Ep 1. Gradual Beginnings

In the first episode of Hitler: The Rise and Fall season 1, titled "Gradual Beginnings," viewers are taken back to the early days of Adolf Hitler's rise to power. The episode starts with a brief introduction to Hitler's life and how he became involved in politics, highlighting his failed attempt to overthrow the government in 1923 – an event known as the Beer Hall Putsch.

The episode then delves into the political and economic landscape of Germany during the 1920s. It explains how the Treaty of Versailles, which Germany was forced to sign after World War I, left the country in a vulnerable and weakened state. The show explains how Germany's postwar economic troubles, including hyperinflation, high unemployment, and widespread poverty, created a breeding ground for extremism and radical politics.

Viewers witness Hitler's early attempts to gain a foothold in politics as a member of the German Workers' Party, which later became the Nazi Party. Through a series of political speeches and rallies, Hitler slowly gains a following and becomes a prominent figure in the party.

The episode also explores the role of propaganda in Hitler's rise to power. It examines how propaganda was used to shape public opinion and mobilize support for the Nazi Party. The show explains how Hitler's powerful oratory skills, combined with the use of symbols and slogans, helped him gain a loyal following.

The show also examines the role of violence and intimidation in Hitler's rise to power. It explores the rise of the Nazi paramilitary organization, the Sturmabteilung (SA), which was used to intimidate political opponents. The episode also covers the Night of the Long Knives, a violent purge of the SA by Hitler and the Nazi Party in 1934.

Throughout the episode, viewers see how Hitler's rise to power was a gradual process that relied on a combination of factors, including economic hardship, propaganda, and violence. By the end of the episode, Hitler has risen to become the leader of the Nazi Party, with his sights set firmly on taking control of Germany.

Overall, "Gradual Beginnings" provides a detailed look at the early days of Hitler's rise to power. The episode is well-researched and provides a nuanced understanding of the complex factors that contributed to Hitler's success. It sets the stage for the rest of the series, which promises to explore Hitler's reign of terror and eventual downfall.