1 00:00:00,200 --> 00:00:05,400 (dramatic music) 2 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 3 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 4 00:01:54,000 --> 00:01:56,000 (low music) (distant booms) 5 00:02:06,240 --> 00:02:10,560 The early years of World War II saw Nazi Germany take control of Europe. 6 00:02:13,800 --> 00:02:17,494 By late 1941, as Adolf Hitler continued expanding 7 00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:21,454 his empire, events in the Pacific escalated when. 8 00:02:21,520 --> 00:02:24,894 Imperial Japan and America became embroiled in conflict 9 00:02:24,960 --> 00:02:28,294 after the attack on the US naval fleet at Pearl Harbor. 10 00:02:28,360 --> 00:02:33,560 (dramatic music) 11 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:46,574 As smoke and fire engulfed the naval base 12 00:02:46,640 --> 00:02:49,814 in Hawaii, America and its president Franklin D. 13 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:52,414 Roosevelt could no longer stay on the sidelines 14 00:02:52,480 --> 00:02:55,600 of a war that had been raging in Europe for over two years. 15 00:02:55,720 --> 00:02:58,974 (dramatic music) 16 00:02:59,040 --> 00:03:04,640 On December the 7th, 1941, the conflict expanded into a truly global war. 17 00:03:05,240 --> 00:03:11,654 A state of war has existed between the. 18 00:03:11,720 --> 00:03:15,440 United States and the Japanese Empire. 19 00:03:18,200 --> 00:03:19,974 This marked the start of a new phase 20 00:03:20,040 --> 00:03:22,414 in the Second World War, with America joining 21 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:25,494 the fight for what Roosevelt defined as the four freedoms. 22 00:03:25,560 --> 00:03:28,654 (dramatic music) 23 00:03:28,720 --> 00:03:30,360 First was freedom of speech. 24 00:03:30,800 --> 00:03:32,880 Second, freedom of religion and expression. 25 00:03:34,600 --> 00:03:36,160 Third, freedom from want. 26 00:03:36,560 --> 00:03:38,054 And finally, freedom from fear. 27 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:43,320 (dramatic music) 28 00:03:46,160 --> 00:03:50,054 The tale of how a nation that valued its neutrality and had worked so hard to 29 00:03:50,120 --> 00:03:53,014 avoid war abroad finally joined the fight follows 30 00:03:53,080 --> 00:03:56,080 the journey of Roosevelt, the man behind the American dream. 31 00:03:56,200 --> 00:04:01,400 (dramatic music) 32 00:04:03,360 --> 00:04:06,974 Born on January the 30th, 1882, in Hyde. 33 00:04:07,040 --> 00:04:10,134 Park, New York, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 34 00:04:10,200 --> 00:04:12,720 son of James Roosevelt and Sarah Ann Delano, 35 00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:16,174 both from wealthy and well-established New York State families. 36 00:04:16,240 --> 00:04:19,534 (dramatic music) 37 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:22,174 On his mother's side, Franklin descended from a 38 00:04:22,240 --> 00:04:24,934 French pilgrim who attempted the perilous voyage from. 39 00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:27,520 England to America, sailing near the Mayflower. 40 00:04:30,160 --> 00:04:33,934 Delayed by complications en route, Philippe Delanoy finally 41 00:04:34,000 --> 00:04:36,240 reached American shores in 1621. 42 00:04:39,080 --> 00:04:42,814 Two decades later, Klaas van Roosevelt, James Roosevelt's 43 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:45,574 ancestor, sailed from Holland and arrived in Newer 44 00:04:45,640 --> 00:04:47,574 Amsterdam, modern-day New York. 45 00:04:47,640 --> 00:04:52,094 (dramatic music) 46 00:04:52,160 --> 00:04:54,854 The Roosevelt's were a powerful family and Franklin 47 00:04:54,920 --> 00:04:57,214 led a privileged life, studying at one of. 48 00:04:57,280 --> 00:04:59,600 America's most esteemed universities, Harvard. 49 00:05:02,200 --> 00:05:04,254 While there, at the turn of the 20th 50 00:05:04,320 --> 00:05:09,214 century, his fifth cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, became president in 1901. 51 00:05:09,280 --> 00:05:12,734 (dramatic music) 52 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:15,094 Theodore quickly became a hero and role model 53 00:05:15,160 --> 00:05:18,854 for the younger Roosevelt, who was inspired by his decisive leadership. 54 00:05:18,920 --> 00:05:21,854 (dramatic music) 55 00:05:21,920 --> 00:05:24,494 Shortly after his cousin took office, Franklin met. 56 00:05:24,560 --> 00:05:29,254 Theodore's niece, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, whom he later married in 1905. 57 00:05:29,320 --> 00:05:34,014 (dramatic music) 58 00:05:34,080 --> 00:05:37,414 Eleanor taught Italian and Jewish immigrant children dance 59 00:05:37,480 --> 00:05:40,294 in New York's Lower East Side, exposing Franklin 60 00:05:40,360 --> 00:05:42,214 to the struggles of America's poor. 61 00:05:42,280 --> 00:05:45,694 (dramatic music) 62 00:05:45,760 --> 00:05:48,214 It was a lesson he never forgot, and 63 00:05:48,280 --> 00:05:51,054 together the couple later made significant strides in 64 00:05:51,120 --> 00:05:53,000 improving life for the underprivileged. 65 00:05:53,080 --> 00:05:56,814 (dramatic music) 66 00:05:56,880 --> 00:06:00,014 Six years after marrying Eleanor, Franklin followed in 67 00:06:00,080 --> 00:06:02,800 his cousin's footsteps, running for the New York Senate. 68 00:06:04,000 --> 00:06:07,840 After a successful campaign, he entered the State House at just 28. 69 00:06:07,960 --> 00:06:12,174 (dramatic music) 70 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:14,614 When Woodrow Wilson made him Assistant Secretary of 71 00:06:14,680 --> 00:06:18,054 the Navy in 1913, Roosevelt formed a lifelong 72 00:06:18,120 --> 00:06:21,014 connection with the Navy, becoming a strong proponent 73 00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:23,974 of the submarine, which was crucial in countering. 74 00:06:24,040 --> 00:06:25,640 Germany's growing threat to shipping. 75 00:06:25,760 --> 00:06:30,960 (dramatic music) 76 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:40,840 World War One began in 1914, but America stayed out until 1917. 77 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:44,054 President Wilson had hoped to maintain peace and 78 00:06:44,120 --> 00:06:46,534 avoid exposing Americans to the horrors of trench 79 00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:48,880 warfare, which had already turned gruesome. 80 00:06:48,960 --> 00:06:54,160 (dramatic music) 81 00:06:56,840 --> 00:07:00,374 That changed in 1917, when a telegram revealed 82 00:07:00,440 --> 00:07:03,094 that Germany was attempting to persuade Mexico to 83 00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:05,880 join a military alliance against the United States, 84 00:07:06,480 --> 00:07:10,094 promising to return Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. 85 00:07:10,160 --> 00:07:15,360 (dramatic music) 86 00:07:16,280 --> 00:07:20,320 After many sleepless nights, Wilson concluded war was inevitable. 87 00:07:24,040 --> 00:07:27,120 On April the 6th, 1917, the U.S. 88 00:07:27,280 --> 00:07:30,134 declared war on Germany, much to Britain's relief. 