Netflix Docuseries Explores "Forgotten" History of World War II Amidst Rising Antisemitism

Filmmaker Joe Berlinger's six-part Netflix series, "Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial," aims to shed light on the lesser-known aspects of World War II and warn against the dangers of authoritarianism and antisemitism, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern society.

As America grapples with rising antisemitism and authoritarianism, filmmaker Joe Berlinger's six-part Netflix docuseries, "Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial," aims to provide a timely reminder of the perils of such ideologies. The series delves into the "forgotten" history of World War II, from Hitler's rise to power to the Nuremberg trials, shedding light on the lessons that can be learned from this dark chapter in human history.

Berlinger emphasizes the crucial importance of remembering the past to avoid repeating it. "In America, we are in the midst of our own reckoning with democracy, with authoritarianism knocking at the door and a rise in antisemitism," he says. "This is the right time to retell this story for a younger generation as a cautionary tale, and on a global scale."

The series aims to fill in the gaps in American understanding of World War II, particularly the Eastern Front involving Nazi Germany's conflict with the Soviet Union. Berlinger highlights the shocking lack of knowledge among young people about the Holocaust and concentration camps, emphasizing the necessity of educating viewers about these atrocities.

The docuseries addresses the alarming rise of antisemitism in modern society. Berlinger notes that "dehumanization and antisemitism that’s extreme by modern standards" have become prevalent, necessitating a deeper understanding of the roots and consequences of such ideologies.

A significant focus of the series is the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, where Nazi leaders were held accountable for their crimes. Through the lens of these trials, viewers witness the unprecedented nature of the evil perpetrated by the Nazi regime.

The series incorporates the eyewitness testimony of late American journalist William L. Shirer, whose firsthand accounts of Hitler's rise to power and the war provide a unique and invaluable perspective. Shirer's writings, brought to life through modern AI technology, serve as a powerful narrative thread throughout the docuseries.

Berlinger stresses the fragility of democracy and the dangers of authoritarianism. He cautions that "the very foundations of democracy will crumble" if people fail to communicate respectfully and learn from the mistakes of the past.

The docuseries serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers that the rise of authoritarianism and antisemitism are not isolated historical events but rather present-day threats that must be confronted and condemned.

"Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial" premieres on Netflix on June 5th.

Joe Berlinger's "Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial" is a timely and essential docuseries that sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of World War II and warns against the dangers of authoritarianism and antisemitism. By revisiting the horrors of the past, the series aims to instill in viewers a profound understanding of the importance of protecting democracy and maintaining vigilance against the forces of hatred and intolerance.