The First Hour: What happened after WW2 ended? | Full Documentary on iWonder

What happened in the first hour after the end of World War II? In 1945, as all collapses, Allied troops move into Germany, combing every barn and haystack for hidden weapons, and the last pockets of resistance. “The First Hour” is a compelling documentary that captures the uncertainty and tension of these moments—will the occupying forces bring force or deliver chocolate and gum? Through personal stories and unheard memories, this film reveals the blurred line between liberation and fear, painting a vivid picture of the final moments of war and the first steps toward peace. Experience the raw emotions and untold experiences of those who lived through the transition from war to peace in a ravaged Germany.

Eyewitness stories, interspersed (in original German) with re-enactments.

#ww2 #liberation #eyewitness #fear #germany

00:00:00 - Introduction: Setting the Historical Context

00:08:30 - Experiences of War: A Child’s Perspective: First-person accounts from an 8-year-old’s experience during the final days of the war, focusing on fear and survival.

00:15:00 - Village on the Brink: Facing the SS: The village’s fear of the SS setting up a new defense line, and the resulting desperation as they anticipate bombing.

00:22:00 - Retreat of the SS: A Glimmer of Hope: The SS retreats, allowing the villagers to raise white flags, which signals a brief moment of hope before US forces arrive.

00:28:30 - US Troops Arrive: A New Order: The arrival of US forces without conflict and the beginning of the post-war occupation, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics.

00:34:00 - Rebuilding After War: The First Steps: Focus shifts to how the local community starts to rebuild in the wake of the war’s end, highlighting both resilience and challenges.

00:41:00 - Political Repercussions: The New World Order: The documentary transitions to examining the political landscape after the war, focusing on the changing power structures in the region.

00:48:00 - Personal Reflections on Loss and Survival: A reflective section where individuals share deeper personal stories of survival, loss, and the emotional toll of the conflict.

00:53:00 - The Road to Recovery: New Challenges: Post-war recovery and rebuilding efforts continue, emphasising both successes and ongoing struggles faced by the community.

00:58:00 - Conclusion: Lessons from the Past: Wrapping up the key themes of the documentary, summarising the personal and historical lessons from the war and its aftermath.