89 00:07:30,200 --> 00:07:33,494 (dramatic music) 90 00:07:33,560 --> 00:07:36,294 Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty at 91 00:07:36,360 --> 00:07:39,694 the war's outbreak, famously remarked, there are only 92 00:07:39,760 --> 00:07:43,160 two ways of winning the war, and they both begin with an A. 93 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:48,334 One was America, the other air power. 94 00:07:48,400 --> 00:07:53,600 (dramatic music) 95 00:08:13,560 --> 00:08:14,934 It took a year for the U.S. 96 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:16,800 to gather enough strength to make an impact, 97 00:08:17,240 --> 00:08:20,094 but by mid 1918, thousands of American troops 98 00:08:20,160 --> 00:08:22,814 were arriving in France daily, helping the Allies 99 00:08:22,880 --> 00:08:25,414 push the Germans back and forcing them to surrender. 100 00:08:25,480 --> 00:08:30,680 (dramatic music) 101 00:08:31,880 --> 00:08:34,774 During this time, Roosevelt visited the Western Front 102 00:08:34,840 --> 00:08:37,760 and Britain, and on July the 29th, 1918, 103 00:08:38,360 --> 00:08:41,240 he met Winston Churchill, then Minister of Munitions, 104 00:08:41,560 --> 00:08:43,480 at a banquet in Gray's Inn, London. 105 00:08:43,600 --> 00:08:48,800 (dramatic music) 106 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:53,134 The encounter was not pleasant for Roosevelt, who 107 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:56,374 later recalled Churchill's rude behavior, saying he acted 108 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:59,454 like a stinker, little suspecting how their relationship 109 00:08:59,520 --> 00:09:00,800 would evolve in the future. 110 00:09:01,280 --> 00:09:06,480 (dramatic music) 111 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:11,200 Just three months after Roosevelt's visit, Germany surrendered, 112 00:09:11,800 --> 00:09:16,534 and the world rejoiced as the armistice was signed on November the 11th, 1918. 113 00:09:16,600 --> 00:09:21,800 (dramatic music) 114 00:09:24,480 --> 00:09:26,480 But by then, millions had died. 115 00:09:28,880 --> 00:09:31,934 Over 100,000 Americans perished, and more than 116 00:09:32,000 --> 00:09:34,814 200,000 were wounded, leaving many in the. 117 00:09:34,880 --> 00:09:38,254 U.S. convinced that European affairs should remain European. 118 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:43,374 (dramatic music) 119 00:09:43,440 --> 00:09:47,294 As America returned to peace, Roosevelt faced a personal crisis. 120 00:09:47,360 --> 00:09:52,560 (dramatic music) 121 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:55,600 Eleanor discovered his affair with his social secretary, 122 00:09:55,880 --> 00:09:59,294 Lucy Mercer, and by 1917, she had moved 123 00:09:59,360 --> 00:10:02,494 with their five children into a separate home in Hyde Park. 124 00:10:02,560 --> 00:10:07,760 (dramatic music) 125 00:10:07,960 --> 00:10:11,294 However, they overcame the scandal, and as Lucy 126 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:14,534 ended the relationship, Eleanor remained a loyal and 127 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:18,494 devoted wife, later becoming a major political figure herself. 128 00:10:18,560 --> 00:10:23,760 (dramatic music) 129 00:10:26,240 --> 00:10:29,454 As the Roosevelts resolved their personal struggles, post 130 00:10:29,520 --> 00:10:32,254 -war America entered an economic boom, with the. 131 00:10:32,320 --> 00:10:35,654 Roaring Twenties making the country a hub of glamour and excitement. 132 00:10:35,720 --> 00:10:40,374 (dramatic music) 133 00:10:40,440 --> 00:10:42,974 With a thriving economy, more people could afford 134 00:10:43,040 --> 00:10:46,134 luxuries like radios and cars, and Hollywood emerged 135 00:10:46,200 --> 00:10:48,454 as an iconic part of American culture. 136 00:10:48,520 --> 00:10:53,720 (dramatic music) 137 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:14,214 Advances in filmmaking made movies more spectacular than 138 00:11:14,280 --> 00:11:16,534 ever, giving rise to a new class of 139 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:19,694 celebrities, as audiences flocked to see stars like 140 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:22,774 Rudolph Valentino on Broadway and the silver screen. 141 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:28,040 (dramatic music) 142 00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:38,280 But there was a darker side. 143 00:11:38,760 --> 00:11:42,294 Prohibition fuelled crime, and gangsters became as famous 144 00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:44,214 as Hollywood's brightest stars. 145 00:11:44,280 --> 00:11:49,480 (dramatic music) 146 00:11:53,440 --> 00:11:57,760 Despite America's prosperity, the 1920s proved difficult for Roosevelt. 147 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:03,894 In 1921, while on holiday at Campobello Island 148 00:12:03,960 --> 00:12:06,160 with his family, he contracted polio. 149 00:12:08,920 --> 00:12:11,374 Suddenly unable to walk, he spent the next 150 00:12:11,440 --> 00:12:14,054 seven years pursuing treatments to regain mobility. 151 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:19,320 (dramatic music) 152 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:22,200 Once again, Eleanor fought for him. 153 00:12:22,800 --> 00:12:25,294 His mother, Sarah Delano, believed he would be 154 00:12:25,360 --> 00:12:29,294 an invalid for life, but Roosevelt and Eleanor refused to accept defeat. 155 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:33,174 (dramatic music) 156 00:12:33,240 --> 00:12:35,360 Using iron braces on his hips and legs, 157 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:39,494 he taught himself to walk short distances with a cane or an aid. 158 00:12:39,560 --> 00:12:44,760 (dramatic music) 159 00:12:51,280 --> 00:12:54,134 His determination was so strong that when he ran for 160 00:12:54,200 --> 00:12:59,134 office in 1928, few supporters knew he relied on a wheelchair in private. 161 00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:03,974 (dramatic music) 162 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:06,760 But just as Roosevelt secured election as governor, 163 00:13:07,480 --> 00:13:09,640 America's fortunes took a dramatic turn. 164 00:13:11,920 --> 00:13:14,294 The most devastating stock market crash in history 165 00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:17,414 shook the nation in October 1929. 166 00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:22,614 (dramatic music) 167 00:13:22,680 --> 00:13:24,694 The Wall Street Crash marked the start of 168 00:13:24,760 --> 00:13:27,774 a turbulent era that affected the entire world. 169 00:13:27,840 --> 00:13:31,174 (dramatic music) 170 00:13:31,240 --> 00:13:34,694 Unemployment soared, millions lost their homes, and as 171 00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:37,014 the glittering 1920s gave way to the Great. 172 00:13:37,080 --> 00:13:39,734 Depression, the global economy reeled. 173 00:13:39,800 --> 00:13:44,374 (dramatic music) 174 00:13:44,440 --> 00:13:48,134 Germany, already struggling with massive war reparations, plunged 175 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:49,534 into further crisis. 176 00:13:49,600 --> 00:13:54,800 (dramatic music) 177 00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:11,254 Against this backdrop, Roosevelt launched his bid for the presidency in 1932. 