Ep 2. When Things Get Tough: January 1943 - December 1943

The War: A Ken Burns Film is a comprehensive documentary series that depicts the horrors of World War II through the eyes of several American citizens. The series combines raw footage of the war along with interviews from individuals who lived through it. In season 1 episode 2, titled "When Things Get Tough: January 1943 - December 1943," the documentary showcases the struggles faced by the American soldiers in their fight against Hitler's army.

The episode focuses on the period of January 1943 to December 1943. During this time, the war took a brutal turn, and both sides realized that victory would not come easily. The Allied forces faced resistance when they turned their sight towards Germany. The Germans had prepared for the battle and were equipped with advanced weapons that made it challenging to defeat them.

The episode also highlights the role of women and African Americans in the war. Women played a crucial role in the factories that manufacturing weapons and other war essentials, while African Americans struggled for equality in the army. They were often treated unfairly by the white soldiers and were not given the same opportunities to fight for their country.

One of the critical battles shown in the episode is the Battle of Kasserine Pass. This battle took place in Tunisia and was the first time that American soldiers fought against Germans in North Africa. Initially, the Americans were confident about winning the battle, but they were caught off guard by the German's superior tactics and equipment. The Battle of Kasserine Pass resulted in a significant loss for the Americans, with over 3,000 soldiers lost in the battle.

The documentary also shows the impact of the war on the home front. As rationing continued, people began to feel the effects of the war personally. There was significant public support for the war, but people began to doubt the effectiveness of the past year's approach. The episode highlights the tensions that started to build in the American public after the sacrifices made in 1942 seemed not to make much headway after a year.

"When Things Get Tough" episode is an emotional rollercoaster, highlighting both the resilience and the fear in the soldiers, their families and Americans back home. By the end of the episode, the audience is left with a sense of urgency for the future of the war and an even greater understanding of the cold, tough reality that the soldiers and their families were facing. The episode concludes with a sense of hope for the future, despite all the challenges that lie ahead.

Overall, "The War: A Ken Burns Film" Season 1 Episode 2 is an engaging and informative documentary. The episode provides a glimpse into the reality of the war and its impact on the soldiers and their families, all while highlighting the country's resilience and the importance of working towards a more equitable future.