1 00:00:59,701 --> 00:01:01,335 ( men singing in russian ) 2 00:01:01,369 --> 00:01:04,171 Stone: In January 1943, 3 00:01:04,205 --> 00:01:08,842 Just days before the final german surrender at stalingrad, 4 00:01:08,877 --> 00:01:10,377 Roosevelt and churchill met 5 00:01:10,412 --> 00:01:12,646 At casablanca in french morocco. 6 00:01:15,383 --> 00:01:17,418 Stalin was not in attendance. 7 00:01:17,452 --> 00:01:21,405 He'd withdrawn his ambassadors from london and washington. 8 00:01:21,439 --> 00:01:23,740 The alliance was in crisis. 9 00:01:23,775 --> 00:01:27,211 The red army was moving west against the germans. 10 00:01:27,245 --> 00:01:29,113 The momentum had shifted. 11 00:01:30,248 --> 00:01:32,666 Appreciation of the soviet sacrifice 12 00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:34,718 Was finally growing in the u.S. 13 00:01:34,752 --> 00:01:38,622 Even fervent anti-communist media-baron henry luce 14 00:01:38,656 --> 00:01:43,610 Made stalin "time" magazine's man of the year in 1942, 15 00:01:43,645 --> 00:01:45,929 Praising his industrialization, 16 00:01:45,963 --> 00:01:49,500 Stating, "stalin's methods were tough, but they paid off." 17 00:01:52,337 --> 00:01:54,838 Another luce magazine, "life," 18 00:01:54,873 --> 00:01:57,307 Painted the soviet union as a quasi-america, 19 00:01:57,341 --> 00:02:00,360 With its citizens "one hell of a people 20 00:02:00,395 --> 00:02:03,280 Who to a remarkable degree look like americans, 21 00:02:03,314 --> 00:02:06,467 Dress like americans and think like americans." 22 00:02:08,219 --> 00:02:10,454 His ruthless secret police was even described 23 00:02:10,488 --> 00:02:13,740 As a national police similar to the fbi. 24 00:02:24,052 --> 00:02:26,587 Roosevelt felt he had to take action, 25 00:02:26,621 --> 00:02:29,256 Or he risked the breakup of the alliance. 26 00:02:29,290 --> 00:02:33,443 Both he and churchill feared stalin might indeed make a deal with hitler 27 00:02:33,478 --> 00:02:36,346 To save the soviet union further destruction. 28 00:02:36,381 --> 00:02:39,383 After all he'd done it before. 29 00:02:39,417 --> 00:02:42,819 But on many issues roosevelt, unlike churchill, 30 00:02:42,854 --> 00:02:45,222 Saw eye-to-eye with stalin. 31 00:02:45,256 --> 00:02:47,224 Both wanted a weakened, 32 00:02:47,258 --> 00:02:50,394 Pastoralized postwar germany without industry. 33 00:02:50,428 --> 00:02:52,296 It was germany's militarism 34 00:02:52,330 --> 00:02:54,898 That had been the cause of such unrest in europe. 35 00:02:54,933 --> 00:02:58,101 Roosevelt's voice: We either have to castrate the german people 36 00:02:58,136 --> 00:03:00,304 Or we have to treat them in such a manner, 37 00:03:00,338 --> 00:03:03,090 So that they can't just go on reproducing people 38 00:03:03,124 --> 00:03:06,310 Who want to continue the way they have in the past. 39 00:03:08,062 --> 00:03:11,281 Stone: It was at casablanca that the president announced 40 00:03:11,299 --> 00:03:13,800 A policy of "unconditional surrender." 41 00:03:13,835 --> 00:03:16,036 He wanted to send a message to stalin 42 00:03:16,070 --> 00:03:18,188 That the u.S. Would not rest 43 00:03:18,223 --> 00:03:21,992 Until hitler's germany was destroyed. 44 00:03:22,026 --> 00:03:25,195 "unconditional surrender" was a declaration of war 45 00:03:25,230 --> 00:03:27,281 Not merely on the enemy governments, 46 00:03:27,315 --> 00:03:30,317 But on the german and japanese people themselves. 47 00:03:30,351 --> 00:03:32,452 Which in its unintended way, 48 00:03:32,487 --> 00:03:36,573 Would lead to terror bombing of civilian populations, 49 00:03:36,608 --> 00:03:39,810 Harden the resistance of those populations, 50 00:03:39,844 --> 00:03:43,647 And result in the most controversial decision of the war: 51 00:03:43,681 --> 00:03:46,800 The dropping of the atomic bomb on japan. 52 00:03:49,687 --> 00:03:51,922 In hindsight one might argue 53 00:03:51,956 --> 00:03:54,925 That the declaration of "unconditional surrender" 54 00:03:54,959 --> 00:03:57,861 Was one of roosevelt's greatest blunders. 55 00:03:57,895 --> 00:04:02,132 To make matters worse, roosevelt and churchill confirmed at casablanca 56 00:04:02,166 --> 00:04:07,004 The allied decision to land in sicily after north africa, 57 00:04:07,038 --> 00:04:10,307 Again postponing the second front in europe 58 00:04:10,341 --> 00:04:13,744 And relegating their nations to further irrelevance 59 00:04:13,778 --> 00:04:16,647 In determining the outcome of the war. 60 00:04:16,681 --> 00:04:18,682 This would lead to the disastrous 61 00:04:18,716 --> 00:04:21,952 Italian campaign of 1943-'45 62 00:04:21,986 --> 00:04:24,821 That achieved little but a fierce bloodletting 63 00:04:24,856 --> 00:04:26,723 Of allied troops in sicily, 64 00:04:26,758 --> 00:04:29,693 And at slaughterhouses like the beach-head at anzio 65 00:04:29,727 --> 00:04:32,029 And the four battles for monte cassino, 66 00:04:32,063 --> 00:04:34,431 Which did little damage to the nazis. 67 00:04:54,218 --> 00:04:56,620 With the allies bogged down in Italy, 68 00:04:56,654 --> 00:05:00,724 And the soviets increasingly suspicious of british intentions, 69 00:05:00,758 --> 00:05:04,778 Roosevelt and stalin met 10 months after casablanca 70 00:05:04,812 --> 00:05:08,782 For the very first time in tehran in iran 71 00:05:08,816 --> 00:05:12,102 In November 1943. 72 00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:16,373 After trying unsuccessfully to exclude churchill from the meeting, 73 00:05:16,391 --> 00:05:21,044 Roosevelt accepted stalin's offer to stay in the soviet embassy. 74 00:05:21,079 --> 00:05:23,814 But roosevelt found stalin cold and aloof 75 00:05:23,848 --> 00:05:26,350 During the first three days of meetings 76 00:05:26,384 --> 00:05:28,285 And feared he would not succeed. 77 00:05:28,319 --> 00:05:31,071 But on the fourth day, after teasing churchill 78 00:05:31,105 --> 00:05:33,073 In front of stalin about his britishness 79 00:05:33,107 --> 00:05:35,192 And about his cigars, 80 00:05:35,226 --> 00:05:36,993 Churchill, according to roosevelt, 81 00:05:37,028 --> 00:05:39,096 Grew red and scowled. 82 00:05:39,130 --> 00:05:42,032 And the more he did, the more stalin smiled, 83 00:05:42,066 --> 00:05:46,069 Until finally stalin broke out into a deep, hearty guffaw 84 00:05:46,104 --> 00:05:48,121 At the expense of churchill. 85 00:05:48,156 --> 00:05:51,658 And before long, roosevelt was calling him "uncle joe." 86 00:05:51,693 --> 00:05:53,226 The ice had been broken, 87 00:05:53,261 --> 00:05:55,912 And roosevelt felt that he and stalin 88 00:05:55,947 --> 00:05:58,682 Were now talking like men and brothers. 89 00:06:00,385 --> 00:06:03,070 Roosevelt reiterated to the soviet leader 90 00:06:03,104 --> 00:06:05,906 That he would open the long-delayed second front 91 00:06:05,940 --> 00:06:09,292 The following spring. Churchill was forced to commit, 92 00:06:09,327 --> 00:06:12,012 But argued still the landing should be made 93 00:06:12,063 --> 00:06:14,398 To the east through the balkans, 94 00:06:14,432 --> 00:06:16,566 Heading off the advancing soviets. 95 00:06:16,601 --> 00:06:18,902 Roosevelt's voice: The p.M. Is thinking too much 96 00:06:18,936 --> 00:06:22,339 Of a postwar world and where England will be. 97 00:06:22,373 --> 00:06:26,209 He's scared of letting the russians get too strong. 98 00:06:26,244 --> 00:06:28,178 Stone: Roosevelt clearly indicated 99 00:06:28,196 --> 00:06:31,114 He would allow the soviets considerable latitude 100 00:06:31,149 --> 00:06:33,183 In shaping the future of eastern europe 101 00:06:33,217 --> 00:06:35,252 And the baltic states, 102 00:06:35,286 --> 00:06:38,722 Requesting only that stalin implement changes judiciously 103 00:06:38,756 --> 00:06:41,158 And not offend world opinion. 104 00:06:41,192 --> 00:06:44,828 Roosevelt had written stalin a personal note promising... 105 00:06:44,862 --> 00:06:47,664 Roosevelt's voice: The United States will never lend its support 106 00:06:47,698 --> 00:06:50,867 In any way to any provisional government in poland 107 00:06:50,902 --> 00:06:53,703 That would be inimical to your interests. 