178 00:14:11,320 --> 00:14:15,094 (dramatic music) 179 00:14:15,160 --> 00:14:16,814 While America was not at war in the 180 00:14:16,880 --> 00:14:20,574 traditional sense, Roosevelt approached the economic crisis like 181 00:14:20,640 --> 00:14:21,760 a battlefield commander. 182 00:14:25,440 --> 00:14:29,360 I pledge you, I pledge myself to a new deal for the American people. 183 00:14:29,920 --> 00:14:33,280 This is more than a political campaign, it is a call to arms. 184 00:14:37,920 --> 00:14:39,774 His new deal was a sweeping set of 185 00:14:39,840 --> 00:14:42,694 policies aimed at tackling the crisis, rallying the 186 00:14:42,760 --> 00:14:44,414 public to the voting booths. 187 00:14:44,480 --> 00:14:49,494 (dramatic music) 188 00:14:49,560 --> 00:14:52,974 In 1933, a victorious Roosevelt entered the White. 189 00:14:53,040 --> 00:14:55,854 House, committed to relief for the poor, financial 190 00:14:55,920 --> 00:14:57,814 reform, and economic recovery. 191 00:14:57,880 --> 00:15:01,494 He introduced the Social Security system, which remains 192 00:15:01,560 --> 00:15:03,854 a pillar of American life today, and did 193 00:15:03,920 --> 00:15:06,734 everything in his power to lift the country from despair. 194 00:15:06,800 --> 00:15:12,000 (dramatic music) 195 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:16,534 Unfortunately, Roosevelt was not the only new leader 196 00:15:16,600 --> 00:15:19,400 to exploit economic hardship for political gain. 197 00:15:21,360 --> 00:15:24,054 And far from the US west coast, German 198 00:15:24,120 --> 00:15:26,894 citizens listened intently to the speeches of a 199 00:15:26,960 --> 00:15:29,000 fervent new leader, Adolf Hitler. 200 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:34,894 He not only promised economic recovery, but also 201 00:15:34,960 --> 00:15:38,254 retribution against those he deemed responsible for Germany's 202 00:15:38,320 --> 00:15:40,374 suffering following the First World War. 203 00:15:40,440 --> 00:15:45,640 (dramatic music) 204 00:15:46,360 --> 00:15:50,774 Unlike Roosevelt's altruistic reforms, Hitler pursued self-aggrandizement 205 00:15:50,840 --> 00:15:55,894 and vengeance, blaming Jews and communists for Germany's 206 00:15:55,960 --> 00:15:59,934 downfall and mobilizing violent Nazi forces for their eradication. 207 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:05,200 (dramatic music) 208 00:16:12,920 --> 00:16:16,214 Across the Atlantic, these developments largely escaped American 209 00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:20,414 notice, but soon they too would confront the horrors of war. 210 00:16:20,480 --> 00:16:25,680 (dramatic music) 211 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:39,894 Globally, unrest escalated, particularly in 1935 when Italian 212 00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:43,360 dictator Mussolini invaded Abyssinia, now Ethiopia. 213 00:16:45,080 --> 00:16:48,734 (dramatic music) 214 00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:51,454 A year later, amid fierce Spanish Civil War 215 00:16:51,520 --> 00:16:54,454 battles, Congress sought to assure the American public 216 00:16:54,520 --> 00:16:57,934 of non-involvement, leading to the Neutrality Act's passage. 217 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:03,200 (dramatic music) 218 00:17:03,960 --> 00:17:08,454 Meanwhile, unemployment declined, the economy stabilized, and Roosevelt's 219 00:17:08,520 --> 00:17:11,614 popularity secured his 1937 re-election. 220 00:17:11,680 --> 00:17:16,880 (dramatic music) 221 00:17:19,200 --> 00:17:22,840 Yet, international tensions deepened as Japan invaded China, 222 00:17:23,360 --> 00:17:25,614 prompting an exodus of Americans from Shanghai. 223 00:17:25,680 --> 00:17:30,880 (dramatic music) 224 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:40,080 Roosevelt responded with aid and, on October 5th, 225 00:17:40,160 --> 00:17:44,414 1937, delivered a speech at odds with US isolationism. 226 00:17:44,480 --> 00:17:49,680 (dramatic music) 227 00:17:52,520 --> 00:17:55,894 The peace, freedom, and security of 90% 228 00:17:55,960 --> 00:18:00,814 of the world is endangered by 10%, threatening the collapse of law and order. 229 00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:05,774 (dramatic music) 230 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:09,534 We seek to avoid war, yet cannot ensure against its effects. 231 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:14,800 (dramatic music) 232 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:20,614 His words suggested that, for Roosevelt, war might be inevitable. 233 00:18:20,680 --> 00:18:25,880 (dramatic music) 234 00:18:31,080 --> 00:18:34,894 By 1938, Europe's instability worsened as the Nazis 235 00:18:34,960 --> 00:18:38,974 seized Austria, the Rhineland, and Czechoslovakia, facing minimal 236 00:18:39,040 --> 00:18:41,494 resistance from war-weary Britain and France. 237 00:18:41,560 --> 00:18:46,760 (dramatic music) 238 00:18:54,440 --> 00:18:58,454 British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, prioritizing peace, struggled 239 00:18:58,520 --> 00:18:59,774 with how to confront Hitler. 240 00:18:59,840 --> 00:19:05,040 (dramatic music) 241 00:19:06,640 --> 00:19:10,654 Roosevelt, meanwhile, faced Chamberlain's disdain for Americans, whom 242 00:19:10,720 --> 00:19:12,720 he saw as brash and unmannered. 243 00:19:13,880 --> 00:19:18,214 Repeated White House invitations were declined, straining US -UK relations. 244 00:19:18,280 --> 00:19:23,480 (dramatic music) 245 00:19:27,200 --> 00:19:31,334 Ironically, Chamberlain found Hitler more approachable, even traveling 246 00:19:31,400 --> 00:19:34,054 to Germany for appeasement talks as the first 247 00:19:34,120 --> 00:19:36,854 Nazi rally was broadcast to millions of Americans. 248 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:41,094 (dramatic music) 249 00:19:41,160 --> 00:19:44,454 Hitler's shrieking rhetoric and the Nazis' regimented Sieg. 250 00:19:44,520 --> 00:19:48,414 Heil chants alarmed Roosevelt, who saw war as inevitable. 251 00:19:48,480 --> 00:19:53,680 (dramatic music) 252 00:20:08,200 --> 00:20:10,600 Shocking news arrived just two months later. 253 00:20:18,320 --> 00:20:21,520 The November 1938 Kristallnacht pogrom. 254 00:20:22,480 --> 00:20:26,040 Outraged, Roosevelt publicly condemned Germany's actions. 255 00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:31,680 The past day's news has shocked American opinion. 256 00:20:32,320 --> 00:20:35,574 I could scarcely believe such things could happen in the 20th century. 257 00:20:35,640 --> 00:20:40,214 (dramatic music) 258 00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:42,934 As the world recoiled from Nazi brutality and. 259 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:46,374 Hitler's defiance of the Versailles Treaty, Roosevelt sought 260 00:20:46,440 --> 00:20:47,854 clarity on his ambitions. 261 00:20:47,920 --> 00:20:53,120 (dramatic music) 262 00:20:54,680 --> 00:20:58,974 In April 1939, he telegrammed Hitler, demanding assurances 263 00:20:59,040 --> 00:21:01,574 that Germany had no intention of invading 31 264 00:21:01,640 --> 00:21:05,174 nations, questioning why the Nazis resorted to tactics 265 00:21:05,240 --> 00:21:08,254 reminiscent of the Huns and Vandals 1,500 266 00:21:08,320 --> 00:21:09,254 years earlier. 