The World at War 16 -- Inside the Reich: Germany 1940 - 1944

This episode from "The World at War" series offers an in-depth look into life inside Nazi Germany during the critical years of 1940 to 1944, focusing on the societal, political, and human dimensions of the war from the German perspective:
Impact of Bombing Campaigns: The documentary opens with the devastating effects of Allied bombing on German cities, such as the firestorm raids on Hamburg that killed 40,000 people. It captures the shock, anger, and exhaustion of civilians as their urban centers were reduced to rubble, yet notes how bombing often united people across political divides in shared suffering.
Life Under the Nazi Regime: It explores the claustrophobic atmosphere of a nation under totalitarian control, where propaganda and fear dominated daily life. Citizens describe feeling trapped in a "concentration camp"-like existence, with Hitler's directives shaping their thoughts and actions, leaving little room for dissent or independent thought.
Resistance and Conformity: The film highlights acts of resistance, such as individuals hiding Jews despite the risks, and the July 20, 1944, assassination attempt on Hitler led by Claus von Stauffenberg. It contrasts these acts of bravery with widespread conformity, showing how many Germans either believed Nazi propaganda or chose ignorance over confrontation.
The SS and Total Control: The growing power of the SS under Heinrich Himmler is detailed, portraying it as an empire within an empire, controlling concentration camps, forced labor, and elite Waffen-SS divisions. The documentary addresses the systematic extermination of Jews and other minorities, with chilling accounts of deportations and the "resettlement" euphemism masking the Holocaust.
Decline and Desperation: As the war turned against Germany, the film depicts a nation crumbling under relentless bombing, resource shortages, and military setbacks. It shows the recycling of war cripples into labor pools, the forced labor of millions, and the increasing apathy of a populace facing inevitable defeat.
Leadership Collapse: Hitler's deteriorating health and paranoia are noted, alongside the faltering confidence in his leadership post-assassination attempt. The documentary illustrates how key figures like Goebbels and Himmler clung to power, while the German war machine struggled to maintain operations amidst chaos.