This episode of “The Big Picture” — one of the “Army in Action” series — is entitled “Three Faces of Evil”. It shows how Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Tojo came into power in Germany, Italy and Japan following WWI. The turmoil and power vacuum in post-WWI Europe is shown, with the rise of the Fascists illustrated with historic footage of Hitler’s fiery speeches, Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia, and the deceitful planning that ended in open conflict in 1939. The Japanese invasion of China is shown including the assault on Shanghair, and the sinking of the USS Panay (10 minute mark). The Spanish Civil War is shown at the 8 minute mark, with Soviet Russia and the Fascist powers taking sides with the opposing factions. Hitler and Mussolini’s summit in Rome is shown at about the 9 minute mark. Meanwhile, at the 13 minute mark, the Dustbowl grips the USA and the Depression sinks the U.S. economy. The Civilian Conservation Corps is seen at the 13:30 mark, and other activities designed to help the nation recover from its malaise. President Franklin D. Roosevelt is seen at the 16 minute mark visiting a CCC camp.
At the 19 minute mark, the Nazi campaign against the Jews is seen including the Kristallnacht campaign and the herding of Jews into concentration camps.
The episode ends with the beginning of World War II, and French preparations to stop the Nazi assault including images of the Maginot Line. At the same time a pathetically undermanned and underequipped U.S. military is shown, unable to respond in the event of a calamity — such as was about to unfold.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
