This first episode covers Hitler's New Germany after his rise to power as Chancellor in 1933 and his rearmament of the German military and his rise to dictator. Britain's Prime Minister Chamberlain's attempt to stave off war in Europe through diplomatic means through the 1930's. It also includes Japan's invasion of China in 1937 and the Hitler & Stalin non-aggression pact that allowed Hitler to initially wage a one front war in Europe.

Hitler unleashes blitzkrieg with paratroops, massive air armadas and fast moving armored and mechanized divisions in Western Europe through the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg and invades France. The British Expeditionary Force is pushed to the sea at Dunkirk while the Germany army sweeps through France in six weeks.

Tensions rise in the Pacific between the Japanese and the United States and with Britain and France who have holdings throughout East Asia. In North Africa British forces duel in the desert against Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox, and his Afrika Corps who have come to take over the North African campaign from Mussolini's stalled forces. Hitler unleashes a blitzkrieg in Eastern Europe opening up a two front war in Europe.

Japan draws the United States into the war with attack on Pearl Harbor. Philippines, Guam, Wake Island and the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong also attacked and Japanese forces invade Thailand and Malaysia. In Eastern Europe, the Russians launch a massive counter-attack against the Germans.

Rommel's forces retreat in North Africa. German Army puts Leningrad under siege that would last until early 1944. The British Colonies in Asia fall to the Japanese. A look at the U.S. fighter planes in service at the outbreak of war. With the United States now engaged a look at the World at War.