Impossible Peace

Episode 2

Just Like the Arabian Nights, 1922-1925

Following World War I, treaties were designed to punish the aggressors. But the balance of power was tilted too drastically in favor of the victors.

Episode 3

Mussolini Is Always Right, 1925-1929

After the war, cars and other technological advances were as influential as exchange rates and floundering economies in the new world order.

Episode 4

Dancing On A Volcano, 1929-1931

As 1929 dawned on Paris, it seemed the party would go on forever. And few saw that the masses were hiding from a looming and devastating future.

Episode 5

I'm Alright, 1932-1933

In the 1920s, there seemed to be good candidates for leadership in Europe, but where were they when the Great Depression descended?

Episode 6

Everyone Trusts Him, 1933-1936

As the Depression’s effect on the US became clear, Japanese business interests set their focus on East Asia, where the empire was expanding.

Episode 7

History Stopped, 1936-1938

Would early action have stopped Hitler’s aggression? No one knows, but inaction certainly didn’t work. Why did the great powers decline to act?

Episode 8

Peace For Our Time, 1938-1939

Some believed appeasement of Hitler would preserve the peace. They either didn’t see, or ignored, the Nazi leader’s obvious territorial ambitions.