108 00:06:53,738 --> 00:06:57,407 Stone: Crucially, roosevelt made important headway 109 00:06:57,425 --> 00:07:00,944 When he got stalin to agree to enter the war against japan 110 00:07:00,978 --> 00:07:03,613 When the war against germany was concluded. 111 00:07:05,950 --> 00:07:09,486 Exhausted, roosevelt wrote of the tehran conference, 112 00:07:09,504 --> 00:07:11,654 "we made great progress." 113 00:07:11,672 --> 00:07:13,457 Roosevelt: To use an american 114 00:07:13,491 --> 00:07:17,761 And somewhat ungrammatical colloquialism, 115 00:07:17,795 --> 00:07:21,515 I may say that I "got along fine" 116 00:07:21,566 --> 00:07:23,867 With marshal stalin. 117 00:07:23,901 --> 00:07:27,070 And I believe that we are going to get along very well 118 00:07:27,088 --> 00:07:29,506 With him and the russian people, 119 00:07:29,540 --> 00:07:31,758 Very well indeed. 120 00:07:35,346 --> 00:07:37,514 ( gunfire ) 121 00:07:37,548 --> 00:07:42,586 The soviet war continued with a bloody campaign in belorussia, 122 00:07:42,620 --> 00:07:47,190 Followed by their entry into poland in January 1944-- 123 00:07:47,225 --> 00:07:49,793 Russia's ancient border enemy. 124 00:07:49,827 --> 00:07:53,230 The retaking of poland and particularly warsaw 125 00:07:53,264 --> 00:07:55,398 Is a tragic and bloody story. 126 00:07:55,433 --> 00:07:59,769 Few suffered as much as the poles in this long war. 127 00:07:59,804 --> 00:08:02,973 Six million were killed, three million of them jewish. 128 00:08:03,007 --> 00:08:06,009 But the u.S.S.R. Too 129 00:08:06,043 --> 00:08:09,279 Paid a stiff price to free poland. 130 00:08:09,313 --> 00:08:12,182 600,000 soviets perished. 131 00:08:12,216 --> 00:08:15,585 It was here that the first death camps were actually found 132 00:08:15,620 --> 00:08:18,488 In 1944 by soviet troops, 133 00:08:18,523 --> 00:08:21,091 And revealed unquestionably to the world, 134 00:08:21,125 --> 00:08:25,428 Pictures of the true insanity of hitler's regime. 135 00:08:26,914 --> 00:08:30,984 The soviets quickly set up a friendly government in lublin 136 00:08:31,018 --> 00:08:33,386 That cracked down on the opposition, 137 00:08:33,421 --> 00:08:35,655 Triggering a civil war. 138 00:08:35,690 --> 00:08:39,893 They had excluded the fiercely anti-communist representatives 139 00:08:39,927 --> 00:08:43,697 Of the polish exile government that had been set up in london. 140 00:08:43,731 --> 00:08:46,633 The westerners thought of them as democrats, 141 00:08:46,667 --> 00:08:49,302 But stalin said they were terrorists-- 142 00:08:49,337 --> 00:08:51,271 Descendants of the white russians 143 00:08:51,305 --> 00:08:53,189 Who had fought against the revolution 144 00:08:53,223 --> 00:08:57,978 In the russian civil war of 1919-1922. 145 00:08:58,012 --> 00:09:01,648 No stranger himself to terrorist tactics, 146 00:09:01,682 --> 00:09:03,750 Stalin, in order to prevail 147 00:09:03,784 --> 00:09:07,587 Against the hated anti-communist poles in london, 148 00:09:07,622 --> 00:09:10,590 Committed the dual atrocities 149 00:09:10,625 --> 00:09:13,360 Of killing thousands of polish army officers 150 00:09:13,394 --> 00:09:16,429 In the katyn forest in 1940, 151 00:09:16,464 --> 00:09:18,632 And then in 1944, 152 00:09:18,666 --> 00:09:22,502 He ordered the red army to halt outside the capital 153 00:09:22,536 --> 00:09:24,938 While the germans crushed 154 00:09:24,972 --> 00:09:27,307 The native warsaw uprising. 155 00:09:27,341 --> 00:09:29,209 Soviet defenders argued 156 00:09:29,243 --> 00:09:31,511 That the red army had exhausted itself 157 00:09:31,545 --> 00:09:34,915 In a grueling 45-day, 450-mile advance 158 00:09:34,949 --> 00:09:36,850 Against tough german troops, 159 00:09:36,884 --> 00:09:40,387 Over-stretching their supply and communication lines-- 160 00:09:40,421 --> 00:09:43,256 That they needed to stand down. 161 00:09:43,291 --> 00:09:45,492 Differences over poland would become 162 00:09:45,526 --> 00:09:47,794 The single greatest source of distrust 163 00:09:47,828 --> 00:09:49,562 Between the u.S., britain, 164 00:09:49,597 --> 00:09:53,233 And the soviet union during and after the war. 165 00:09:53,267 --> 00:09:56,770 But to be fair, many westerners did not understand 166 00:09:56,804 --> 00:09:59,773 That anti-semitism had long been common 167 00:09:59,807 --> 00:10:03,410 Among a significant portion of polish catholics, 168 00:10:03,444 --> 00:10:06,279 Or that to stalin poland was a matter 169 00:10:06,314 --> 00:10:08,548 Of life and death for the soviet union, 170 00:10:08,582 --> 00:10:11,451 Because the polish territories were the corridor 171 00:10:11,485 --> 00:10:14,120 Through which the hated germans had twice passed 172 00:10:14,155 --> 00:10:16,890 Into russia in the 20th century. 173 00:10:16,924 --> 00:10:19,960 For these reasons stalin demanded and enforced 174 00:10:19,994 --> 00:10:21,928 A friendly government on his border. 175 00:10:21,963 --> 00:10:23,730 It was no less an issue to him 176 00:10:23,764 --> 00:10:25,999 Than canada or mexico was 177 00:10:26,033 --> 00:10:27,834 For the United States. 178 00:10:28,836 --> 00:10:31,454 Through 1944 and '45, 179 00:10:31,489 --> 00:10:33,923 The soviets continued to advance, 180 00:10:33,958 --> 00:10:36,009 Taking romania, bulgaria, 181 00:10:36,043 --> 00:10:38,111 Hungary, czechoslovakia, 182 00:10:38,145 --> 00:10:39,813 And with the significant help 183 00:10:39,847 --> 00:10:42,315 Of partisan guerillas, yugoslavia. 184 00:10:43,317 --> 00:10:44,651 Mile by mile, 185 00:10:44,685 --> 00:10:47,354 Across eastern and southeastern europe, 186 00:10:47,388 --> 00:10:49,706 The germans fought to the last man. 187 00:10:49,740 --> 00:10:53,076 Cities became fortresses and were reduced to rubble. 188 00:10:53,110 --> 00:10:56,146 Warsaw, budapest, vienna-- 189 00:10:56,180 --> 00:10:59,049 An estimated million soviet troops perished 190 00:10:59,083 --> 00:11:01,284 Liberating these areas. 191 00:11:01,318 --> 00:11:03,787 And as the soviets fought their way to berlin 192 00:11:03,821 --> 00:11:05,555 From several directions, 193 00:11:05,589 --> 00:11:09,092 In the west on June 6th, 1944, 194 00:11:09,126 --> 00:11:10,827 The long-delayed second front 195 00:11:10,861 --> 00:11:12,896 Was finally opened, 196 00:11:12,930 --> 00:11:16,833 One and a half years after roosevelt first promised it to stalin. 197 00:11:16,867 --> 00:11:20,987 The largest armada the world had ever seen, 198 00:11:21,022 --> 00:11:23,406 Involving 11,000 planes 199 00:11:23,440 --> 00:11:26,076 - And some 4,000 ships. - ( gunfire ) 200 00:11:26,110 --> 00:11:28,194 Over 100,000 allied troops 201 00:11:28,229 --> 00:11:30,113 And 30,000 vehicles 202 00:11:30,147 --> 00:11:33,183 Landed on the french beach at normandy. 203 00:11:33,217 --> 00:11:36,036 An estimated 3,000 men died in this landing. 204 00:11:37,371 --> 00:11:39,723 Allied forces were now approaching germany 205 00:11:39,757 --> 00:11:41,624 From both east and west. 206 00:11:43,027 --> 00:11:44,427 Victory was inevitable. 207 00:11:48,299 --> 00:11:51,201 A month later in July 1944, 208 00:11:51,235 --> 00:11:55,305 A key event in the future of the world was taking shape-- 209 00:11:55,339 --> 00:11:58,541 The democratic party convention opened in chicago. 210 00:11:58,576 --> 00:12:00,577 His health clearly failing, 211 00:12:00,611 --> 00:12:02,946 Roosevelt easily secured the nomination 212 00:12:02,980 --> 00:12:05,315 For an unprecedented fourth term. 213 00:12:05,349 --> 00:12:07,417 Henry wallace, his vice president, 214 00:12:07,451 --> 00:12:10,653 Was probably the second most popular man in america, 215 00:12:10,688 --> 00:12:13,456 The people's choice to be his running mate. 216 00:12:15,192 --> 00:12:18,695 But he had made many enemies over the years. 217 00:12:18,729 --> 00:12:21,131 In may 1942, wallace had given 218 00:12:21,165 --> 00:12:23,650 The acclaimed "common man" speech. 219 00:12:23,684 --> 00:12:26,302 Some have spoken of the american century. 