World War II: Total War Season 1 Episode 2 Arsenal of Democracy

As the battles of World War II rage on, both the Allies and Axis powers begin to take stock of their arsenal and manufacturing capabilities. In episode 2 of World War II: Total War, entitled "Arsenal of Democracy," viewers will delve into the arms race taking place on both sides of the conflict.

The episode begins with an overview of the United States' initial isolationist stance at the beginning of the war and their struggles to shift their focus to military production. We see Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous "Arsenal of Democracy" speech in which he lays out the United States' intention to become "the great arsenal of democracy" and aid in the Allied war effort.

From there, the documentary takes a closer look at the specifics of American manufacturing capabilities, including the Ford Motor Company's Willow Run plant, which produced B-24 bombers at an incredible rate. We also witness the development and deployment of the atomic bomb, which would ultimately bring an end to the war.

On the Axis side, viewers are shown the impressive technological advancements made by Nazi scientists, such as the V-2 rocket, which was the first manmade object to reach space. The episode explores the significance of these advancements and their potential to change the course of the war.

As the war continued, both sides looked to new technologies and weapons to gain an advantage. Viewers will see how the introduction of naval aircraft carriers and advances in submarine technology impacted the war at sea.

Throughout the episode, viewers will also see the human toll of the arms race and manufacturing efforts of both the Allies and Axis powers. We witness the emotional toll on factory workers and the devastating impact of bombing raids on civilian populations.

As the war draws to a close, "Arsenal of Democracy" explores how the United States emerged as a dominant world power, based largely on its ability to produce and deploy cutting-edge military technology. The episode concludes by examining the lasting impact of World War II on global arms races in subsequent decades.

Overall, "Arsenal of Democracy" is a fascinating look at the ways in which technological advancements and manufacturing capabilities shaped the course of World War II and ultimately changed the world.