The Nazis: A Warning from History

In the years since the fall of the Third Reich, scholars and amateur historians alike have wondered how it all could have happened. How could a modern, cultured, and intelligent society like Germany allow someone like Adolf Hitler and his associates to rise to power and commit such crimes against humanity? The Nazis: A Warning from History answers that question as thoroughly as any documentary can.

Written and directed by Laurence Rees, the series explores the factors at play in Germany following the end of the First World War. It examines the national mindset and cultural fears that placed the country in a position to be galvanised by a racist, antisemitic fanatic who promised Germany greatness and redemption. The series charts the rise and fall of the Third Reich, while also considering its lasting impact on today’s political landscape.