267 00:21:09,320 --> 00:21:14,520 (dramatic music) 268 00:21:16,520 --> 00:21:18,494 A copy was sent to Mussolini and the 269 00:21:18,560 --> 00:21:22,174 message was broadcast in America, hoping to sway public sentiment. 270 00:21:22,240 --> 00:21:27,440 (dramatic music) 271 00:21:29,720 --> 00:21:32,280 Hitler's response was a furious two-hour speech, 272 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:36,374 denying aggressive intent while launching a scathing attack on Roosevelt. 273 00:21:36,440 --> 00:21:41,640 (dramatic music) 274 00:21:43,600 --> 00:21:46,974 Hitler's duplicity was evident, but Roosevelt could do 275 00:21:47,040 --> 00:21:48,640 little beyond watching and waiting. 276 00:21:52,200 --> 00:21:55,814 Despite strained US-UK relations, Roosevelt sought to 277 00:21:55,880 --> 00:22:01,374 strengthen ties by hosting King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in June 1939. 278 00:22:01,440 --> 00:22:06,854 (dramatic music) 279 00:22:06,920 --> 00:22:09,974 Their visit bolstered Britain's image in America as 280 00:22:10,040 --> 00:22:12,094 they toured the New York World's Fair and 281 00:22:12,160 --> 00:22:14,854 the First World War's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 282 00:22:14,920 --> 00:22:20,120 (dramatic music) 283 00:22:20,480 --> 00:22:24,840 However, both Roosevelt and the King understood Hitler's looming threat. 284 00:22:25,640 --> 00:22:28,734 As the royal couple departed, Roosevelt wished them 285 00:22:28,800 --> 00:22:32,534 well, but just 11 weeks later, Britain was at war. 286 00:22:32,600 --> 00:22:37,800 (dramatic music) 287 00:22:54,600 --> 00:22:58,414 On September 1st, 1939, Roosevelt was awoken by 288 00:22:58,480 --> 00:23:00,600 a call from the US ambassador in Warsaw. 289 00:23:01,360 --> 00:23:03,094 Germany had invaded Poland. 290 00:23:03,160 --> 00:23:08,360 (dramatic music) 291 00:23:09,520 --> 00:23:12,254 Understanding the gravity of this act, Roosevelt simply 292 00:23:12,320 --> 00:23:14,534 responded, God help us all. 293 00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:19,800 (dramatic music) 294 00:23:20,120 --> 00:23:23,000 Two days later, Britain and France declared war, 295 00:23:23,360 --> 00:23:26,134 marking the start of a six-year global conflict. 296 00:23:26,200 --> 00:23:30,294 (dramatic music) 297 00:23:30,360 --> 00:23:35,400 I am speaking to you from the cabinet room in Downing Street. 298 00:23:36,640 --> 00:23:40,854 This morning, the British ambassador in Berlin handed 299 00:23:40,920 --> 00:23:45,334 the German government a final note, stating that 300 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:48,000 unless we heard from them by this... 301 00:23:58,880 --> 00:24:01,294 I have to tell you now that no 302 00:24:01,360 --> 00:24:05,200 such undertaking has been received and that consequently 303 00:24:06,000 --> 00:24:08,960 this country is at war with Germany. 304 00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:14,654 Though Roosevelt assured Americans of neutrality, he urged 305 00:24:14,720 --> 00:24:16,400 them not to remain neutral in thought. 306 00:24:21,760 --> 00:24:26,414 However, most Americans opposed European intervention, sympathizing with. 307 00:24:26,480 --> 00:24:28,960 Britain and France, but considering it their problem. 308 00:24:29,040 --> 00:24:33,774 (dramatic music) 309 00:24:33,840 --> 00:24:35,600 I say we ought to keep hands off, 310 00:24:35,960 --> 00:24:40,040 let them take care of themselves, and count me out. 311 00:24:41,040 --> 00:24:46,014 Yet, Anglo-American relations found an unexpected saviour in Winston Churchill. 312 00:24:46,080 --> 00:24:50,094 (dramatic music) 313 00:24:50,160 --> 00:24:53,694 Reappointed First Lord of the Admiralty, the day war was declared. 314 00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:57,974 (dramatic music) 315 00:24:58,040 --> 00:25:01,920 Despite past tensions, Roosevelt eagerly corresponded with Churchill, 316 00:25:02,520 --> 00:25:05,374 relieved to find a proactive ally in Chamberlain's government. 317 00:25:05,440 --> 00:25:10,640 (dramatic music) 318 00:25:13,360 --> 00:25:16,974 While Roosevelt's neutrality declaration kept America officially out 319 00:25:17,040 --> 00:25:19,574 of war, covert preparations began. 320 00:25:19,640 --> 00:25:24,840 (dramatic music) 321 00:25:27,200 --> 00:25:31,160 In October 1939, leading Americans convened in Panama, 322 00:25:31,680 --> 00:25:34,720 establishing a security zone extending miles into the sea. 323 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:39,574 (dramatic music) 324 00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:42,654 That same month, Albert Einstein, a refugee from 325 00:25:42,720 --> 00:25:46,400 Nazi Germany, warned Roosevelt of Germany's nuclear ambitions, 326 00:25:47,080 --> 00:25:50,534 prompting the formation of an advisory committee on uranium. 327 00:25:50,600 --> 00:25:53,014 (dramatic music) 328 00:25:53,080 --> 00:25:56,294 Meanwhile, European nations continued to fall under Nazi 329 00:25:56,360 --> 00:26:00,214 control, and America observed Britain and France's ineffectual 330 00:26:00,280 --> 00:26:02,974 attempts to halt German advances into Denmark and 331 00:26:03,040 --> 00:26:06,440 Norway, while Stalin's Red Army marched into Finland. 332 00:26:09,760 --> 00:26:12,534 Reports of Jewish persecution also intensified. 333 00:26:12,600 --> 00:26:16,934 (dramatic music) 334 00:26:17,000 --> 00:26:19,454 Writers like John Steinbeck and Eugene O'Neill 335 00:26:19,520 --> 00:26:23,734 condemned Nazi antisemitism, joined by Hollywood stars Fred 336 00:26:23,800 --> 00:26:25,360 Astaire and Bette Davis. 337 00:26:29,000 --> 00:26:32,214 By June 1940, Nazi forces had stormed through 338 00:26:32,280 --> 00:26:36,374 Holland, Belgium and into France, leading to Neville Chamberlain's resignation. 339 00:26:36,440 --> 00:26:39,654 (dramatic music) 340 00:26:39,720 --> 00:26:45,000 On May 10th, 1940, Winston Churchill became Britain's wartime Prime Minister. 341 00:26:45,880 --> 00:26:48,640 As Paris fell, Churchill appealed to Roosevelt. 342 00:26:49,520 --> 00:26:53,200 The US voice and power may count for nothing if delayed too long. 343 00:26:54,160 --> 00:26:58,054 With Hitler targeting Britain, Churchill desperately requested American 344 00:26:58,120 --> 00:27:01,894 military aid, especially following the Dunkirk evacuation's heavy 345 00:27:01,960 --> 00:27:04,894 equipment losses in May-June 1940. 346 00:27:04,960 --> 00:27:09,294 (dramatic music) 347 00:27:09,360 --> 00:27:12,854 Though Roosevelt provided Churchill's requests, he doubted even. 348 00:27:12,920 --> 00:27:16,614 Churchill's rousing speeches could sustain British morale against 349 00:27:16,680 --> 00:27:17,534 Nazi aggression. 350 00:27:17,600 --> 00:27:22,800 (dramatic music) 351 00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:28,574 However, Churchill's decisive attack on the French fleet 352 00:27:28,640 --> 00:27:32,400 at Oran, preventing its capture by Germany, impressed Roosevelt. 353 00:27:36,720 --> 00:27:40,014 He responded by offering Churchill 50 destroyers in 354 00:27:40,080 --> 00:27:44,360 exchange for 99-year leases on British Caribbean and Newfoundland bases. 