220 00:12:26,320 --> 00:12:29,689 I say that the century on which we are entering, 221 00:12:29,723 --> 00:12:32,392 The century which will come out of this war, 222 00:12:32,426 --> 00:12:34,994 Can be and must be 223 00:12:35,029 --> 00:12:37,614 The century of the common man. 224 00:12:37,648 --> 00:12:41,901 There must be neither military nor economic imperialism. 225 00:12:41,936 --> 00:12:45,955 The March of freedom of the past 150 years 226 00:12:45,989 --> 00:12:49,242 Has been a great revolution of the people. 227 00:12:49,276 --> 00:12:51,177 There were the american revolution... 228 00:12:52,346 --> 00:12:54,013 The french revolution... 229 00:12:55,099 --> 00:12:57,100 The latin american revolutions... 230 00:12:58,269 --> 00:13:00,153 The russian revolution. 231 00:13:00,187 --> 00:13:03,072 Each spoke for the common man. 232 00:13:03,106 --> 00:13:04,924 Some went to excess, 233 00:13:04,959 --> 00:13:07,393 But people broke their way to the light. 234 00:13:07,428 --> 00:13:10,296 Stone: He called for a worldwide peoples' revolution 235 00:13:10,331 --> 00:13:12,549 And an end to colonialism. 236 00:13:12,583 --> 00:13:16,402 His speech was received coldly across the atlantic. 237 00:13:16,453 --> 00:13:19,122 Churchill charged his secret agents 238 00:13:19,156 --> 00:13:21,641 In the u.S. To spy on wallace. 239 00:13:22,877 --> 00:13:26,179 Wallace detested the british empire. 240 00:13:26,213 --> 00:13:28,781 Wallace's voice: I said bluntly that I thought the notion 241 00:13:28,816 --> 00:13:30,500 Of anglo-saxon superiority, 242 00:13:30,534 --> 00:13:32,902 Inherent in churchill's approach, 243 00:13:32,937 --> 00:13:35,655 Would be offensive to many. 244 00:13:35,689 --> 00:13:38,041 Churchill had had quite a bit of whiskey, 245 00:13:38,075 --> 00:13:41,945 Said why be apologetic about anglo-saxon superiority, 246 00:13:41,979 --> 00:13:43,880 That we were superior, 247 00:13:43,914 --> 00:13:45,982 That we had the common heritage 248 00:13:46,016 --> 00:13:48,351 That had been worked out over the centuries in England 249 00:13:48,385 --> 00:13:51,588 And had been perfected by our constitution." 250 00:13:51,622 --> 00:13:54,040 Stone: Wallace's hatred of imperialism 251 00:13:54,074 --> 00:13:57,560 Was universally known and widely acclaimed. 252 00:13:57,595 --> 00:14:01,214 In March 1943, roosevelt sent him 253 00:14:01,248 --> 00:14:03,283 To latin america on a goodwill tour-- 254 00:14:03,317 --> 00:14:05,318 Secretly charging him 255 00:14:05,352 --> 00:14:08,154 To recruit nations for the allied cause. 256 00:14:08,189 --> 00:14:11,291 65,000 greeted him in costa rica, 257 00:14:11,325 --> 00:14:13,760 15% of the population. 258 00:14:13,794 --> 00:14:15,595 More than one million cheered 259 00:14:15,629 --> 00:14:18,164 As he moved down the streets of santiago, chile. 260 00:14:18,199 --> 00:14:20,817 ( cheering ) 261 00:14:20,851 --> 00:14:23,486 ( wallace speaking spanish ) 262 00:14:32,313 --> 00:14:34,247 Stone: The vice president returned 263 00:14:34,281 --> 00:14:37,083 With a dozen countries declaring war on germany. 264 00:14:37,117 --> 00:14:40,320 It was more than anyone had imagined possible. 265 00:14:41,388 --> 00:14:43,506 Back home, in a gallup poll, 266 00:14:43,540 --> 00:14:46,442 Wallace was the choice of 57% 267 00:14:46,477 --> 00:14:48,912 Of democratic voters to succeed roosevelt. 268 00:14:48,946 --> 00:14:50,747 But opposition to him 269 00:14:50,781 --> 00:14:53,516 From inside the party was enormous. 270 00:14:53,550 --> 00:14:56,286 Jesse jones was allied to a powerful group 271 00:14:56,320 --> 00:14:59,589 Of democratic party bosses, led by party treasurer 272 00:14:59,623 --> 00:15:02,125 And oil millionaire edwin pauley. 273 00:15:02,159 --> 00:15:04,711 United by their hatred of wallace, 274 00:15:04,745 --> 00:15:06,496 Their champion was a man known to many 275 00:15:06,530 --> 00:15:09,215 As the "assistant president." 276 00:15:09,250 --> 00:15:11,284 James byrnes had been raised 277 00:15:11,318 --> 00:15:14,721 In the hot-house politics of sultry south carolina, 278 00:15:14,755 --> 00:15:17,357 An environment where white superiority 279 00:15:17,391 --> 00:15:20,727 And segregation trumped all other issues. 280 00:15:20,761 --> 00:15:23,096 He was a driving force behind blocking 281 00:15:23,130 --> 00:15:27,066 A federal anti-lynching bill in 1938. 282 00:15:27,101 --> 00:15:30,903 After making his name smashing trade unions in the south, 283 00:15:30,938 --> 00:15:33,740 Byrnes became a powerful u.S. Senator. 284 00:15:33,774 --> 00:15:36,492 If you wanted something done on capitol hill, 285 00:15:36,527 --> 00:15:38,728 You saw jimmy byrnes. 286 00:15:38,762 --> 00:15:42,665 By 1943, the mood in washington had shifted. 287 00:15:42,700 --> 00:15:45,084 It was no longer the "new deal," 288 00:15:45,119 --> 00:15:48,421 And roosevelt removed wallace from the bureau of economic warfare 289 00:15:48,455 --> 00:15:52,859 And put byrnes in charge of the new office of war mobilization. 290 00:15:54,161 --> 00:15:56,629 But wallace still had a powerful supporter-- 291 00:15:56,664 --> 00:15:58,331 The american working man. 292 00:15:58,382 --> 00:16:00,600 ( people singing ) 293 00:16:00,651 --> 00:16:03,786 Stone: Today, few remember that the second world war 294 00:16:03,820 --> 00:16:05,821 Saw more strikes by organized labor 295 00:16:05,839 --> 00:16:08,958 Than at any other time in u.S. History. 296 00:16:08,992 --> 00:16:11,494 In 1944 alone one million workers 297 00:16:11,512 --> 00:16:13,546 Were on strike at one time or another. 298 00:16:13,597 --> 00:16:17,200 The war had rejuvenated american capitalism. 299 00:16:17,234 --> 00:16:20,970 Corporate profits rose from $6.4 billion in 1940 300 00:16:21,005 --> 00:16:25,208 To $10.8 billion in 1944. 301 00:16:25,242 --> 00:16:27,877 Put simply, the war was good business. 302 00:16:27,911 --> 00:16:30,713 But in the face of rising corporate profits, 303 00:16:30,748 --> 00:16:32,832 Workers' wages were frozen. 304 00:16:32,866 --> 00:16:36,786 As a result, a wave of strikes rocked the nation. 305 00:16:36,820 --> 00:16:38,354 ( people shouting ) 306 00:16:38,388 --> 00:16:40,573 Man: Americans versus americans-- 307 00:16:40,607 --> 00:16:43,326 A tragic spectacle in these critical times 308 00:16:43,360 --> 00:16:46,746 When unity is essential to the preservation of democracy. 309 00:16:50,718 --> 00:16:52,752 Stone: Detroit was the key city 310 00:16:52,786 --> 00:16:54,987 In roosevelt's "arsenal of democracy." 311 00:16:55,022 --> 00:16:57,757 Roosevelt: A great arsenal of democracy. 312 00:16:57,791 --> 00:17:00,760 Stone: Many african-american families migrated north 313 00:17:00,794 --> 00:17:03,930 In search of work in the armaments factories. 314 00:17:06,333 --> 00:17:08,484 Racial tensions soon escalated. 315 00:17:09,486 --> 00:17:11,504 One demonstrator jeered... 316 00:17:11,538 --> 00:17:13,923 Man: I'd rather see hitler and hirohito win, 317 00:17:13,957 --> 00:17:16,442 Than work beside a nigger on the assembly line. 318 00:17:16,477 --> 00:17:18,878 Stone: In June, violence exploded, 319 00:17:18,912 --> 00:17:20,630 Exacerbated by the city's 320 00:17:20,664 --> 00:17:23,082 Nearly all-white police force. 321 00:17:23,133 --> 00:17:25,601 Federal troops arrived to restore order... 322 00:17:25,635 --> 00:17:28,037 With live ammunition. 323 00:17:28,055 --> 00:17:30,339 34 were killed in the riots-- 324 00:17:30,374 --> 00:17:32,208 25 of them black. 325 00:17:34,044 --> 00:17:36,896 Wallace went to detroit to survey the damage. 326 00:17:36,930 --> 00:17:38,781 He was appalled. 327 00:17:48,909 --> 00:17:51,344 Stone: Years later this remark would be echoed 328 00:17:51,378 --> 00:17:54,313 By civil rights leader martin luther king 329 00:17:54,348 --> 00:17:57,133 In reference to the vietnam war. 330 00:17:57,167 --> 00:18:01,104 By 1944 powerful labor leaders 331 00:18:01,138 --> 00:18:04,340 Sidney hillman and scotsman phil murray, 332 00:18:04,374 --> 00:18:07,009 Expressing complete confidence in wallace, 333 00:18:07,044 --> 00:18:10,246 Had taken a dislike to the new men like byrnes 334 00:18:10,280 --> 00:18:12,248 Taking power in washington. 