War of the Century, When Hitler Fought Stalin, part 1 - High Hopes

Four-part documentary series looking at the conflict between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during the Second World War, containing new information and film footage (some of it colour footage). GB, BBC/History Channel/NDR co-production.Details Hitler's invasion of Russia and also Stalin's initial dismissal of agents reports that Hitler was planning to invade and also gives evidence confirming Stalin's attempts to seek a negotiated peace with the Germans when they did invade. Considers the morale and state of the Red Army, often low and ill-equipped or led, and the blitzkrieg tactics used by the Germans - with first hand accounts from ex-SS and Red Army men. Uses eye- witness accounts and new film footage and information available since the opening up of East European archives and society in former Communist countries.