Using rare British Pathe archive newsreels in a comprehensive hour long programme on each year of the 1940s, this 3 disc package gives the definitive insight into the decade of World War 2, allied Victory, post-war austerity and the newly created tensions of the Cold War world. 1940-41 saw Hitler's expansionist ambitions for Nazi Germany realised in his armed forces' invasion of Finland, Denmark, Norway, Benelux and France. Japan, Yugoslavia, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria also bolstered the Axis Forces. In 1942, the U.S.A. entered the global conflict following the Japanese attack on their Navy at Pearl Harbour and campaigns raged in the Pacific, Burma, North Africa, Russia and the Atlantic. In 1943, the tide began to turn; the bloody siege of Stalingrad ended, German forces were repelled in Tunisia and Italy surrendered. June 1944 saw world's largest combined land, sea and air operation - the Normandy Landings of Allied troops on 'D-Day'. It marked the start of the Allies push to Berlin and their eventual Victory In Europe. On route, troops uncovered the grim reality of 'concentration camps' to a disgusted world. Post-war, the United Nations and NATO were formed and the Iron Curtain fell dividing Europe and Berlin. In the UK, a new age of austerity began with wartime rationing continuing: a severe balance of payments deficit dictated that many British made goods were strictly for 'Export Only'. Princess Elizabeth married, the Welfare State and the NHS were inaugurated and the Nationalisation of core public utilities and industries began in earnest under Clement Attlee's Labour government.
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