Impossible Peace
The First World War claimed a life every twenty five seconds for four years. What had been the point of it all? It was believed that World War One was the 'war to end all wars'. But 20 years after the guns fell silent the war drums were banging again-louder and more lethal before. Told through archive and the insights of international historians, Impossible Peace is a story of twenty years of peace that produced war.
- 2017-2017
- 1 season
- Documentary, Action & Adventure
- TV-14
The First World War claimed a life every twenty five seconds for four years. What had been the point of it all? It was believed that World War One was the 'war to end all wars'. But 20 years after the guns fell silent the war drums were banging again-louder and more lethal before. Told through archive and the insights of international historians, Impossible Peace is a story of twenty years of peace that produced war.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2017
Episode 1
The Lap Of The Gods: 1919 - 1921
50 mins
After four years of vicious fighting, the survivors of WW1 expected that peace and prosperity would follow. But with so many economies and societies shattered "some maybe beyond repair" this would be far from straightforward.
Episode 2
Just Like The Arabian Nights: 1922 - 1925
50 mins
The victors of World War 1 believed that keeping their vanquished foes under-armed would guarantee peace. And so as the US and Great Britain began to increase their military holdings, it was at the expense of a humiliated Germany.
Episode 3
Mussolini Is Always Right: 1925 - 1929
50 mins
Technological advances were embraced by some - but not all - whilst Mussolini began his autocratic rule in Italy.
Episode 4
Dancing On A Volcano: 1929 - 1931
50 mins
By the late twenties, Europe - France especially - appeared to have put the bad old days of economic strife behind them. A few voices warned that this boom time would have inevitable consequences, but the majority weren't listening.
Episode 5
I'm Alright: 1932 - 1933
50 mins
In the 20's there seemed to be some good candidates for leadership in Europe. But where were these people when the great depression hits, effecting the lives of people around the world?
Episode 6
Everyone Trusts Him: 1933 - 1936
50 mins
With the United States also suffering, Japan took the opportunity to increase their empire. Turning their attention to East Asia, they plotted the invasion of Manchuria.
Episode 7
History Stopped: 1936 - 1938
50 mins
By the mid thirties, Adolf Hitler's ambitions seemed clear to all. If the great powers had acted earlier, would their intervention have prevented WW2?
Episode 8
Peace For Our Time: 1938 - 1939
50 mins
For some, appeasement was the only way "repeating the disaster of WW1 had to be avoided at all costs". But with Adolf Hitler at the other end of the negotiating table, this was a strategy doomed to failure.