335 00:18:12,282 --> 00:18:15,251 But the anti-wallace forces told the president 336 00:18:15,285 --> 00:18:18,121 That a wallace re-nomination as vice president 337 00:18:18,155 --> 00:18:19,822 Would split the party. 338 00:18:19,857 --> 00:18:22,158 The president would not answer their ultimatum. 339 00:18:22,192 --> 00:18:23,993 He stalled for time. 340 00:18:24,027 --> 00:18:26,863 Eleanor roosevelt reminded him that wallace had been there 341 00:18:26,897 --> 00:18:30,433 With him since the beginning, a fellow visionary. 342 00:18:30,467 --> 00:18:32,819 But the president's attitude 343 00:18:32,853 --> 00:18:34,854 Towards wallace remained a puzzle. 344 00:18:36,056 --> 00:18:37,924 He sent wallace to evaluate 345 00:18:37,975 --> 00:18:41,177 The war's forgotten front-- in china. 346 00:18:41,211 --> 00:18:44,464 U.S. Ally jiang jieshi had been fighting japan 347 00:18:44,498 --> 00:18:47,500 Since the early 1930s, and with his wife, 348 00:18:47,534 --> 00:18:50,887 The powerful, american-educated madame jiang, 349 00:18:50,921 --> 00:18:54,340 Had strong ties to the u.S. Conservatives. 350 00:18:54,374 --> 00:18:56,893 Wallace, however, saw the growing power 351 00:18:56,927 --> 00:18:58,895 Of mao tse-tung's communist army 352 00:18:58,929 --> 00:19:01,764 And was unsure of jiang's future. 353 00:19:01,798 --> 00:19:04,016 His final report was considered 354 00:19:04,051 --> 00:19:07,270 Too controversial and suppressed. 355 00:19:09,039 --> 00:19:12,208 On his return, wallace was summoned immediately 356 00:19:12,242 --> 00:19:13,976 To meet the president. 357 00:19:14,011 --> 00:19:16,679 The ticket would be the subject of discussion. 358 00:19:16,713 --> 00:19:19,248 It was the moment wallace had been dreading. 359 00:19:19,283 --> 00:19:22,418 Wallace: His affection for me seemed to be completely undimmed, 360 00:19:22,452 --> 00:19:26,322 Because I can remember him pulling me down 361 00:19:26,356 --> 00:19:31,060 So his mouth was next to my ear and saying, 362 00:19:31,094 --> 00:19:35,464 "henry, I hope it will be the same old team." 363 00:19:39,136 --> 00:19:41,003 Stone: When the convention opened, 364 00:19:41,038 --> 00:19:42,938 He was waiting for that support. 365 00:19:42,956 --> 00:19:44,873 But increasingly ill, the president, 366 00:19:44,892 --> 00:19:47,860 Staying in san diego, only sent a note. 367 00:19:47,895 --> 00:19:52,198 Franklin delano roosevelt said, "if I were 368 00:19:52,232 --> 00:19:54,767 A delegate to this convention, 369 00:19:54,801 --> 00:19:58,471 I would vote for henry a. Wallace." 370 00:19:58,505 --> 00:20:01,374 Stone: Despite these words, it was a cruel blow. 371 00:20:01,408 --> 00:20:03,276 The president was not willing 372 00:20:03,310 --> 00:20:05,344 To fight for his vice president. 373 00:20:05,379 --> 00:20:07,146 But wallace remained the favorite. 374 00:20:07,180 --> 00:20:08,714 Labor told the president 375 00:20:08,765 --> 00:20:10,716 That the strike-breaking jimmy byrnes 376 00:20:10,751 --> 00:20:13,069 Was not acceptable. He was out. 377 00:20:13,103 --> 00:20:14,921 Desperate, the party bosses, 378 00:20:14,955 --> 00:20:16,872 Led by edwin pauley, 379 00:20:16,907 --> 00:20:20,209 Robert hannegan, ed flynn, ed kelley and others, 380 00:20:20,244 --> 00:20:23,079 Needed an 11th-hour substitute. 381 00:20:23,113 --> 00:20:26,315 And they settled on missouri senator harry truman, 382 00:20:26,350 --> 00:20:28,818 A man of limited qualifications, 383 00:20:28,852 --> 00:20:31,354 But one with few enemies. 384 00:20:31,388 --> 00:20:33,122 A graduate of high school, 385 00:20:33,156 --> 00:20:35,758 He'd been involved in three failed businesses. 386 00:20:36,977 --> 00:20:39,145 He'd served honorably in world war I. 387 00:20:39,179 --> 00:20:41,347 His most ambitious business venture, 388 00:20:41,381 --> 00:20:44,951 A haberdashery, went belly up in 1922. 389 00:20:44,985 --> 00:20:47,553 And in 1933 he wrote... 390 00:20:47,588 --> 00:20:49,422 Truman's voice: Tomorrow I'll be 49, 391 00:20:49,456 --> 00:20:51,324 But for all the good I have done, 392 00:20:51,358 --> 00:20:53,326 The 40 might as well be left off. 393 00:20:53,360 --> 00:20:54,961 Stone: A year later 394 00:20:54,995 --> 00:20:57,330 Kansas city political boss tom pendergast, 395 00:20:57,364 --> 00:20:59,065 After having been turned down 396 00:20:59,099 --> 00:21:01,367 By his first four choices, 397 00:21:01,401 --> 00:21:03,436 Picked the 50-year-old truman 398 00:21:03,470 --> 00:21:04,971 To run for the senate. 399 00:21:05,005 --> 00:21:07,540 When asked why, pendergast replied... 400 00:21:07,574 --> 00:21:10,576 Pendergast's voice: I wanted to demonstrate that a well-oiled machine 401 00:21:10,611 --> 00:21:13,112 Could send an office boy to the senate. 402 00:21:13,146 --> 00:21:15,081 Stone: Shunned by most senators, 403 00:21:15,115 --> 00:21:18,084 Who dismissed him as the "senator from pendergast," 404 00:21:18,118 --> 00:21:21,821 And failing to gain roosevelt's endorsement in his re-election bid, 405 00:21:21,855 --> 00:21:24,924 Truman worked hard to achieve respectability 406 00:21:24,958 --> 00:21:27,159 In his second senate term. 407 00:21:27,194 --> 00:21:29,462 But a gallup poll on the opening day 408 00:21:29,496 --> 00:21:33,633 Showed 65% supporting wallace as vice president-- 409 00:21:33,667 --> 00:21:35,701 Jimmy byrnes had 3% of the vote, 410 00:21:35,736 --> 00:21:38,788 And truman came in eighth with 2%. 411 00:21:38,822 --> 00:21:41,073 As wallace arrived at the convention, 412 00:21:41,124 --> 00:21:43,643 Labor leaders hillman and murray had delivered. 413 00:21:43,677 --> 00:21:46,362 Wallace supporters were there by the thousands. 414 00:21:46,380 --> 00:21:49,065 Murray, in a thick scottish accent, 415 00:21:49,099 --> 00:21:52,802 Shouted to his men, "wallace! That's it! Just keep pounding!" 416 00:21:52,836 --> 00:21:54,970 The future must bring 417 00:21:55,005 --> 00:21:58,407 Equal wages for equal work 418 00:21:58,442 --> 00:22:01,710 Regardless of sex or race. 419 00:22:01,728 --> 00:22:04,080 - ( cheering ) - stone: Wallace's speech 420 00:22:04,114 --> 00:22:06,649 Was interrupted constantly by applause. 421 00:22:06,683 --> 00:22:09,335 A chant of "we want wallace" filled the hall. 422 00:22:09,386 --> 00:22:13,422 We want wallace! We want wallace! We want wallace! 423 00:22:13,457 --> 00:22:15,975 Stone: Someone hijacked the loudspeakers 424 00:22:16,009 --> 00:22:18,394 And played wallace's campaign song 425 00:22:18,428 --> 00:22:22,665 With its chorus "iowa, iowa, that's where the tall corn grows!" 426 00:22:22,699 --> 00:22:26,018 ♪ iowa, iowa, that's where the tall corn... ♪ 427 00:22:26,053 --> 00:22:28,304 Stone: Furious, ed pauley threatened 428 00:22:28,338 --> 00:22:30,506 To cut the sound to the amplifiers. 429 00:22:30,540 --> 00:22:34,009 A victorious vote was almost a foregone conclusion-- 430 00:22:34,044 --> 00:22:36,011 A wallace victory was certain. 431 00:22:36,046 --> 00:22:38,547 Florida senator claude pepper realized that 432 00:22:38,582 --> 00:22:41,317 If he got wallace's name in nomination this night, 433 00:22:41,351 --> 00:22:43,769 Wallace would sweep the convention. 434 00:22:43,820 --> 00:22:46,088 He fought his way through the crowd to get to the microphone. 435 00:22:46,123 --> 00:22:48,090 But the bosses were now demanding 436 00:22:48,125 --> 00:22:51,394 That session chair samuel jackson adjourn. 437 00:22:51,428 --> 00:22:54,630 This chaos was a fire hazard, they screamed. 438 00:22:54,664 --> 00:22:58,000 Not knowing what to do, jackson called the vote for adjournment. 439 00:22:58,018 --> 00:23:00,669 A few said "aye," but the overwhelming majority 440 00:23:00,687 --> 00:23:02,404 - Boomed "nay." - ( gavel pounds ) 441 00:23:02,422 --> 00:23:04,590 And yet, jackson had the gall 442 00:23:04,641 --> 00:23:07,243 To announce that the vote to adjourn had passed. 443 00:23:07,277 --> 00:23:09,528 It was outrageous. 