History Uncovered

On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered. Its leaders had to be punished, its symbols and schemes eradicated once and for all. The Nuremberg trials, which attracted a great deal of attention from the media, raised hopes that Germany would be liberated from the devastated ideology. But this attempt soon proved to be wishful thinking: the Allies quickly realized that the denazification of millions of Germans close to the NSDAP was an unattainable goal, which helped the German population, who had partially covered for the Nazi criminals, to some degree of rehabilitation.

History has handed down to us the image of Switzerland as a country with exemplary neutrality. And yet, during the Second World War, the Swiss Confederation strayed from its values, and the smooth running of business generally took precedence over all other considerations. Thus, Bern managed to preserve the integrity of its territory and its prosperity by compromising its fundamental principles.

In this episode, the central myth under scrutiny is the idea that the D‑Day landings—Operation Overlord—constituted an unambiguously decisive Allied victory. The documentary delves into archival footage and expert perspectives to ask: Was Normandy truly a flawless turning point, or is the common narrative overlooking complexities, setbacks, and enduring consequences? Viewers can expect a nuanced reevaluation of one of World War II’s most iconic moments.

This episode tackles the widely held belief that the British Empire’s withdrawal from its colonies was largely peaceful and exemplary. Through archival footage and expert analysis, the documentary questions whether that narrative overlooks the conflicts, power dynamics, and lasting consequences that accompanied decolonization.

This installment examines the popular image of Pope John Paul II as a progressive figure who modernized the Catholic Church. It delves into the extent of his reforms and influence, while questioning whether he was genuinely a forward‑thinking reformer or maintained traditional, conservative stances behind the scenes.

This episode offers a critical reassessment of Ronald Reagan’s presidency. It challenges the enduring myth of Reagan as a supremely qualified leader, questioning whether his political legacy withstands scrutiny. Through archival footage and expert analysis, the documentary delves into aspects of his economic ideology, Cold War stance, and how his administration shaped modern America—all while unpacking the controversies that accompanied his rise to power.