BBC History of World War II

Details Hitler's invasion of Russia and also Stalin's initial dismissal of agents reports that Hitler was planning to invade and also gives evidence confirming Stalin's attempts to seek a negotiated peace with the Germans when they did invade. Considers the morale and state of the Red Army, often low and ill-equipped or led, and the blitzkrieg tactics used by the Germans - with first hand accounts from ex-SS and Red Army men. Uses eye- witness accounts and new film footage and information available since the opening up of East European archives and society in former Communist countries.

This edition chronicles the Battle for Moscow, and explores why more civilians died in this war than any other in history.

This program chronicles the horrors of the Battle for Stalingrad in 1942, a turning point in the conflict between the two countries.

Summer 1944. The seeds of Soviet victory are sown when Germany suffers huge casualties against Stalin's troops in Byelorussia. When in April 1945, the red flag appears over the Berlin Reichstag, Germany's defeat is followed by violent retribution.