444 00:23:09,563 --> 00:23:11,297 Confusion filled the hall. 445 00:23:11,331 --> 00:23:13,783 Pepper had reached the first step of the stage, 446 00:23:13,817 --> 00:23:17,536 Only five feet-- probably nine seconds-- from the microphone, 447 00:23:17,587 --> 00:23:19,488 Before the bosses forced adjournment 448 00:23:19,523 --> 00:23:21,757 Against the will of the delegates. 449 00:23:21,792 --> 00:23:23,959 If he could have nominated wallace in those moments, 450 00:23:23,993 --> 00:23:26,178 There is no doubt henry wallace would have been 451 00:23:26,213 --> 00:23:30,449 Overwhelmingly returned as vice president. 452 00:23:30,484 --> 00:23:32,451 "what I understood," pepper wrote, 453 00:23:32,502 --> 00:23:34,537 "was that for better or worse, 454 00:23:34,571 --> 00:23:38,407 History was turned topsy-turvy that night in chicago." 455 00:23:38,425 --> 00:23:41,310 Samuel jackson apologized to pepper the next day, 456 00:23:41,344 --> 00:23:44,413 And pepper wrote in his autobiography that jackson said, 457 00:23:44,448 --> 00:23:46,949 "I had strict instructions from hannegan 458 00:23:46,983 --> 00:23:48,834 Not to let the convention nominate 459 00:23:48,869 --> 00:23:50,736 The vice-president last night." 460 00:23:50,771 --> 00:23:53,005 Hillman and murray rallied the same troops 461 00:23:53,039 --> 00:23:56,325 To return the next day and see it through to victory. 462 00:23:56,359 --> 00:23:58,994 - ( cheering ) - but over that night, 463 00:23:59,028 --> 00:24:01,397 Edwin pauley and the anti-wallace forces 464 00:24:01,431 --> 00:24:03,916 United behind harry truman. 465 00:24:03,950 --> 00:24:06,068 Deals were cut. Positions offered-- 466 00:24:06,102 --> 00:24:09,238 Ambassadorships, postmaster positions. 467 00:24:09,272 --> 00:24:10,639 Cash payoffs. 468 00:24:10,674 --> 00:24:13,108 Bosses called every state chairman, 469 00:24:13,143 --> 00:24:15,010 Telling them that roosevelt wanted 470 00:24:15,045 --> 00:24:17,546 The missouri senator as his running mate. 471 00:24:17,581 --> 00:24:21,884 Bob hannegan managed to put up 16 "favorite son" nominees 472 00:24:21,918 --> 00:24:24,119 To draw votes away from wallace, 473 00:24:24,154 --> 00:24:26,822 And then channeled those votes to truman. 474 00:24:26,857 --> 00:24:29,725 Even so, the next day when voting began, 475 00:24:29,759 --> 00:24:33,362 Things started to swing wallace's way again. 476 00:24:33,380 --> 00:24:37,600 Iowa, the greatest agricultural state 477 00:24:37,634 --> 00:24:41,003 In the union, gives to this convention 478 00:24:41,021 --> 00:24:43,172 And to the democratic party 479 00:24:43,206 --> 00:24:46,108 Its illustrious, distinguished son 480 00:24:46,142 --> 00:24:49,445 Henry a. Wallace for this nomination 481 00:24:49,479 --> 00:24:52,214 Of the vice presidency of the United States. 482 00:24:52,249 --> 00:24:54,066 ( cheering ) 483 00:24:54,100 --> 00:24:57,553 ( chanting ) we want wallace! We want wallace! 484 00:24:57,587 --> 00:24:59,522 We want wallace! 485 00:24:59,556 --> 00:25:01,674 Stone: When the first ballot ended, 486 00:25:01,708 --> 00:25:05,010 It was wallace 429, to truman's 319. 487 00:25:05,045 --> 00:25:07,680 Then a second ballot got underway, 488 00:25:07,714 --> 00:25:11,800 And now the deals the bosses had made kicked into action. 489 00:25:11,835 --> 00:25:15,404 Jackson announced that the second ballot would begin at once-- 490 00:25:15,438 --> 00:25:18,674 Therefore, no new convention tickets would be honored. 491 00:25:18,708 --> 00:25:21,477 Mayor kelley's police barred thousands more 492 00:25:21,511 --> 00:25:23,812 Of wallace's supporters from the hall. 493 00:25:23,847 --> 00:25:26,549 But those inside began chanting as before-- 494 00:25:26,583 --> 00:25:28,951 Attempting to drown out the proceedings. 495 00:25:28,985 --> 00:25:32,538 Wallace started the second ballot firmly in the lead, 496 00:25:32,572 --> 00:25:35,357 But gradually he lost ground to truman 497 00:25:35,375 --> 00:25:37,359 As the nominees put up by hannegan 498 00:25:37,393 --> 00:25:40,279 Signed over their votes to truman, one by one. 499 00:25:40,330 --> 00:25:42,248 Truman prevailed. 500 00:25:42,282 --> 00:25:44,033 It was over. 501 00:25:51,358 --> 00:25:55,094 I guess this is just another lost cause, mr. Paine. 502 00:25:59,432 --> 00:26:02,318 All you people don't know about lost causes. 503 00:26:03,353 --> 00:26:05,154 Mr. Paine does. 504 00:26:06,706 --> 00:26:10,158 He said once they were the only causes worth fighting for. 505 00:26:11,294 --> 00:26:13,161 And he fought for them once. 506 00:26:14,931 --> 00:26:16,765 And I loved you for it. 507 00:26:16,800 --> 00:26:19,385 And you know that you fight for the lost causes 508 00:26:19,419 --> 00:26:23,205 Harder than for any others. Yes, you even die for them. 509 00:26:23,223 --> 00:26:25,240 You think I'm licked. 510 00:26:26,910 --> 00:26:28,961 You all think I'm licked. 511 00:26:30,747 --> 00:26:32,548 Well, I'm not licked! 512 00:26:32,582 --> 00:26:34,449 And I'm gonna stay right here 513 00:26:34,467 --> 00:26:36,335 And fight for this lost cause! 514 00:26:36,386 --> 00:26:39,421 Even if this room gets filled with lies like these 515 00:26:40,640 --> 00:26:42,725 And the taylors and all their armies 516 00:26:42,759 --> 00:26:44,793 Come marching into this place, 517 00:26:45,979 --> 00:26:48,063 Somebody'll listen to me. 518 00:26:51,351 --> 00:26:53,435 ( exhausted sigh ) 519 00:26:53,469 --> 00:26:54,603 ( woman screams ) 520 00:26:58,975 --> 00:27:01,660 Stone: Henry wallace, accepting his defeat, 521 00:27:01,695 --> 00:27:05,564 Pledged his loyalty to the roosevelt-truman ticket 522 00:27:05,598 --> 00:27:08,167 And agreed to remain in the cabinet. 523 00:27:08,201 --> 00:27:12,388 Today, buried by the traditional tale of the second world war, 524 00:27:12,422 --> 00:27:15,641 The events of the 1944 democratic convention 525 00:27:15,675 --> 00:27:17,959 Have been largely forgotten. 526 00:27:17,978 --> 00:27:21,613 They would however change the course of history. 527 00:27:21,648 --> 00:27:24,283 The man who might have been president 528 00:27:24,317 --> 00:27:27,152 Could now only watch from the sidelines 529 00:27:27,187 --> 00:27:29,271 As events unfolded. 530 00:27:32,659 --> 00:27:34,460 There were other deals going on 531 00:27:34,494 --> 00:27:37,329 Behind the scenes in this critical year. 532 00:27:37,364 --> 00:27:40,399 Mistrusting roosevelt's optimism in europe, 533 00:27:40,433 --> 00:27:42,334 Churchill flew to moscow 534 00:27:42,369 --> 00:27:44,803 In October 1944 535 00:27:44,838 --> 00:27:46,805 To meet alone with stalin. 536 00:27:48,208 --> 00:27:50,409 Based on the previous experience 537 00:27:50,443 --> 00:27:53,779 Of u.S. Isolationism after the first world war, 538 00:27:53,813 --> 00:27:56,782 Neither leader seriously believed that american troops 539 00:27:56,816 --> 00:27:59,385 Would remain in europe after the war. 540 00:27:59,419 --> 00:28:01,820 Therefore it was vital to churchill 541 00:28:01,855 --> 00:28:05,257 That he shore up the british position as strongly as possible. 542 00:28:05,291 --> 00:28:08,060 On the back of a scrap of paper 543 00:28:08,094 --> 00:28:10,295 Churchill proposed the share of influence 544 00:28:10,330 --> 00:28:13,866 Each nation would exert in postwar europe. 545 00:28:13,900 --> 00:28:17,403 The u.S.S.R. Would get 90% in romania, 546 00:28:17,437 --> 00:28:20,406 75% in hungary and bulgaria. 547 00:28:20,440 --> 00:28:22,941 Yugoslavia would be split 50/50, 548 00:28:22,976 --> 00:28:26,612 But britain would get 90% in greece. 549 00:28:26,646 --> 00:28:31,183 Greece was vital to the british position in the mediterranean-- 550 00:28:31,217 --> 00:28:34,319 Close to egypt and the strategic suez canal, 551 00:28:34,354 --> 00:28:38,424 Through which came the trade which kept the empire alive-- 552 00:28:38,458 --> 00:28:40,726 From eastern africa through the middle east, 553 00:28:40,760 --> 00:28:42,861 The near east, and at the heart of this empire-- 554 00:28:42,896 --> 00:28:45,497 India, the crown jewel, 555 00:28:45,532 --> 00:28:47,533 And beyond it the far east, 556 00:28:47,567 --> 00:28:50,836 Where singapore was now british again. 