Rise of the Nazis

In 1941, Hitler's vision of a Nazi dominated world was coming into focus. He was winning the war and Germany's forces were rolling across Europe. A pact with Russian leader Stalin appeared to make Hitler invincible. But he soon double-crossed his new allies and prepared to attack, leading to some of the war's most brutal combat. This documentary investigates why Hitler made this disastrous choice.

It's 1942, and Hitler has just lost the Battle of Moscow. Furious at this defeat, he takes charge of his armed forces. Meanwhile, Stalin plans a huge offensive against the Nazis. He's warned against such action, and he too dismisses his top military brass. Now both dictators are in sole charge of their own destinies. In Stalin, Hitler had met his match and it was now a fight to the death.

Hitler attempted to outflank and outthink Stalin, but ultimately lost. Defeated, he retreated from public view as his inner circle vied for power around him. Elsewhere in Germany, the mood also changed. A daring assassination plot nearly killed Hitler, while students attempting to form resistance groups against the Nazis paid a devastating price for their actions.