Military Historian Reviews 250 Years of Warfare in Movies | Part Two

Historian Dan Snow reviews some of his favourite World War Two movies from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Dan begins with a review of 'Guns of Navarone' (1961), starring Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn and David Niven, and analyses the accuracy of British commandos using disguises on missions during the Second World War. He also sheds light on the Dodecanese Campaign, a relatively unknown Mediterranean theatre of the conflict which proved to be Hitler's last great strategic victory in 1943. Dan moves onto the cult classic that is 'Das Boot' (1981). One of the first World War Two movies to show submarine warfare with gritty realism, Das Boot has been praised for its historical accuracy and ability to allow audiences to empathise with soldiers from the wrong side of an inglorious war. Dan delves into the filmmaking process, which involved rebuilding the interior of a real U-96, and the history behind this aspect of naval warfare in the Atlantic during World War Two. Next up is one of the most famous World War Two movies of all time - 'The

Military historian Dan Snow MBE reviews the evolution of warfare over the course of 250 years depicted in historical movies. Spanning from the late-18th to early-21st Century, Dan charts the development of battle tactics and strategy, as well as the rapid evolution of weapons technology which have transformed the battlefield. In the first episode, starting of with The Patriot (2000), Dan comments on the use of columns of infantry advancing slowly toward the enemy musket volleys in the American War of Independence from 1775 to 1783 - a battlefield strategy that seems almost archaic to us now. He also details the early forms of guerilla warfare seen in the American Revolutionary War, that were used to chip away at British morale. Moving on over half a century later in Glory (1989) - a film starring Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick and Samuel L. Jackson depicting the horrors of the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865 - Dan notes how battlefield strategy, such as that seen at the Battle of Antietam in 1862, had barely changed from that seen several decades

Was it the mud? Was it the longbow? Or were French battlefield decisions the real reason they lost? Join medieval historian Matt Lewis as he breaks down the battlefield tactics that shaped the legendary Battle of Agincourt. From Henry V’s calculated use of terrain to the deadly efficiency of the English longbow men, Matt reveals how strategy, not just luck, secured one of the most astonishing victories in medieval history. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.

Just how brutal was the Soviet Advance on Berlin? Dan Snow and military historian Sir Antony Beevor present the gripping account of the Battle of Berlin, the final, bloody chapter of World War Two in Europe. The pair discuss Joseph Stalin's secret plan to seize the city and its nuclear secrets while deceiving his Western Allies. From the colossal artillery battle at the Seelow Heights to the brutal street fighting in the city, this is the definitive story of the Third Reich's collapse. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.

Explore the fascinating origins and innovations behind everyday technologies in this episode of Wicked Inventions. Discover how submarines evolved from 16th-century experiments to luxury underwater tourism wonders. Unearth the military roots of the internet, born out of Cold War necessity, and witness its transformation into the global web we know today. Delve into the dual-purpose invention of fog machines, initially designed for military concealment and now entertaining the masses. From submarines to the internet and fog machines, witness the incredible science and craftsmanship that goes into these wicked inventions that shape our daily lives. ------- Wicked Inventions is a captivating TV series that dives deep into the intriguing histories behind everyday objects and groundbreaking technologies. Through a blend of expert interviews, meticulous research, and detailed reconstructions, the show unravels the often unexpected origins and inspirations of inventions. From the humble beginnings of common gadgets to the pioneering breakthroughs in advanced tech, Wicked Inventions offers a comprehensive exploration of mankind's innovative spirit and the tales of ingenuity that shape our modern world. ------- Welcome to Banijay History, the ultimate destination for

Dan Snow meets celebrated military historian Saul David at the National Archives to dig into the top secret documents that tell the story of the incredible planning that went into D-Day. Hidden in the archives for decades, these papers and photographs reveal meticulous preparations coupled with extraordinary acts of heroism by men and women, researching the Normandy beaches and creating a web of deception that kept German forces guessing where the landings were coming. Using everything from midget submarines to double cross codes, they gave the men assaulting the beaches a fighting chance of success. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.