355 00:27:47,480 --> 00:27:49,894 Yet, while Roosevelt was willing to help, the 356 00:27:49,960 --> 00:27:51,974 American public remained unconvinced. 357 00:27:52,040 --> 00:27:57,240 (dramatic music) 358 00:27:57,720 --> 00:28:01,974 Charles Lindbergh, aviation hero and staunch isolationist, led 359 00:28:02,040 --> 00:28:05,160 the America First movement, arguing against US involvement. 360 00:28:05,280 --> 00:28:10,480 (dramatic music) 361 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:19,854 Having visited Germany in the 1930s and received 362 00:28:19,920 --> 00:28:22,680 an award from Luftwaffe commander Hermann Göring, 363 00:28:31,600 --> 00:28:34,374 Lindbergh viewed Soviet Russia as a greater threat than 364 00:28:34,440 --> 00:28:39,014 Hitler and feared a European crusade would doom Western civilization. 365 00:28:39,080 --> 00:28:44,280 (dramatic music) 366 00:28:51,720 --> 00:28:54,934 His stance found support among prominent businessmen, authors 367 00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:58,800 and celebrities, including Walt Disney and actress Lillian Gish. 368 00:28:59,760 --> 00:29:01,400 Even future president John F. 369 00:29:01,520 --> 00:29:03,960 Kennedy sent Lindbergh a telegram of support. 370 00:29:05,000 --> 00:29:08,414 Convinced of Lindbergh's Nazi sympathies, Roosevelt ordered an 371 00:29:08,480 --> 00:29:12,120 FBI investigation, but no incriminating evidence surfaced. 372 00:29:12,240 --> 00:29:17,134 (dramatic music) 373 00:29:17,200 --> 00:29:21,014 As Roosevelt struggled against public opposition, Hitler unleashed 374 00:29:21,080 --> 00:29:22,320 the Luftwaffe on Britain. 375 00:29:23,480 --> 00:29:26,934 Millions of Americans followed events via radio broadcasts, 376 00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:28,574 captivated by the Battle of Britain. 377 00:29:28,640 --> 00:29:33,840 (dramatic music) 378 00:29:34,120 --> 00:29:36,254 Journalist Edward Murrow played a key role in 379 00:29:36,320 --> 00:29:39,294 bringing the Blitz into American homes, reporting live 380 00:29:39,360 --> 00:29:41,654 from London's rooftops amid bombs and air raid 381 00:29:41,720 --> 00:29:46,134 sirens, even capturing the hurried footsteps of civilians fleeing to shelters. 382 00:29:46,200 --> 00:29:51,014 (dramatic music) 383 00:29:51,080 --> 00:29:55,494 At a time when survival was uncertain from one day to the next, so long and 384 00:29:55,560 --> 00:29:57,960 good luck became the standard British farewell. 385 00:30:00,440 --> 00:30:02,854 This soon found its way into Murrow's programs 386 00:30:02,920 --> 00:30:05,894 as he concluded each broadcast with the poignant 387 00:30:05,960 --> 00:30:08,120 phrase, good night and good luck. 388 00:30:10,480 --> 00:30:13,374 Americans were visibly moved by Britain's plight and 389 00:30:13,440 --> 00:30:15,080 public sentiment slowly shifted. 390 00:30:17,640 --> 00:30:19,454 Some refused to wait for a change in 391 00:30:19,520 --> 00:30:22,254 US foreign policy and risked everything to fight 392 00:30:22,320 --> 00:30:26,094 for freedom long before such selfless service was requested. 393 00:30:26,160 --> 00:30:29,894 (dramatic music) 394 00:30:29,960 --> 00:30:33,854 Between June 1940 and December 41, several hundred 395 00:30:33,920 --> 00:30:37,654 Americans volunteered for the RAF, helping defend Britain 396 00:30:37,720 --> 00:30:38,840 in the Battle of Britain. 397 00:30:43,120 --> 00:30:46,054 Fighter pilots, navigators and air gunners faced a 398 00:30:46,120 --> 00:30:48,974 10-year prison sentence, loss of US citizenship 399 00:30:49,040 --> 00:30:52,480 and a $20,000 fine under American law. 400 00:30:55,080 --> 00:30:58,360 Many brave volunteers claimed to be Canadian to avoid discovery. 401 00:31:02,520 --> 00:31:06,320 Some perished in battle and were among the few the British owed their lives to. 402 00:31:06,880 --> 00:31:09,374 As Britain fought on, Roosevelt prepared at home 403 00:31:09,440 --> 00:31:14,614 with the Selective Service Act, requiring all men aged 21 to 36 to register. 404 00:31:14,680 --> 00:31:18,614 (dramatic music) 405 00:31:18,680 --> 00:31:24,014 However, over 6,000 local draft boards decided fitness and deferment claims. 406 00:31:24,080 --> 00:31:28,080 (dramatic music) 407 00:31:28,760 --> 00:31:31,774 While men queued for examination, Roosevelt reassured the 408 00:31:31,840 --> 00:31:34,534 public, insisting he wouldn't send Americans into a 409 00:31:34,600 --> 00:31:38,374 European war, framing it as preparation for national defence. 410 00:31:38,440 --> 00:31:42,440 (dramatic music) 411 00:31:45,240 --> 00:31:47,320 He couldn't afford to lose public favour. 412 00:31:47,840 --> 00:31:49,080 He had an election to win. 413 00:31:53,560 --> 00:31:56,574 After two terms, Roosevelt pursued a third, an 414 00:31:56,640 --> 00:31:59,120 unprecedented move in US presidential history. 415 00:32:02,920 --> 00:32:08,094 Out of 48 states, he won all but 10, with 27 million voters returning him to 416 00:32:08,160 --> 00:32:10,254 the White House in November 1940. 417 00:32:10,320 --> 00:32:14,320 (dramatic music) 418 00:32:17,680 --> 00:32:20,574 As Roosevelt presided over Congress, he remained determined 419 00:32:20,640 --> 00:32:24,574 to aid Britain, describing the US as an arsenal for democracy. 420 00:32:24,640 --> 00:32:28,640 (dramatic music) 421 00:32:29,240 --> 00:32:34,294 His uplifting speech in early 1941 became synonymous with the American dream. 422 00:32:34,360 --> 00:32:38,360 (dramatic music) 423 00:32:38,720 --> 00:32:43,160 In his State of the Union address, he proposed four essential human freedoms. 424 00:32:45,880 --> 00:32:48,880 Freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, 425 00:32:49,640 --> 00:32:52,014 freedom from want, and freedom from fear. 426 00:32:52,080 --> 00:32:56,080 (dramatic music) 427 00:32:57,040 --> 00:32:59,640 A world built on these freedoms, Roosevelt believed, 428 00:33:00,040 --> 00:33:03,480 was the antithesis of the so-called new order of tyranny. 429 00:33:05,040 --> 00:33:07,494 Principles worth fighting for at any cost. 430 00:33:07,560 --> 00:33:11,560 (dramatic music) 431 00:33:12,480 --> 00:33:14,960 Roosevelt soon had his chance to act when, 432 00:33:15,160 --> 00:33:17,880 one month later, Churchill made a passionate appeal. 433 00:33:21,040 --> 00:33:23,440 Give us the tools and we will finish the job. 434 00:33:23,520 --> 00:33:27,520 (dramatic music) 435 00:33:28,560 --> 00:33:32,734 In response, in March 1941, Congress passed Roosevelt's. 436 00:33:32,800 --> 00:33:35,920 Lend-Lease Act, which did exactly as Churchill requested. 437 00:33:37,200 --> 00:33:40,094 By then, Britain had fought relentlessly for nine 438 00:33:40,160 --> 00:33:42,160 months and desperately needed supplies. 439 00:33:42,800 --> 00:33:44,080 Secretary of War Henry L. 440 00:33:44,240 --> 00:33:47,240 Stimson told the Senate, we are buying, not lending. 441 00:33:47,880 --> 00:33:50,534 We are buying our own security while we prepare. 442 00:33:50,600 --> 00:33:54,600 (dramatic music) 443 00:33:55,920 --> 00:33:58,374 The Lend-Lease policy proved invaluable to the. 444 00:33:58,440 --> 00:34:02,094 Allies, later extending to Russia as Hitler turned on Stalin. 