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Arguably one of the most important documentary series ever made, 1997's The Nazis: A Warning from History sets out to show that, far from being a uniquely German aberration, Nazism fed upon and was fostered by the prejudices and lemming-like inclinations of ordinary people. Although culminating with the atrocities of the Holocaust, these programmes are equally good on the motives of otherwise perfectly normal people, who needed only the tacit encouragement of the regime to perpetrate horrors against their enemies, their neighbours, or their own family. When confronted with evidence of their Nazi past, elderly former party members are often unable to find any other justification for their actions than simply that they could get away with it. Far from being a monolithic dictatorship which compelled the citizenry to act in rigidly prescribed ways, the Nazi state just allowed people to give their worst inclinations free reign.
Hitler, it turns out, was a profoundly lazy man who rarely got out of bed before midday, and preferred to leave affairs of state to sort themselves out. He subscribed fervently to the doctrine of survival of the fittest as applied to all social and political matters, and actively encouraged in-fighting among his subordinates. The result was an organisational vacuum at the centre of state, which super-ambitious acolytes were only too eager to fill, often acting on nothing more than the Fuhrer's off-the-cuff remarks. One small example is revealing: after reading a letter from the father of a disabled child, Hitler agreed that it would be best for the boy to die. From this single statement arose a nationwide policy of euthanasia for all disabled children, carried out willingly and without compulsion by the doctors and "carers" themselves. It needed nothing more than the Fuhrer's nod. The message is clear and shocking: it happened in Germany, it could happen anywhere.
On the DVD: The Nazis: A Warning from History has six episodes spread across two discs. Picture and sound are standard TV quality; notable is the evocative use of Brahms's German Requiem as the series' theme. Other than subtitles, there are no extra features. -Mark Walker
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Black & White, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Examines the reality behind the seemingly well-structured and ordered Nazi party in government, and how despite the regimented displays and image of the dictator Fuhrer the actual rule of government was more haphazard. Covers the disposal of Rahm and bureaucratic set ups and rivalries within the main government building. Looks at how ideas and policies often came about through rival party officials jostling for influence and favour with Hitler and formulating policies based on what they thought he wanted and on vague ideas or statements from Hitler. It also considers how the Gestapo could not have worked so effectively without the support or information from the populace, and looks at many surviving examples of letters sent to the authorities denouncing neighbours or relatives, including an interview with a woman who wrote such a letter. Also looks at how the policy of official euthanasia for mentally or physically handicapped children and adults came into being and at attitudes to anyone who was 'different' in any way. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...The Nazis: A Warning from History - 2-DVD Set (UK)
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
181 of 188 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is one of the finest television documentaries I have ever seen. It probes behind the usual cliches and half-truths about the Nazis and presents a picture of the party that is altogether more disturbing. The documentary concludes that once in power the operation of some of their darker policies was facilitated by the assistance of lower party officials and ordinary Germans. This expounds the myth that all Germans were manipulated into compliance from the top down. Neither are the sentiments that fuelled Nazi policies restricted to Germany, as in one of the most disturbing parts of the documentary a Lithuanian man who volunteered without coercion to join a shooting squad and execute his Jewish neighbours is interviewed. This series is given weight by the latest scholarship and authenticity and emotive power by a multitude of interviews. The music and narration is also of the finest quality. The documentary will leave you better informed, but also asking some uneasy questions. It is divided into the following six chapters, each approximately 48 minutes in duration:
Helped Into Power - this chapter examines how the political and economic turmoil of the Weimar Republic assisted the Nazis into a position of power. The economic depression of the early 1930s and opposition to communism from senior German politicians are shown to be important contributory factors.
Chaos and Consent – shows that behind the public façade of a rigidly ordered Nazi party, the lackadaisical approach to administration of Adolf Hitler created a cloud of confusion in which ambitious Nazis could exert considerable power in the formulation of specific policies.
... Read more ›78 of 84 people found the following review helpful
By Mr President
Format:DVD
The Nazi's - A Warning From History is one which i only saw in its entirety this year on UK History. I found it an engrossing and fascinating series. From the outset the brilliant music featured in the credits create in the viewers mind a programme that is going to convey a story that is perhaps unsurpassed in its horror and of historys' main role as being teacher for us in the present and future.
The programme itself keeps the right balance on information, making very effective use of documents and eye witness testimony, explaining very effectively how the Nazi's came to power, and although we now view it as an evil regime, one witness at the time said it was 'paradise'. It weaves a story together that appears seamless and interlinked, tying events that occured in chance meeting between Hitler with a Nazi official or his recieving a letter asking for permission to get rid of a disabled child, and how these in turn led to the various events and policy of Nazi Germany.
Its a rare and powerful documentary that is still as watchable 7 years on. Thoroughly recommended to those with even a passing interest in history and perhaps as a reminder to those who believe that as a species humans are advanced as we really think. This will make you think again.
