over, but a new conflict with the Soviets is just beginning.

The Allies push deep into Germany as they race towards Berlin. The Germans mount a fierce, yet futile resistance. Hitler ends his life as the Soviets close in. The German high command has no choice but to surrender unconditionally. The world celebrates VE Day and marks the end of the war in Europe.

America becomes the master of the Pacific as it destroys the Japanese air and naval forces and begin retaking territory. The situation for the Japanese becoming increasingly desperate as they resort to kamikaze pilots and terror on local populations.

The Allies invade Normandy and begin the task of liberating the French. Shake-ups in the German high command, along with an assassination attempt on Hitler, create chaos and confusion while being attacked from both the east and now the west.

The Soviets begin to push the Germans back, taking advantage of German disasters and strategic blunders from Hitler. The situation has become grave for the Germans as they retreat across Europe with the Soviets in hot pursuit.

The Battle of the Atlantic is underway, as German U-boats wreak havoc on shipping lanes in an attempt to starve Britain out. A series of technological advances, paired with the entry of the United States, begin to free the Atlantic from Hitlers wolfpacks.

The Japanese strike at Pearl Harbor hoping to cripple the American Pacific Fleet but fail to do so. America enters the war and brings with it the full-force of its enormous manufacturing capacity. America soon starts to out-maneuver and out-gun the Japanese on both land and sea, slowly taking control over the Pacific.

Italy attempts in vain to push the British out of North Africa, forcing Germany to reinforce them with precious men and supplies. America enters the campaign and the Allies open a new front in Italy, threatening the German southern flank.

A detailed look at the Battle of Britain, the Blitz and events leading to the formation of the Allies. The British use their radars, fighters and selective engagements as the RAF struggles to stand up to the numerically superior German air forces.

Germany uses an old plan with a new twist in it's attack on France. Making full use of it's new mechanized forces, the Germans dash across France and force the Allies into the Channel.

Hitler unleashes 'Operation Barbarossa' and strikes deep into Soviet territory. A series of strategic blunders, exasperated by turning weather, allow a Soviet counter-offensive to seize the momentum and turn the tide of the war.

This video sets the stage for what would become one of the most turbulent and pivotal periods in world history. As militaristic dictatorships begin to arise in Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan, the world again must face the horrors of war.