445 00:34:02,160 --> 00:34:06,160 (dramatic music) 446 00:34:07,680 --> 00:34:12,494 By mid-1941, the U.S. was committed to aiding the Allies short of war. 447 00:34:12,560 --> 00:34:16,560 (dramatic music) 448 00:34:16,960 --> 00:34:19,614 U.S. convoys protected Allied shipping and U. 449 00:34:19,680 --> 00:34:22,734 .S. aircraft carriers secretly ferried British fighter planes 450 00:34:22,800 --> 00:34:26,254 to Mediterranean war zones, escalating the conflict globally. 451 00:34:26,320 --> 00:34:30,320 (dramatic music) 452 00:34:35,720 --> 00:34:38,094 As Europe and America drew battle lines, Japan 453 00:34:38,160 --> 00:34:40,920 became an increasing threat in the Northern Hemisphere, 454 00:34:41,520 --> 00:34:44,120 triggering dramatic shifts in U.S. foreign policy. 455 00:34:44,200 --> 00:34:48,200 (dramatic music) 456 00:34:50,320 --> 00:34:53,054 When Japan invaded French Indochina, U.S. aid 457 00:34:53,120 --> 00:34:55,574 routes to China were at risk and American. 458 00:34:55,640 --> 00:34:58,000 Pacific territories faced encirclement. 459 00:35:02,080 --> 00:35:04,654 The Philippines, Americans since Spain's defeat in the 460 00:35:04,720 --> 00:35:06,774 late 19th century, were in jeopardy. 461 00:35:06,840 --> 00:35:10,840 (dramatic music) 462 00:35:14,120 --> 00:35:17,614 A historic 1935 meeting between Roosevelt and Filipino. 463 00:35:17,680 --> 00:35:22,694 President Manuel Quezon had set a path to independence by 1945. 464 00:35:22,760 --> 00:35:26,760 (dramatic music) 465 00:35:28,360 --> 00:35:30,974 But with Japan advancing, the small nation faced 466 00:35:31,040 --> 00:35:33,974 grave danger and Roosevelt's response set in motion 467 00:35:34,040 --> 00:35:36,334 events that would change the war's course. 468 00:35:36,400 --> 00:35:40,400 (dramatic music) 469 00:35:50,760 --> 00:35:54,814 In July 1941, Roosevelt froze all Japanese assets 470 00:35:54,880 --> 00:35:57,174 in the U.S. Britain and the Netherlands 471 00:35:57,240 --> 00:36:00,094 followed, making it nearly impossible for Japan to 472 00:36:00,160 --> 00:36:02,174 buy oil, essential for expansion. 473 00:36:02,240 --> 00:36:06,240 (dramatic music) 474 00:36:10,920 --> 00:36:14,080 Since America supplied 95% of Japan's oil, 475 00:36:14,600 --> 00:36:16,414 the embargo was catastrophic. 476 00:36:16,480 --> 00:36:20,480 (dramatic music) 477 00:36:26,720 --> 00:36:29,880 In response, on the 14th of August 1941, 478 00:36:30,680 --> 00:36:32,800 Roosevelt and Churchill met face to face. 479 00:36:33,200 --> 00:36:34,894 Their past differences set aside. 480 00:36:34,960 --> 00:36:38,960 (dramatic music) 481 00:36:39,680 --> 00:36:44,400 At long last, Mr. President, Churchill exclaimed, shaking Roosevelt's hand. 482 00:36:46,640 --> 00:36:50,214 It was their first meeting since 1918 and 483 00:36:50,280 --> 00:36:52,014 marked the beginning of a great friendship. 484 00:36:52,080 --> 00:36:55,574 (dramatic music) 485 00:36:55,640 --> 00:36:57,774 Their four-day meeting aboard a ship off. 486 00:36:57,840 --> 00:37:01,974 Newfoundland focused on war aims, resulting in the Atlantic Charter. 487 00:37:02,040 --> 00:37:05,214 (dramatic music) 488 00:37:05,280 --> 00:37:08,174 This historic agreement declared that neither the United. 489 00:37:08,240 --> 00:37:11,814 States nor the United Kingdom sought territorial gains. 490 00:37:11,880 --> 00:37:15,880 (dramatic music) 491 00:37:23,800 --> 00:37:27,814 Churchill deeply respected Roosevelt, later saying, I felt 492 00:37:27,880 --> 00:37:31,974 I was in contact with a very great man who was also a warm-hearted friend 493 00:37:32,040 --> 00:37:35,454 and the foremost champion of the high causes which we served. 494 00:37:35,520 --> 00:37:39,520 (dramatic music) 495 00:37:40,240 --> 00:37:42,974 Still, the meeting did not bring America into 496 00:37:43,040 --> 00:37:45,400 the war as Stalin and Churchill had hoped. 497 00:37:46,160 --> 00:37:48,534 Yet for Japan, the Atlantic Charter and the 498 00:37:48,600 --> 00:37:51,600 oil embargo were seen as a declaration of war. 499 00:37:51,680 --> 00:37:55,680 (dramatic music) 500 00:38:06,560 --> 00:38:10,454 Facing existential threats, Japan held an imperial conference in 501 00:38:10,520 --> 00:38:15,854 Tokyo in September 1941, attended by the emperor and senior officials. 502 00:38:15,920 --> 00:38:19,920 (dramatic music) 503 00:38:21,160 --> 00:38:23,840 Hitler was eager to pursue his European ambitions, 504 00:38:24,320 --> 00:38:27,494 but anything that delayed US involvement was beneficial. 505 00:38:27,560 --> 00:38:31,374 (dramatic music) 506 00:38:31,440 --> 00:38:34,294 He encouraged Japan to attack British-occupied Singapore 507 00:38:34,360 --> 00:38:37,694 and India to divert America's attention from Europe. 508 00:38:37,760 --> 00:38:41,760 (dramatic music) 509 00:38:49,280 --> 00:38:52,294 Consequently, Hitler pledged to declare war on America 510 00:38:52,360 --> 00:38:56,214 if Japan acted, a move that ultimately proved disastrous for him. 511 00:38:56,280 --> 00:39:00,280 (dramatic music) 512 00:39:03,400 --> 00:39:06,054 He believed America, with prominent pro-Nazi figures 513 00:39:06,120 --> 00:39:09,920 like Lindbergh and a public favouring neutrality, wouldn't pose a threat. 514 00:39:10,320 --> 00:39:12,134 It was a serious miscalculation. 515 00:39:12,200 --> 00:39:16,200 (dramatic music) 516 00:39:18,680 --> 00:39:22,094 Meanwhile, US-Japanese peace talks baffled the German 517 00:39:22,160 --> 00:39:24,494 ambassador, who doubted their sincerity. 518 00:39:24,560 --> 00:39:28,560 (dramatic music) 519 00:39:33,360 --> 00:39:35,614 The US offered Japan a final peace deal, 520 00:39:35,680 --> 00:39:40,614 promising to lift embargoes on oil and steel if Japan withdrew from Indochina. 521 00:39:40,680 --> 00:39:44,680 (dramatic music) 522 00:39:47,760 --> 00:39:52,080 Prime Minister Konoe offered to meet Roosevelt in Hawaii, despite the risks. 523 00:39:54,840 --> 00:39:56,974 He even proposed a pact under which Japan 524 00:39:57,040 --> 00:39:59,574 would avoid war with America, even if US 525 00:39:59,640 --> 00:40:02,254 actions led to war with Germany, violating the 526 00:40:02,320 --> 00:40:04,614 tripartite pact with Hitler and Mussolini. 527 00:40:04,680 --> 00:40:08,680 (dramatic music) 528 00:40:15,320 --> 00:40:16,840 But Konoe's efforts failed. 529 00:40:17,560 --> 00:40:20,320 The Japanese military was set on war. 530 00:40:21,320 --> 00:40:25,934 On 7 December 1941, Japan sent notification that 531 00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:27,840 all negotiations had collapsed. 532 00:40:31,240 --> 00:40:33,040 By the time it reached the White House, 533 00:40:33,480 --> 00:40:36,934 Roosevelt and the American people already knew peace was no longer an option. 534 00:40:37,000 --> 00:40:41,000 (dramatic music) 535 00:40:43,880 --> 00:40:46,734 At 8am on Sunday, 7 December, as the 536 00:40:46,800 --> 00:40:49,854 Hawaiian sun shone lazily over the Pacific, a 537 00:40:49,920 --> 00:40:52,040 sinister shadow emerged on the horizon. 538 00:40:53,240 --> 00:40:56,400 Swarms of Japanese fighter planes approached Pearl Harbour. 539 00:40:56,480 --> 00:41:00,480 (dramatic music) 540 00:41:10,720 --> 00:41:14,454 Before sailors could mount a defence, explosions and gunfire shattered 541 00:41:14,520 --> 00:41:15,400 the morning calm. 542 00:41:15,480 --> 00:41:19,480 (dramatic music) 543 00:41:21,000 --> 00:41:24,960 Bombs, torpedoes and bullets devastated the US naval force. 544 00:41:25,720 --> 00:41:28,254 Amid the smoke and chaos, thousands of military 545 00:41:28,320 --> 00:41:30,094 personnel and civilians perished. 