The U.S. and the Holocaust
A history to be reckoned with.
Storyline
Americans consider themselves a 'nation of immigrants', but as the catastrophe of the Holocaust unfolds in Europe, the U.S. prove unwilling to open its doors to more than a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of desperate refuge seekers. Through riveting firsthand testimony of witnesses and survivors who as children endured persecution, violence and flight as their families tried to escape Hitler, this three-part documentary series delves deeply into the tragic human consequences of public indifference, bureaucratic red tape and restrictive quota laws in America. Did the nation fail to live up to its ideals? This is a history to be reckoned with.
Episodes
Specials
No overview available for this season.
The Holocaust and Refugees, Lessons for Today
Sep 08, 2022
Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Madlin Sadler discuss the Holocaust and Refugees, Lessons for Today. Moderated by Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and chief washington correspondent.
The Holocaust and Authoritarianism Today
Sep 15, 2022
Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, Michael Abramowitz discuss the Holocaust and authoritarianism today. Moderated by Julia Ioffe, Puck News.
Miniseries
Americans consider themselves a 'nation of immigrants', but as the catastrophe of the Holocaust unfolds in Europe, the U.S. prove unwilling to open its doors to more than a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of desperate refuge seekers. Through riveting firsthand testimony of witnesses and survivors who as children endured persecution, violence and flight as their families tried to escape Hitler, this three-part documentary series delves deeply into the tragic human consequences of public indifference, bureaucratic red tape and restrictive quota laws in America. Did the nation fail to live up to its ideals? This is a history to be reckoned with.
The Golden Door (Beginnings — 1938)
Sep 18, 2022
Reversing a history of open borders, a xenophobic backlash prompts Congress to restrict immigration. Hitler and the Nazis persecute German Jews, forcing many to seek refuge. FDR is concerned by the growing crisis but unable to coordinate a response.
Yearning to Breathe Free (1938 — 1942)
Sep 20, 2022
As World War II begins, Americans are divided over whether to intervene against Nazi Germany. Some individuals and organizations work tirelessly to help refugees escape. Germany invades the USSR and secretly begins the mass murder of European Jews.
The Homeless, Tempest-Tossed (1942 — )
Sep 21, 2022
A group of dedicated government officials fights red tape to support rescue operations. As the Allies liberate German camps, the public sees for the first time the sheer scale of the Holocaust and begins to reckon with its reverberations.
Series Info
Status
Ended
Seasons
1
Episodes
3
Language
en
Networks
