12 of 13 results for "World War II"
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Oppenheimer’s Atomic Bombs and the End of World War II

In Oppenheimer’s Atomic Bombs and the End of World War II, host Andrew Marr describes how J. Robert Oppenheimer developed the technology to end World War II with two atomic bombs dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Before the bombs were dropped, Oppenheimer calculated how to drop them to create the most damage. After the war was over, Oppenheimer felt conflicted about the creation of the bombs. This video is excerpted from BBC’s A History of the World, a story of human history that uses reenactments, modern footage, and storytelling to explain history’s greatest achievements.

Student Article
Alice Marble: Tennis Legend, War Hero, and Wonder Woman
The article "Alice Marble: Tennis Legend, War Hero, and Wonder Woman" from BBC's HistoryExtra tells the incredible life story of Alice Marble. She rose to tennis fame in the 1930s, overcame personal tragedy, edited comics, spied during WWII, and later fought for equality in sports. Her legacy lives on through her fierce determination, fearless activism, and groundbreaking contributions to tennis and beyond.
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Winston Churchil, Leader

In Winston Churchill, Leader, host Trevor McDonald examines how Winston Churchill led Britain through its darkest days during World War II. With relentless Nazi advances and a nation on the brink of collapse, Churchill made difficult decisions and inspired the British people with his iconic speeches. Gain insight into his leadership during the Blitz and the invasion threats from Nazi Germany. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.

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Winston Churchill, Wartime Icon

In Winston Churchill, Wartime Icon, host Trevor McDonald examines the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, from his daring escape during the Boer War to his pivotal leadership during World War II. Through an insightful interview with Churchill’s granddaughter, Celia Sandys, explore his complex personality, including his humor, determination, and controversial actions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.

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FDR’s Leadership

In FDR’s Leadership, host Trevor McDonald explores Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic presidency, marked by his leadership during World War II and his role in reshaping the U.S. government. As the only U.S. president elected four times, FDR faced both triumphs and controversies, such as the response to the attack on Pearl Harbor and his struggle with the Supreme Court. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.

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Picasso's Iconic Guernica

In Picasso's Iconic Guernica, host Lily Cole examines the iconic Cubist painting "Guernica," created by Pablo Picasso during World War II. Discover how Picasso's masterpiece reflects the horrors of war, particularly the bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica by Nazi forces. Through abstract imagery, Picasso conveyed the anguish and chaos of the conflict. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.

Student Article
The Manhattan Project: Building the First Atomic Bomb
The article "The Manhattan Project: Building the First Atomic Bomb" from BBC's HistoryExtra explains how a top-secret U.S. military project developed the world’s first atomic bomb during World War II. It covers the project's origins, key figures like J. Robert Oppenheimer, and the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that marked the start of the Atomic Age.
Student Article
Oppenheimer: The Mind Behind the Atomic Bomb and the Moral Fallout That Followed
The article ""Oppenheimer: The Mind Behind the Atomic Bomb and the Moral Fallout That Followed" from BBC's HistoryExtra follows J. Robert Oppenheimer's pivotal role in developing the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project, his motivations, political associations, and the psychological toll of unleashing such a destructive force.
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Communism vs. Capitalism During the Cold War Years

In Communism vs. Capitalism During the Cold War Years, host Andrew Marr describes the post-World War II world, in which the United States and Soviet Union were in competition, as each country sought supremacy. While the U.S. capitalized on economic prosperity, space exploration and the arms race defined the Cold War era. This video is excerpted from BBC’s A History of the World, a story of human history that uses reenactments, modern footage, and storytelling to explain history’s greatest achievements.

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Did Two Atomic Bombs Really End the War in Japan?

In Did Two Atomic Bombs Really End the War in Japan?, historian Lucy Worsley learns how Harry S. Truman came to office in 1945. World War II had ended in Europe, but Americans were still fighting in Japan. The official story was that the two atomic bombs ended the war in Japan. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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Codename NSC 68

In Codename NSC 68, historian Lucy Worsley discovers that the purpose of this top-secret report was to set America's new defense strategy during the Cold War. It justified the spending of $47 billion to defend America and the rest of the world from Russian dominance. The reality was that the Soviet economy had been destroyed in World War II, and it did not have the capability to fight against America. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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Alan Turing, Codebreaker

In Alan Turing, Codebreaker, host Chris Packham explains how Alan Turing’s genius led to the development of a machine that decrypted Nazi codes, playing a pivotal role in the Allied victory in World War II. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.