Ep 1. Aggression

Apocalypse: The Second World War is a six-part documentary series that retells the history of World War II by using original footage and documents. The first episode, Aggression, covers the initial stages of the war, from the German invasion of Poland to the fall of France.

The episode starts with the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany, which led to the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia. The filmmakers use rare footage and interviews with historians and survivors to show the world's reaction to Hitler's aggressive policies and the British and French appeasement policy. The camera follows the German forces as they invade Poland in September 1939, marking the start of the war.

The documentary then shifts its focus to the Eastern Front, where the Soviet Union and Japan are engaged in border conflicts. The filmmakers use original footage and commentary to show how the Soviet army was ill-prepared for the German invasion and how the Wehrmacht quickly conquered Poland. Viewers see the contrast between the modern German army and the outdated Polish one, as well as the brutality of the Nazi occupation.

The episode then moves to the Western Front, where the Maginot Line and the Siegfried Line are the main defensive structures. The filmmakers use color footage to show how the German army used innovative tactics like Blitzkrieg to overcome the French and British defenses, as well as the aerial and naval battles that took place over the English Channel. Viewers witness the evacuation of Dunkirk and the surrender of France, which marked a turning point in the war.

The documentary also shows the impact of the war on civilians, from the bombing of Warsaw and Rotterdam to the refugee crisis caused by the German advance. The filmmakers use interviews with survivors and diary entries to show how people coped with the constant fear of air raids and the loss of loved ones. Viewers also see how propaganda played a role in shaping the public opinion and fueling support for the war effort.

Throughout the episode, the filmmakers use a mix of original footage and CGI animation to illustrate the military strategy and tactics used by the different armies. Viewers see the formations and movements of troops, the use of tanks and planes, and the destruction caused by artillery and bombing. The documentary also features a haunting original score that adds to the emotional impact of the images.

Overall, Apocalypse: The Second World War season 1 episode 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the first year of the war, from the political tensions that led to the conflict to the military operations that shaped its outcome. The episode offers a mix of historical analysis and personal stories that show the human cost of the war. Viewers who are interested in World War II history will find this documentary series to be a valuable and engaging resource.