64 of 70 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
This series, now shown 3 years ago still sticks in my mind as one of the profound documentaries I have ever seen. The 'Warning from History' is the story of a highly civilised democracy that turned into a violent military state. The warning lies in the fact that these events are not as much in history as we may like to tell ourselves for two main reasons. Firstly, it's not that long ago - many of the unrepentant interviewees who supported the fascist regime are alive and well and happy to discuss their feelings of the time. Secondly, they are ordinary members of society who were caught up in series of events that best served them as individuals and threatened them if they resisted. As ordinary selfish individuals, they responded and went along with the mainstream, ignoring the realities they did not like in the interests of their own survival. By mixing personal, sociological and historical vews, the history comes frighteningly into the present. We all live in a society on this knife edge. If we too were brutalised and threatened, we could and would turn on eachother to ensure our own survival. This video should be bought, remembered and shown to the next generation
33 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By DF McCleland
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Why are there not more DVDs like this? If I could, I would rate it a 7 out of 5.
The main thrust of this DVD has nothing to do with the conduct, management or execution of the war but rather the conduct, management or execution of the political field. So do not expect to see dive-bombing Stukas, menacing Tigers or obdurate Stormtroopers. None of these even have a walk-in part in this DVD.
Although we all hold a view that this was a barbarous regime, how did it manage to attain power & even more importantly, how did it manage to retain the power to memerise the German volk until the very end. Unlike the Stalinist regime which used terror by killing tens of millions of their own citizens, the Nazi state employed terror primarily against the undermensch and Juden. Undoubtedly terror was used against internal dissidents especially at the war's close but, in the main, the ordinary German folk were captivated or in thrall of Hitler and no doubt felt unbridled pride in the achievements of the German war machine especially with their initial, swift and essentially "bloodless" victories.
[...]Episode one deals with the birth of the Nationalist Socialist Workers Party or Nazi Party for short. Despondency had set in after their ignominious defeat in WW1. Disaffected elements without jobs & a future bandied together. These were revolutionary times in Germany with first the left trying to overthrow the existing order & establishing the short-lived Räterepublik in Bavaria. Then the right in the form of the Nazi Party had a go in the 1923 Putsch. Where Rees is outstanding, is marshalling little know facts such as the fact that the prosecutor in his trial had previously gone beyond the call of duty in assisting Hitler to evade justice.... Read more ›
The main thrust of this DVD has nothing to do with the conduct, management or execution of the war but rather the conduct, management or execution of the political field. So do not expect to see dive-bombing Stukas, menacing Tigers or obdurate Stormtroopers. None of these even have a walk-in part in this DVD.
Although we all hold a view that this was a barbarous regime, how did it manage to attain power & even more importantly, how did it manage to retain the power to memerise the German volk until the very end. Unlike the Stalinist regime which used terror by killing tens of millions of their own citizens, the Nazi state employed terror primarily against the undermensch and Juden. Undoubtedly terror was used against internal dissidents especially at the war's close but, in the main, the ordinary German folk were captivated or in thrall of Hitler and no doubt felt unbridled pride in the achievements of the German war machine especially with their initial, swift and essentially "bloodless" victories.
[...]Episode one deals with the birth of the Nationalist Socialist Workers Party or Nazi Party for short. Despondency had set in after their ignominious defeat in WW1. Disaffected elements without jobs & a future bandied together. These were revolutionary times in Germany with first the left trying to overthrow the existing order & establishing the short-lived Räterepublik in Bavaria. Then the right in the form of the Nazi Party had a go in the 1923 Putsch. Where Rees is outstanding, is marshalling little know facts such as the fact that the prosecutor in his trial had previously gone beyond the call of duty in assisting Hitler to evade justice.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
remember
do not forget the past,i have looked around the world since they came and went, still man is fallling into the same trap.
Published 2 days ago by Allan
4.0 out of 5 stars
A VERY GOOD PROGRAME
THIS WAS A VERY GOOD DVD IT TELLS OF THE RISE IN A COUNTRY THAT SUFFERED RISING INFLATION CAUSED BY THE ECONOMIC RESTRAINTS PUT ON THE COUNTRY AFTER THE FIRST WORLD WAR
Published 17 days ago by gumpa
5.0 out of 5 stars
best of the bbc
one of the best by the bbc, Samuel west gives excellent narration. if you like good in depth documentaries, this is a must.
Published 22 days ago by garoz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting
Two DVDs are included. Good interesting series. A must have collection for anyone who enjoys historical material. Good quality video..
Published 1 month ago by Hugo
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Nazis
The Nazis made a long lasting impression on the world, not just by the material destruction they created, but on the thinking of the next generations. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Eva Szoke
5.0 out of 5 stars
good.
very good clips and interviews from some of the actual people who were close to the nazi party leader..good price too.
Published 2 months ago by Christopher Zihni
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Nazis - a warning from History
Essential viewing from a terrible period of our very recent history. DVDs like this ensure that such event will never be forgotten - and never should be.
Published 2 months ago by Mr. A. J. Dandy
5.0 out of 5 stars
nazi dvd
nazis dvd- great quality, very imformative bought for my husband as a gift very pleased as it a subject he very interested in. Read more
Published 3 months ago by clare fisher
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Production
Powerful series with compelling interviews. Excellent storytelling and an always relevant reminder of how ordinary people can fall prey to fascist ideologies.
Published 3 months ago by PipKato
5.0 out of 5 stars
great
This is one of the finest television documentaries I have ever seen...Why are there not more DVDs like this? If I could, I would rate it a 7 out of 5.
Published 3 months ago by ionisilvia de fatima
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