557 00:28:52,972 --> 00:28:57,142 Although churchill wanted a non-communist poland, 558 00:28:57,177 --> 00:29:01,780 The truth was that poland was simply off the agenda 559 00:29:01,815 --> 00:29:03,482 And churchill was more concerned 560 00:29:03,516 --> 00:29:06,085 With safeguarding british power. 561 00:29:06,119 --> 00:29:09,288 Stalin took the paper and made a large check 562 00:29:09,322 --> 00:29:11,790 With a blue pencil before handing it back. 563 00:29:11,825 --> 00:29:13,692 Churchill remarked... 564 00:29:13,726 --> 00:29:15,994 Churchill's voice: Might it not be thought rather cynical 565 00:29:16,029 --> 00:29:18,730 If it seemed we had disposed of these issues 566 00:29:18,765 --> 00:29:20,732 So fateful to millions of people 567 00:29:20,767 --> 00:29:23,302 In such an offhand manner? 568 00:29:23,336 --> 00:29:25,871 Let us burn the paper. 569 00:29:25,905 --> 00:29:28,407 Stone: But stalin urged churchill 570 00:29:28,441 --> 00:29:31,143 To hold onto the historic scrap of paper, 571 00:29:31,177 --> 00:29:34,746 Which churchill called a "naughty document." 572 00:29:35,982 --> 00:29:37,816 Newsreel voice: For the first time on record, 573 00:29:37,851 --> 00:29:39,218 Stalin came to the airport 574 00:29:39,252 --> 00:29:41,086 To wish his guests godspeed. 575 00:29:41,121 --> 00:29:44,223 Stone: This was exactly the kind of secret deal 576 00:29:44,257 --> 00:29:46,792 That roosevelt had set out to prevent. 577 00:29:46,826 --> 00:29:49,144 At a press conference in 1944 578 00:29:49,179 --> 00:29:52,030 He'd said of british gambia in west africa, 579 00:29:52,065 --> 00:29:54,700 Which he had visited the previous year... 580 00:29:54,734 --> 00:29:58,253 Roosevelt's voice: It's the most horrible thing I've ever seen in my life. 581 00:29:58,288 --> 00:30:01,356 The natives are 5,000 years back of us. 582 00:30:01,391 --> 00:30:04,409 The british have been there for 200 years. 583 00:30:04,444 --> 00:30:07,579 For every dollar that the british have put into gambia, 584 00:30:07,614 --> 00:30:09,414 They have taken out 10. 585 00:30:09,449 --> 00:30:11,850 It's just plain exploitation." 586 00:30:11,885 --> 00:30:13,635 Stone: Roosevelt spoke repeatedly 587 00:30:13,653 --> 00:30:15,988 About a postwar trusteeship system 588 00:30:16,022 --> 00:30:19,474 That would prepare the colonies for independence. 589 00:30:19,509 --> 00:30:21,910 One of these would be indochina, 590 00:30:21,945 --> 00:30:25,080 Which he insisted not be given back to the french after the war, 591 00:30:25,098 --> 00:30:29,718 As churchill and the french exiled leader charles de gaulle demanded. 592 00:30:29,752 --> 00:30:31,587 Roosevelt told cordell hull, 593 00:30:31,621 --> 00:30:34,323 His secretary of state in 1944, 594 00:30:34,357 --> 00:30:36,291 That "France has had the country-- 595 00:30:36,326 --> 00:30:39,928 30 million inhabitants-- for nearly 100 years, 596 00:30:39,963 --> 00:30:44,166 And the people are worse off than they were at the beginning." 597 00:30:44,200 --> 00:30:48,420 Churchill told his number two, anthony eden, in late '44... 598 00:30:48,454 --> 00:30:50,656 Churchill's voice: There must be no question 599 00:30:50,690 --> 00:30:54,293 Of our being hustled or seduced into declarations 600 00:30:54,327 --> 00:30:56,295 Affecting british sovereignty 601 00:30:56,329 --> 00:30:59,398 In any of the dominions or colonies. 602 00:30:59,432 --> 00:31:03,135 "hands off the british empire" is our maxim, 603 00:31:03,169 --> 00:31:06,138 And it must not be weakened or smirched 604 00:31:06,172 --> 00:31:09,775 To please sob-stuff merchants at home 605 00:31:09,809 --> 00:31:12,594 Or foreigners of any hue." 606 00:31:20,403 --> 00:31:22,254 Newsreel voice: British soldiers have 607 00:31:22,288 --> 00:31:24,456 Returned to greece. And historic athens, 608 00:31:24,507 --> 00:31:27,593 Capital of ancient freedom, eagerly awaits liberation. 609 00:31:33,666 --> 00:31:36,785 Stone: Churchill sent british troops into athens 610 00:31:36,819 --> 00:31:40,322 To repress the left-wing and communist partisans 611 00:31:40,356 --> 00:31:43,575 Who had led the underground resistance to the nazis 612 00:31:43,610 --> 00:31:45,711 And were now battling for power 613 00:31:45,762 --> 00:31:49,898 Against reactionary forces who wanted to restore the king. 614 00:31:49,933 --> 00:31:52,784 But the greek people did not want to exchange 615 00:31:52,819 --> 00:31:54,753 The nazis for the old monarch. 616 00:31:54,787 --> 00:31:57,606 Street fighting raged through the greek capital. 617 00:31:57,640 --> 00:31:59,207 Churchill ordered his men 618 00:31:59,225 --> 00:32:01,810 To treat athens as a conquered city. 619 00:32:01,828 --> 00:32:05,447 The british general scobie called in dive bombers. 620 00:32:05,481 --> 00:32:08,834 Stalin, however, refused to back the partisans, 621 00:32:08,868 --> 00:32:11,470 Delivering on his bargain to churchill. 622 00:32:11,504 --> 00:32:13,789 Roosevelt is reported to have said... 623 00:32:13,823 --> 00:32:16,742 Roosevelt's voice: How the british can dare such a thing! 624 00:32:16,776 --> 00:32:20,362 The lengths they will go to hang on to the past." 625 00:32:22,198 --> 00:32:24,750 Stone: With the dawn of victory in europe, 626 00:32:24,784 --> 00:32:28,803 Roosevelt, stalin and churchill met for the second and last time 627 00:32:28,821 --> 00:32:32,474 At yalta on the black sea in early February. 628 00:32:34,911 --> 00:32:38,797 The soviet union was preoccupied with its security. 629 00:32:38,848 --> 00:32:41,817 Britain was preserving its empire. 630 00:32:41,851 --> 00:32:44,219 The u.S. Wanted soviet assistance 631 00:32:44,253 --> 00:32:46,188 In ending the pacific war, 632 00:32:46,222 --> 00:32:48,957 And support for a world economy 633 00:32:48,992 --> 00:32:51,693 Open to u.S. Trade and investment, 634 00:32:51,728 --> 00:32:55,163 And for establishing a united nations 635 00:32:55,198 --> 00:32:57,099 To preserve the new peace. 636 00:32:57,133 --> 00:33:00,135 Roosevelt's doctors had begged him not to go to yalta. 637 00:33:00,169 --> 00:33:03,388 The president was weakening daily, 638 00:33:03,439 --> 00:33:05,874 But his vast spirit kept him going. 639 00:33:05,908 --> 00:33:08,143 Roosevelt's voice: It's been a global war, 640 00:33:08,177 --> 00:33:09,944 And we've already started 641 00:33:09,962 --> 00:33:12,397 Making it a global peace. 642 00:33:17,170 --> 00:33:19,338 Stone: There was little time to waste. 643 00:33:19,372 --> 00:33:21,723 And though they didn't see eye to eye on germany, 644 00:33:21,757 --> 00:33:25,193 The big three agreed to a complete disarmament, 645 00:33:25,228 --> 00:33:28,563 Demilitarization and dismemberment of germany. 646 00:33:31,084 --> 00:33:33,035 They would divide the conquered nation 647 00:33:33,069 --> 00:33:34,953 Into four military zones, 648 00:33:34,987 --> 00:33:37,289 With one controlled by France. 649 00:33:37,323 --> 00:33:40,459 The u.S. Still had one major card to play-- 650 00:33:40,493 --> 00:33:42,377 Postwar economic assistance 651 00:33:42,395 --> 00:33:46,148 To help the soviets rebuild their shattered nation. 652 00:33:47,683 --> 00:33:49,785 A reparations commission was established 653 00:33:49,819 --> 00:33:53,655 Based on an estimated figure of $20 billion, 654 00:33:53,689 --> 00:33:56,124 With half going to the soviet union. 655 00:33:56,159 --> 00:33:57,893 This was the carrot. 656 00:34:00,663 --> 00:34:02,147 Poland was the focus 657 00:34:02,181 --> 00:34:04,599 Of seven of yalta's eight sessions. 658 00:34:04,633 --> 00:34:07,519 Ultimately the three leaders compromised 659 00:34:07,570 --> 00:34:10,806 On a polish provisional government of national unity, 660 00:34:10,840 --> 00:34:12,808 Which was admittedly vague, 661 00:34:12,842 --> 00:34:17,279 Intended to include democratic leaders from outside poland. 662 00:34:17,313 --> 00:34:19,347 Naval chief of staff william leahy, 663 00:34:19,382 --> 00:34:21,450 A veteran of the spanish-american 664 00:34:21,484 --> 00:34:24,252 And first world wars, warned roosevelt... 