Australia In Colour (Series 1) Season 1 Episode 2 Shifting Allegiances

Australia In Colour season 1 episode 2: Shifting Allegiances

Shifting Allegiances is the second episode of the first season of 'Australia In Colour'. The show is a stunning documentary series that captures the history of Australia through archival footage and photographs, which have been colourised using state-of-the-art technology. The series takes viewers on a journey to explore the nation's rich culture, landscapes, and people, as it steps back in time to different eras of Australian history.

In Shifting Allegiances, the focus is on Australia's role in WWII, and its uneasy relationship with its most important ally, the United States. The episode takes a deep dive into the complex web of political alliances and allegiances that define the war years. It examines how leaders like John Curtin, Australia's Prime Minister at the time, navigated the diplomatic waters of the time, balancing Australia's relationship with Britain while also forging strong bonds with the US.

The episode begins by setting the scene of Australia in 1939, as it prepares to enter a war that it knows will forever change its history. The producers have expertly transformed black and white footage to stunning colour to bring the period to life. As the war rages on, Australian troops fight alongside UK forces in Europe and Africa, creating an unbreakable bond between the two nations.

However, it wasn't long before the British Empire began to show signs of weakness, and Australia's ties with the UK were put to the test. The bombing of Darwin by Japan in 1942 marked a turning point in Australia's position in the war and forced the country to reassess its relationships with its allies.

Shifting Allegiances turns its focus on John Curtin, who famously declared 'Australia looks to America', as tensions between Australia and the UK mounted. With the help of colourised archival footage, the episode showcases how Curtin navigated the country's diplomatic ties and was eventually able to convince the US to take a more significant role in the Pacific.

The episode also explores the personal tensions that existed between US General Douglas MacArthur and Australian General Thomas Blamey. The two generals had different ideas about how the war should be fought, and the episode takes an in-depth look at how their clashes disrupted the US-Australia alliance.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interviews with historians and experts, who provide context and insight into the events of the time. Their commentary helps to paint a vivid picture of the complex relationships between different countries during the war years, and how these affected Australia's role.

Overall, Shifting Allegiances is a masterful portrayal of Australia's involvement in WWII. The episode is filled with beautiful colourised footage, giving viewers a unique perspective on Australia's past. Its focus on the delicate balance of alliances during the war, and the tensions that existed between Australia and its allies, makes for fascinating viewing. The series is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about Australia's rich history.