546 00:41:30,160 --> 00:41:33,654 (dramatic music) 547 00:41:33,720 --> 00:41:36,720 Roosevelt now had the mandate to lead America into war. 548 00:41:37,400 --> 00:41:39,974 Speculation remains that the attack was not entirely 549 00:41:40,040 --> 00:41:42,654 a surprise to him when news of the carnage arrived. 550 00:41:42,720 --> 00:41:46,720 (dramatic music) 551 00:41:57,200 --> 00:41:59,494 By the next morning in Washington, thousands had 552 00:41:59,560 --> 00:42:02,614 gathered outside the White House, awaiting Roosevelt's response 553 00:42:02,680 --> 00:42:03,880 to the horrific attack. 554 00:42:06,880 --> 00:42:10,600 His words would be etched into history, as would the event itself. 555 00:42:10,920 --> 00:42:13,614 And he did not disappoint the Allies, rallying 556 00:42:13,680 --> 00:42:18,040 his arsenal of democracy to take up arms against the Empire of the Rising Sun. 557 00:42:19,320 --> 00:42:26,334 And dastardly attacked by Japan on Sunday, December 558 00:42:26,400 --> 00:42:33,814 7th, 1941, a state of war has 559 00:42:33,880 --> 00:42:40,200 existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire. 560 00:42:40,320 --> 00:42:44,320 (dramatic music) 561 00:42:45,440 --> 00:42:48,614 On December 8th, Roosevelt declared that the United. 562 00:42:48,680 --> 00:42:51,534 States had suddenly and deliberately been attacked by. 563 00:42:51,600 --> 00:42:54,494 Japan's naval and air forces, and no matter 564 00:42:54,560 --> 00:42:57,214 how long it took, America would defend itself 565 00:42:57,280 --> 00:43:00,134 to the utmost, ensuring this act of treachery 566 00:43:00,200 --> 00:43:02,174 would never again threaten the USA. 567 00:43:02,240 --> 00:43:06,240 (dramatic music) 568 00:43:15,440 --> 00:43:18,614 Roosevelt's fiercest critics now favoured war, and the 569 00:43:18,680 --> 00:43:21,774 nation, which had long upheld neutrality, united behind 570 00:43:21,840 --> 00:43:24,640 the President as America entered the Second World War. 571 00:43:24,960 --> 00:43:28,014 Battles on the continent of Europe, and the 572 00:43:28,080 --> 00:43:32,360 Japanese on the continent of Asia, and on the islands of the Pacific. 573 00:43:33,400 --> 00:43:35,894 Yet even as Roosevelt spoke, thousands of miles 574 00:43:35,960 --> 00:43:39,440 away, the Philippines suddenly came under Japanese attack, 575 00:43:39,520 --> 00:43:42,174 and it fell to Field Marshal Douglas MacArthur 576 00:43:42,240 --> 00:43:45,254 to lead American and Filipino troops, who fought 577 00:43:45,320 --> 00:43:48,254 together to defend these strategically vital islands. 578 00:43:48,320 --> 00:43:52,320 (dramatic music) 579 00:43:53,880 --> 00:43:57,094 Aligned with Japan, the Axis Pact now drove 580 00:43:57,160 --> 00:44:01,160 Germany and Italy to declare war on America on December 11th. 581 00:44:04,080 --> 00:44:06,534 And as the USA joined the Allies, Churchill 582 00:44:06,600 --> 00:44:09,374 was eager to meet Roosevelt to discuss war plans. 583 00:44:09,440 --> 00:44:13,440 (dramatic music) 584 00:44:15,160 --> 00:44:18,854 Just before Christmas 1941, the two great leaders 585 00:44:18,920 --> 00:44:21,694 met again, and within the White House, Churchill 586 00:44:21,760 --> 00:44:24,574 created his own war room, covering the walls 587 00:44:24,640 --> 00:44:27,360 with maps as British administrators filled the corridors. 588 00:44:30,680 --> 00:44:34,414 During the Arcadia Conference, Roosevelt and Churchill strategised 589 00:44:34,480 --> 00:44:37,494 their next moves, forming an informal alliance between 590 00:44:37,560 --> 00:44:41,334 the USA, Great Britain, China, and the Soviet Union. 591 00:44:41,400 --> 00:44:45,400 (dramatic music) 592 00:44:45,600 --> 00:44:48,094 Their objectives were to halt German advances in 593 00:44:48,160 --> 00:44:51,014 Russia and North Africa, launch a Western European 594 00:44:51,080 --> 00:44:54,254 invasion to crush Germany between two fronts, while 595 00:44:54,320 --> 00:44:56,574 also aiding China and defeating Japan. 596 00:44:56,640 --> 00:45:00,640 (dramatic music) 597 00:45:02,680 --> 00:45:05,694 Christmas Eve 1941 would be the only occasion 598 00:45:05,760 --> 00:45:08,854 Roosevelt and Churchill addressed the public together, united 599 00:45:08,920 --> 00:45:10,454 in their pledge to fight for a free 600 00:45:10,520 --> 00:45:14,174 and decent world, and to remember those serving in the armed forces. 601 00:45:14,240 --> 00:45:18,240 (dramatic music) 602 00:45:32,800 --> 00:45:36,800 Fine sentiments indeed, but in the Pacific, the battle was relentless. 603 00:45:38,320 --> 00:45:40,214 Hong Kong fell to the Japanese on Christmas. 604 00:45:40,280 --> 00:45:43,334 Day, followed quickly by Manila, the capital of 605 00:45:43,400 --> 00:45:46,480 the Philippines, though fierce fighting continued for four months. 606 00:45:47,040 --> 00:45:49,854 The Japanese also advanced towards Malaya and the 607 00:45:49,920 --> 00:45:51,960 Dutch East Indies at an alarming pace. 608 00:45:56,560 --> 00:46:00,054 Nevertheless, for Churchill and Britain, America's entry into 609 00:46:00,120 --> 00:46:01,920 the war was a great advantage. 610 00:46:05,480 --> 00:46:09,134 By January 1942, American soldiers began arriving in. 611 00:46:09,200 --> 00:46:12,814 Britain, with numbers increasing dramatically in the years ahead. 612 00:46:12,880 --> 00:46:16,880 (dramatic music) 613 00:46:20,000 --> 00:46:22,614 The American GIs made a significant impact on 614 00:46:22,680 --> 00:46:25,814 British life, arriving with gifts for women, particularly 615 00:46:25,880 --> 00:46:29,294 stockings, leading disgruntled British men to describe them 616 00:46:29,360 --> 00:46:32,454 as over-sexed, overpaid, and over-here. 617 00:46:32,520 --> 00:46:36,520 (dramatic music) 618 00:46:39,000 --> 00:46:41,894 However, the Americans responded with a jibe at. 619 00:46:41,960 --> 00:46:46,134 Britain's famously unorthodox commander, Bernard Montgomery, saying the. 620 00:46:46,200 --> 00:46:49,294 Tommies were under-sexed, underpaid, and under-Monty. 621 00:46:49,360 --> 00:46:53,360 (dramatic music) 622 00:46:55,240 --> 00:46:57,680 Although many American troops were stationed in Britain, 623 00:46:58,160 --> 00:46:59,974 the majority at this time were sent to 624 00:47:00,040 --> 00:47:02,574 the Pacific to counter Japan's ongoing assault. 625 00:47:02,640 --> 00:47:06,640 (dramatic music) 626 00:47:10,440 --> 00:47:14,120 In early 1942, the Japanese began bombing Singapore, 627 00:47:14,640 --> 00:47:17,800 one of the British Empire's key commercial and military centres. 628 00:47:19,040 --> 00:47:22,574 On February 8th, 23,000 Japanese troops stormed 629 00:47:22,640 --> 00:47:25,494 the island, and to Churchill's horror, Singapore fell 630 00:47:25,560 --> 00:47:29,974 by February 15th, which he called Britain's greatest defeat. 631 00:47:30,040 --> 00:47:34,040 (dramatic music) 632 00:47:39,080 --> 00:47:41,560 In the Pacific, American General Dwight D. 633 00:47:41,680 --> 00:47:43,814 Eisenhower did all he could to get aid 634 00:47:43,880 --> 00:47:46,120 to the struggling Philippines, but failed. 