Ep 2. Defying the Nazis

In What History Forgot season 2 episode 2, titled "Defying the Nazis," viewers are taken on a journey through the provocative and inspiring stories of everyday heroes who stood up to the Nazi regime and risked their lives to save countless others.

The episode kicks off with an exploration of the tumultuous political landscape of the early 20th century, and how the rise of the Nazi party in Germany led to an atmosphere of fear and distrust. Despite the pervasive danger, however, there were many people who refused to stand idly by as their fellow citizens were imprisoned, tortured, and killed.

The episode profiles several of these brave individuals, each with their own unique story of defiance and heroism. One of the key figures explored is Gail Halvorsen, an American pilot who was stationed in Germany during the Berlin Airlift. Seeing the desperate plight of the German people in the wake of the war, Halvorsen came up with a unique plan to lift their spirits and provide hope in a time of despair: he began dropping small parcels of candy and other goods from his airplane as he flew overhead.

This small act of kindness had a huge impact on the people of Germany, who had been living in poverty and fear for years. Halvorsen quickly became known as the "Candy Bomber," and his actions were seen as a symbol of hope and generosity in a world that had been torn apart by war.

Another powerful story featured in "Defying the Nazis" is that of Gertrud Luckner, a German woman who worked tirelessly to help Jewish refugees escape the country before it was too late. Despite facing constant surveillance and harassment from the Nazi regime, Luckner refused to give up her mission of saving lives. She went to great lengths to forge fake passports and identification papers for those in danger, and even risked her own life by hiding Jewish individuals in her own home.

Throughout the episode, viewers are shown footage and images of the atrocities committed by the Nazi party, including the concentration camps and the destruction of entire communities. It is a sobering reminder of the immense courage and sacrifice it took for those who defied the regime and fought for what was right.

Despite the intense subject matter, however, "Defying the Nazis" is ultimately a hopeful and uplifting episode. It celebrates the power of human kindness and the extraordinary things that can be achieved when individuals stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Overall, "Defying the Nazis" is a fascinating and emotionally powerful episode of What History Forgot. It shines a light on some of the unsung heroes of World War II, and serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.