665 00:34:24,287 --> 00:34:26,154 Leahy's voice: This is so elastic 666 00:34:26,189 --> 00:34:28,123 That the russians can stretch it all the way 667 00:34:28,157 --> 00:34:29,991 From yalta to washington 668 00:34:30,026 --> 00:34:32,394 Without technically breaking it. 669 00:34:32,428 --> 00:34:35,363 - Stone: Roosevelt agreed. - Roosevelt's voice: I know, bill. 670 00:34:35,398 --> 00:34:38,733 I know it. But it's the best I can do for poland at this time. 671 00:34:38,768 --> 00:34:42,270 Stone: In truth, the United States and britain had lost their leverage 672 00:34:42,305 --> 00:34:46,875 By failing to open up the second front until very late in the war. 673 00:34:46,909 --> 00:34:51,580 So at the end of the day, f.D.R. Didn't give anything at yalta 674 00:34:51,614 --> 00:34:53,648 That stalin didn't already have. 675 00:34:53,666 --> 00:34:55,984 On the other hand stalin was in no rush 676 00:34:56,018 --> 00:34:59,855 To institute revolutionary change, if at all. 677 00:34:59,889 --> 00:35:02,791 As in greece, he recognized that the communists, 678 00:35:02,825 --> 00:35:05,727 Although they'd often played a leading role 679 00:35:05,761 --> 00:35:08,530 In anti-nazi resistance movements, 680 00:35:08,564 --> 00:35:10,398 Represented a minority element 681 00:35:10,433 --> 00:35:13,034 In most of these liberated nations. 682 00:35:13,069 --> 00:35:15,871 Never having shared trotsky's zeal 683 00:35:15,905 --> 00:35:18,273 For international communism, 684 00:35:18,307 --> 00:35:21,126 He had once remarked that communism fit poland 685 00:35:21,160 --> 00:35:23,762 Like a saddle fit a cow. 686 00:35:23,796 --> 00:35:26,965 It was these conflicts, primarily over poland, 687 00:35:26,999 --> 00:35:30,435 That would eventually tear the alliance apart. 688 00:35:31,838 --> 00:35:34,072 But most importantly to roosevelt, 689 00:35:34,106 --> 00:35:36,575 Stalin definitely committed the u.S.S.R. 690 00:35:36,609 --> 00:35:38,677 To join the war against japan 691 00:35:38,711 --> 00:35:42,314 Three months after the close of the european war. 692 00:35:42,348 --> 00:35:46,485 There were still close to two million japanese soldiers in china. 693 00:35:46,519 --> 00:35:51,189 And without soviet aid, the war could drag on indefinitely. 694 00:35:51,224 --> 00:35:53,925 In return, roosevelt and churchill promised 695 00:35:53,960 --> 00:35:56,178 Territorial and economic inducements 696 00:35:56,212 --> 00:35:57,812 That would essentially restore 697 00:35:57,847 --> 00:36:00,048 What the russians had lost to japan 698 00:36:00,082 --> 00:36:03,051 In their 1904-'05 war. 699 00:36:03,085 --> 00:36:06,421 Additionally, the big three reached some agreements 700 00:36:06,455 --> 00:36:08,089 On the united nations, 701 00:36:08,124 --> 00:36:11,560 Which was set to convene in April of '45, 702 00:36:11,594 --> 00:36:14,145 And a system of trusteeships to deal 703 00:36:14,180 --> 00:36:17,082 With the liberated colonial territories. 704 00:36:17,116 --> 00:36:19,417 Although there were many vagaries left 705 00:36:19,452 --> 00:36:22,504 When it came to the british and french empires 706 00:36:22,538 --> 00:36:25,357 In indochina, africa and asia. 707 00:36:27,109 --> 00:36:30,545 News of yalta ignited a kind of optimism 708 00:36:30,580 --> 00:36:32,747 That hadn't been seen for decades. 709 00:36:32,781 --> 00:36:34,716 Former president herbert hoover 710 00:36:34,750 --> 00:36:38,353 Called the conference a "great hope to the world." 711 00:36:38,387 --> 00:36:41,590 C.B.S. War correspondent william shirer, 712 00:36:41,624 --> 00:36:44,059 Who later authored the renowned bestseller 713 00:36:44,093 --> 00:36:46,127 "the rise and fall of the third reich," 714 00:36:46,162 --> 00:36:49,531 Declared it a "landmark in human history." 715 00:36:49,565 --> 00:36:51,833 Roosevelt returned in triumph. 716 00:36:51,867 --> 00:36:54,202 Addressing congress for the first time 717 00:36:54,237 --> 00:36:56,338 Without standing on his braces, 718 00:36:56,372 --> 00:36:59,241 He called for acceptance of the results. 719 00:36:59,275 --> 00:37:02,877 ...As the beginnings of a permanent structure of peace 720 00:37:04,080 --> 00:37:09,050 Upon which we can begin to build, under god, 721 00:37:09,085 --> 00:37:14,055 That better world in which our children and grandchildren, 722 00:37:14,090 --> 00:37:16,458 Yours and mine, 723 00:37:16,492 --> 00:37:20,762 The children and grandchildren of the whole world, 724 00:37:20,796 --> 00:37:24,199 Must live and can live. 725 00:37:24,233 --> 00:37:25,800 ( applause ) 726 00:37:25,835 --> 00:37:27,802 Stone: For franklin delano roosevelt, 727 00:37:27,837 --> 00:37:31,022 It was an amazing conclusion to an amazing life. 728 00:37:32,491 --> 00:37:35,393 The yalta agreement would forever be controversial 729 00:37:35,428 --> 00:37:38,046 And roosevelt would be unfairly attacked 730 00:37:38,080 --> 00:37:40,665 For capitulating to stalin. 731 00:37:40,700 --> 00:37:42,334 And in the weeks to follow, 732 00:37:42,368 --> 00:37:44,469 Disagreements with the soviets surfaced 733 00:37:44,503 --> 00:37:46,605 Over poland and other issues. 734 00:37:46,639 --> 00:37:49,174 But roosevelt never lost hope, 735 00:37:49,208 --> 00:37:51,943 And in his last cable to churchill wrote... 736 00:37:51,978 --> 00:37:55,947 Roosevelt's voice: I would minimize the soviet problem as much as possible, 737 00:37:55,982 --> 00:37:59,734 Because these problems in one form or another 738 00:37:59,768 --> 00:38:01,987 Seem to arise every day 739 00:38:02,038 --> 00:38:04,656 And most of them straighten out. 740 00:38:04,707 --> 00:38:06,658 Stone: Roosevelt truly thought 741 00:38:06,692 --> 00:38:09,494 He would live to enforce the peace. 742 00:38:11,664 --> 00:38:13,798 But less than two months later 743 00:38:13,833 --> 00:38:16,251 After 12 years in office, 744 00:38:16,285 --> 00:38:18,770 His great, great heart finally gave out 745 00:38:18,804 --> 00:38:21,356 When he died of a massive stroke. 746 00:38:25,594 --> 00:38:29,247 The longest-serving president in american history, 747 00:38:29,281 --> 00:38:32,283 Franklin roosevelt had seen the country through its hardest times-- 748 00:38:32,318 --> 00:38:34,786 The great depression and great war. 749 00:38:37,039 --> 00:38:40,909 Without him, the postwar peace that was achieved at yalta 750 00:38:40,943 --> 00:38:44,496 Between the british and american empires and soviet communism 751 00:38:44,530 --> 00:38:46,881 Could not be maintained. 752 00:38:49,385 --> 00:38:51,236 In-between these giants, 753 00:38:51,270 --> 00:38:55,073 America's new president was a shadow of his predecessor, 754 00:38:55,107 --> 00:38:56,975 And he openly admitted it. 755 00:38:59,545 --> 00:39:02,147 Newsreel voice: As the nation is plunged into mourning, 756 00:39:02,181 --> 00:39:04,382 Harry s. Truman becomes president, 757 00:39:04,417 --> 00:39:06,151 The seventh american... 758 00:39:06,185 --> 00:39:08,253 Stone: On his first day in office 759 00:39:08,287 --> 00:39:10,789 A group of reporters asked how the job was going 760 00:39:10,823 --> 00:39:13,208 And truman replied... 761 00:39:13,242 --> 00:39:16,661 Harry truman's voice: Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now. 762 00:39:16,696 --> 00:39:20,065 I don't know whether you fellows ever had a load of hay fall on you, 763 00:39:20,099 --> 00:39:22,667 But when they told me yesterday what happened, 764 00:39:22,702 --> 00:39:25,370 I felt like the moon, the stars 765 00:39:25,404 --> 00:39:27,806 And all the planets had fallen on me. 766 00:39:27,840 --> 00:39:31,593 I've got the most terribly responsible job a man ever had. 767 00:39:31,627 --> 00:39:33,595 Stone: When a reporter yelled out, 768 00:39:33,629 --> 00:39:36,314 "good luck, mr. President," truman responded... 769 00:39:36,348 --> 00:39:39,000 Truman's voice: "I wish you didn't have to call me that." 770 00:39:39,034 --> 00:39:41,569 Stone: This was not false humility on truman's part. 771 00:39:41,603 --> 00:39:44,539 He'd only been vice president for 82 days 772 00:39:44,573 --> 00:39:46,825 And only spoken to roosevelt twice. 