635 00:47:49,400 --> 00:47:52,294 The presidential palace in Manila was occupied, and 636 00:47:52,360 --> 00:47:55,414 with 80,000 prisoners of war captured, horrifying 637 00:47:55,480 --> 00:47:58,400 reports of their brutal treatment soon reached the USA. 638 00:47:58,480 --> 00:48:02,480 (dramatic music) 639 00:48:05,160 --> 00:48:07,534 Filipino and American troops were forced to march 640 00:48:07,600 --> 00:48:10,800 105km to a prison camp in the north, 641 00:48:11,440 --> 00:48:14,200 an ordeal now known as the Bataan Death March. 642 00:48:17,880 --> 00:48:21,134 An estimated 10,000 Filipinos and 1,200 643 00:48:21,200 --> 00:48:24,920 Americans died en route from starvation, thirst, and torture. 644 00:48:29,680 --> 00:48:33,814 The American press widely reported the atrocity, sparking outrage. 645 00:48:33,880 --> 00:48:37,880 (dramatic music) 646 00:48:38,960 --> 00:48:41,840 Within months, the Japanese controlled Burma, Malaya, 647 00:48:42,080 --> 00:48:45,280 Thailand, French Indochina, and the Malay Archipelago. 648 00:48:47,760 --> 00:48:50,214 The Philippines president and his cabinet fled to 649 00:48:50,280 --> 00:48:52,094 Washington to form a government in exile. 650 00:48:52,160 --> 00:48:56,160 (dramatic music) 651 00:49:00,160 --> 00:49:02,654 While war raged in the Pacific, Eisenhower was 652 00:49:02,720 --> 00:49:05,440 appointed head of the European Theatre of Operations, 653 00:49:06,080 --> 00:49:09,094 his first mission being to implement Operation Torch. 654 00:49:09,160 --> 00:49:13,160 (dramatic music) 655 00:49:16,520 --> 00:49:19,214 Devised by Roosevelt and Churchill, the plan aimed 656 00:49:19,280 --> 00:49:23,240 to seize French North Africa as a base to drive Italy out of the war. 657 00:49:23,320 --> 00:49:27,320 (dramatic music) 658 00:49:28,280 --> 00:49:32,920 From Gibraltar, Eisenhower directed Operation Torch, targeting Algeria, 659 00:49:33,120 --> 00:49:36,094 Morocco, and Tunisia, marking the first major joint 660 00:49:36,160 --> 00:49:38,734 operation between American and British forces. 661 00:49:38,800 --> 00:49:42,800 (dramatic music) 662 00:49:46,960 --> 00:49:49,934 It was also where Eisenhower encountered General Bernard 663 00:49:50,000 --> 00:49:53,160 Montgomery, affectionately called Monty by his men. 664 00:49:56,520 --> 00:50:00,174 By February 1943, Eisenhower was made responsible for 665 00:50:00,240 --> 00:50:03,454 the British Eighth Army under Montgomery's command, revealing 666 00:50:03,520 --> 00:50:06,360 tensions not only between British and American troops, 667 00:50:06,760 --> 00:50:08,734 but also at the highest ranks. 668 00:50:08,800 --> 00:50:12,800 (dramatic music) 669 00:50:16,000 --> 00:50:17,847 Montgomery frustrated the Americans by 670 00:50:17,913 --> 00:50:20,120 disregarding strategies that didn’t suit him, 671 00:50:22,560 --> 00:50:26,160 leading to clashes with US generals George Patton and Omar Bradley. 672 00:50:29,560 --> 00:50:33,054 Although Bradley remained courteous, Patton was as contentious 673 00:50:33,120 --> 00:50:37,774 as Montgomery, earning the nickname Old Blood and Guts from his troops. 674 00:50:37,840 --> 00:50:41,840 (dramatic music) 675 00:50:45,080 --> 00:50:48,854 On one occasion, Eisenhower had to intervene to save Patton's career. 676 00:50:48,920 --> 00:50:52,920 (dramatic music) 677 00:50:53,160 --> 00:50:56,374 While visiting wounded American soldiers in hospital, Patton 678 00:50:56,440 --> 00:51:00,734 shocked onlookers by slapping two young privates, accusing them of cowardice. 679 00:51:00,800 --> 00:51:04,800 (dramatic music) 680 00:51:06,480 --> 00:51:09,014 Though their injuries were invisible, they were suffering 681 00:51:09,080 --> 00:51:12,280 from shell shock, now known as post-traumatic stress. 682 00:51:13,280 --> 00:51:16,894 Public outcry led many to demand Patton's resignation. 683 00:51:16,960 --> 00:51:20,960 (dramatic music) 684 00:51:25,360 --> 00:51:28,534 But on Eisenhower's advice, he apologised before being 685 00:51:28,600 --> 00:51:31,934 temporarily relieved of duty, later returning as a 686 00:51:32,000 --> 00:51:33,760 key general in Europe's liberation. 687 00:51:39,160 --> 00:51:41,974 Following victory in North Africa, Eisenhower led forces 688 00:51:42,040 --> 00:51:44,720 into Italy, which soon fell to the Allies. 689 00:51:45,720 --> 00:51:50,454 By 1943, Roosevelt and Churchill, recognising Eisenhower's tactical 690 00:51:50,520 --> 00:51:53,600 brilliance, placed him in charge of Operation Overlord, 691 00:51:54,040 --> 00:51:56,414 the European invasion beginning with D-Day. 692 00:51:56,480 --> 00:52:00,480 (dramatic music) 693 00:52:06,200 --> 00:52:09,094 Eisenhower was tasked with organising one million combat 694 00:52:09,160 --> 00:52:11,320 troops and two million support personnel. 695 00:52:16,480 --> 00:52:21,080 On 6 June 1944, the Normandy beaches, Sword, 696 00:52:21,400 --> 00:52:25,454 Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah witnessed the beginning 697 00:52:25,520 --> 00:52:27,280 of World War II's final chapter. 698 00:52:31,280 --> 00:52:34,800 By early 1945, victory was inevitable for the Allies. 699 00:52:35,360 --> 00:52:36,734 It was just a matter of time. 700 00:52:36,800 --> 00:52:40,800 (dramatic music) 701 00:52:46,080 --> 00:52:48,854 However, for Roosevelt, fate had a cruel twist 702 00:52:48,920 --> 00:52:53,120 in store for the man who had done so much to defeat Hitler's axis of evil. 703 00:52:53,200 --> 00:52:57,200 (dramatic music) 704 00:53:01,000 --> 00:53:04,974 On 30 March 1945, Roosevelt travelled to Warm 705 00:53:05,040 --> 00:53:09,320 Springs to rest before attending the founding conference of the United Nations. 706 00:53:09,400 --> 00:53:13,400 (dramatic music) 707 00:53:15,160 --> 00:53:19,854 On 12 April, he was taken to his bedroom with a severe headache and died later 708 00:53:19,920 --> 00:53:22,454 that day from a massive cerebral haemorrhage. 709 00:53:22,520 --> 00:53:26,520 (dramatic music) 710 00:53:32,920 --> 00:53:34,934 Less than a month later, on 8 May 711 00:53:35,000 --> 00:53:39,654 1945, America and Europe celebrated Roosevelt's long-fought 712 00:53:39,720 --> 00:53:41,654 victory as Germany surrendered. 713 00:53:41,720 --> 00:53:45,720 (dramatic music) 714 00:53:54,240 --> 00:53:57,414 In the United States, V-E Day celebrations were dedicated 715 00:53:57,480 --> 00:54:02,640 to Roosevelt's memory with flags kept at half-mast for a 30-day mourning period. 716 00:54:03,800 --> 00:54:06,814 Churchill hailed him as the greatest American friend 717 00:54:06,880 --> 00:54:09,134 and the greatest champion of freedom. 718 00:54:09,200 --> 00:54:13,200 (dramatic music) 719 00:54:21,040 --> 00:54:23,920 It was the end of an era and a new age was beginning. 720 00:54:24,640 --> 00:54:26,934 The man who now carried Roosevelt's arsenal of 721 00:54:27,000 --> 00:54:30,160 democracy forward was Vice President Harry S Truman, 722 00:54:30,600 --> 00:54:33,574 who would lead America through the war's final chapters. 723 00:54:33,640 --> 00:54:37,640 (dramatic music) 724 00:54:43,320 --> 00:54:47,174 The conflict in the Pacific ended in August 1945 with 725 00:54:47,240 --> 00:54:49,880 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 726 00:54:51,000 --> 00:54:54,094 The West rejoiced at peace, but the devastation 727 00:54:54,160 --> 00:54:56,174 in the East marked the dawn of a 728 00:54:56,240 --> 00:54:59,334 new era in warfare as history's deadliest weapon 729 00:54:59,400 --> 00:55:01,134 finally forced Japan's surrender. 730 00:55:01,200 --> 00:55:05,200 (dramatic music)