773 00:39:46,859 --> 00:39:49,210 But neither roosevelt or anyone else 774 00:39:49,245 --> 00:39:52,630 Had ever bothered to inform the lightly-regarded vice president 775 00:39:52,681 --> 00:39:54,466 That the United States was building 776 00:39:54,517 --> 00:39:56,918 The most powerful weapon in history. 777 00:40:01,690 --> 00:40:04,509 On April 15th truman and wallace, 778 00:40:04,560 --> 00:40:07,445 Who had remained in the cabinet as secretary of commerce, 779 00:40:07,496 --> 00:40:11,483 Met the funeral train at washington's union station. 780 00:40:11,517 --> 00:40:13,384 There was another man with them-- 781 00:40:13,419 --> 00:40:14,853 Jimmy byrnes, 782 00:40:14,887 --> 00:40:17,822 Truman's old mentor from his senate days 783 00:40:17,857 --> 00:40:20,225 Who had befriended the missourian at a time 784 00:40:20,259 --> 00:40:22,026 When most senators avoided him 785 00:40:22,061 --> 00:40:24,662 As a pendergast political hack. 786 00:40:26,265 --> 00:40:27,999 Impressed with the fact 787 00:40:28,033 --> 00:40:30,335 That byrnes had accompanied roosevelt to yalta, 788 00:40:30,369 --> 00:40:33,638 Although he found out later that he'd left the conference early 789 00:40:33,672 --> 00:40:37,041 And was not in on the important discussions, 790 00:40:37,076 --> 00:40:41,112 Truman came to rely on byrnes above all others for advice. 791 00:40:42,348 --> 00:40:44,816 Byrnes gave truman his first real briefing 792 00:40:44,850 --> 00:40:47,085 About the atomic bomb, which he described 793 00:40:47,119 --> 00:40:49,921 As an explosive great enough to destroy the whole world 794 00:40:49,955 --> 00:40:52,157 That "might well put us in a position 795 00:40:52,191 --> 00:40:55,393 To dictate our own terms at the end of the war." 796 00:40:56,529 --> 00:40:59,197 He did not specify exactly to whom 797 00:40:59,231 --> 00:41:02,500 The u.S. Would be dictating those terms. 798 00:41:04,670 --> 00:41:06,671 ( applause ) 799 00:41:10,209 --> 00:41:12,160 With great humility, 800 00:41:12,194 --> 00:41:14,796 I call upon all americans 801 00:41:14,830 --> 00:41:18,833 To help me keep our nation united 802 00:41:18,868 --> 00:41:21,536 In defense of those ideals 803 00:41:21,570 --> 00:41:24,439 Which have been so eloquently proclaimed 804 00:41:24,473 --> 00:41:26,674 - By franklin roosevelt. - ( applause ) 805 00:41:26,709 --> 00:41:28,943 Stone: This turns out to be a crucial moment 806 00:41:28,978 --> 00:41:30,628 In the history of the world 807 00:41:30,679 --> 00:41:33,031 And much of it has been forgotten, 808 00:41:33,065 --> 00:41:35,366 But it is well worth revisiting. 809 00:41:35,401 --> 00:41:39,587 The first to see truman after roosevelt's death on April 13th 810 00:41:39,622 --> 00:41:42,123 Was secretary of state edward stettinius. 811 00:41:42,157 --> 00:41:45,360 The former u.S. Steel chairman of the board 812 00:41:45,394 --> 00:41:48,429 Had had very little influence with roosevelt. 813 00:41:48,464 --> 00:41:50,732 But for truman, stettinius painted 814 00:41:50,766 --> 00:41:54,035 A picture of soviet deception and perfidy, 815 00:41:54,069 --> 00:41:57,238 Saying that britain's churchill felt even more strongly. 816 00:41:57,273 --> 00:42:01,042 And churchill wasted little time confirming that view both in cables 817 00:42:01,076 --> 00:42:03,778 And in a hurried visit to washington 818 00:42:03,812 --> 00:42:06,664 From his foreign secretary anthony eden. 819 00:42:06,699 --> 00:42:10,184 The british ambassador to the u.S., lord halifax, 820 00:42:10,219 --> 00:42:13,204 Sized truman up, saying the new president was 821 00:42:13,239 --> 00:42:15,673 "an honest and diligent mediocrity. 822 00:42:15,724 --> 00:42:18,443 A bungling, if well-meaning amateur" 823 00:42:18,477 --> 00:42:23,147 Surrounded by "missouri county courthouse caliber" friends. 824 00:42:23,182 --> 00:42:26,351 That afternoon truman met with jimmy byrnes. 825 00:42:26,385 --> 00:42:28,403 Admitting his abject ignorance, 826 00:42:28,437 --> 00:42:30,939 He implored byrnes to tell him about everything 827 00:42:30,973 --> 00:42:34,592 "from tehran to yalta" and "everything else under the sun." 828 00:42:34,627 --> 00:42:36,561 Byrnes gladly accommodated. 829 00:42:36,595 --> 00:42:38,162 In a series of meetings, 830 00:42:38,197 --> 00:42:41,099 Byrnes reinforced stettinius's message 831 00:42:41,133 --> 00:42:43,968 That the soviets were breaking their yalta agreements 832 00:42:44,003 --> 00:42:46,371 And implored truman to be, above all, 833 00:42:46,405 --> 00:42:48,573 Uncompromising with them. 834 00:42:48,607 --> 00:42:52,410 Truman made clear his intention to make byrnes secretary of state 835 00:42:52,444 --> 00:42:55,246 As soon as stettinius had gotten 836 00:42:55,297 --> 00:42:57,515 The united nations off the ground. 837 00:42:57,549 --> 00:43:00,335 In this atmosphere, ambassador to the soviet union 838 00:43:00,369 --> 00:43:01,769 Averell harriman, 839 00:43:01,804 --> 00:43:03,638 Having rushed back from moscow, 840 00:43:03,672 --> 00:43:05,440 Warned that the u.S. Was facing 841 00:43:05,474 --> 00:43:07,775 A "barbarian invasion of europe" 842 00:43:07,810 --> 00:43:09,777 And urged truman to stand firm 843 00:43:09,812 --> 00:43:12,647 And tell foreign minister molotov in washington 844 00:43:12,681 --> 00:43:15,583 That "we would not stand for any pushing around 845 00:43:15,618 --> 00:43:17,719 On the polish question." 846 00:43:17,753 --> 00:43:20,488 As soon as the russians had control over a country, 847 00:43:20,522 --> 00:43:24,292 Harriman said, the secret police moved in and wiped out free speech. 848 00:43:24,326 --> 00:43:28,796 But he clarified that the soviets would not risk a break with the u.S. 849 00:43:28,831 --> 00:43:32,834 Because they desperately sought the postwar reconstruction aid 850 00:43:32,868 --> 00:43:34,802 That roosevelt had promised them. 851 00:43:34,837 --> 00:43:37,855 Truman masked his limited understanding 852 00:43:37,906 --> 00:43:40,041 Of the issues with bluster and bravado, 853 00:43:40,075 --> 00:43:42,510 Telling harriman that he didn't expect 854 00:43:42,544 --> 00:43:45,096 To get 100% of what he wanted from the russians, 855 00:43:45,130 --> 00:43:48,066 But he did expect to get 85%. 856 00:43:48,100 --> 00:43:50,168 It is important to note 857 00:43:50,202 --> 00:43:53,805 That many of the most vociferous critics of the soviet union 858 00:43:53,839 --> 00:43:56,391 Shared a similar class background 859 00:43:56,425 --> 00:43:59,761 And a deep hatred for anything that smacked of socialism. 860 00:43:59,795 --> 00:44:03,014 Harriman was the son of a railroad tycoon 861 00:44:03,048 --> 00:44:05,850 Who had founded brown brothers harriman. 862 00:44:05,884 --> 00:44:09,053 James forrestal had made a fortune on wall street. 863 00:44:09,088 --> 00:44:12,023 Stettinius had been chairman of the board 864 00:44:12,057 --> 00:44:14,392 Of the nation's largest corporation. 865 00:44:14,426 --> 00:44:17,929 They were joined by enormously wealthy international bankers, 866 00:44:17,963 --> 00:44:20,031 Wall street and washington lawyers, 867 00:44:20,065 --> 00:44:22,650 And corporate executives who had mostly inherited 868 00:44:22,684 --> 00:44:26,320 Or made their fortunes during the interwar years. 869 00:44:26,355 --> 00:44:31,025 These men would come to shape postwar u.S. Policy 870 00:44:31,060 --> 00:44:34,062 And included dean acheson, robert lovett, 871 00:44:34,096 --> 00:44:37,465 John mccloy, john foster and allen dulles, 872 00:44:37,499 --> 00:44:40,868 Nelson rockefeller, paul nitze, 873 00:44:40,903 --> 00:44:43,438 And general motors president charles wilson, 874 00:44:43,472 --> 00:44:45,807 Who as head of the war production board 875 00:44:45,841 --> 00:44:47,975 Had said that the United States needed 876 00:44:48,010 --> 00:44:50,078 A "permanent war economy." 877 00:44:50,112 --> 00:44:52,346 Although they had served roosevelt, 878 00:44:52,381 --> 00:44:55,183 They had in fact little influence on him. 879 00:44:55,217 --> 00:44:58,536 Opposed to this antagonistic point of view 880 00:44:58,570 --> 00:45:01,322 Towards the soviets were the veterans-- 881 00:45:01,356 --> 00:45:03,541 Secretary of war henry stimson, 882 00:45:03,575 --> 00:45:06,077 Army chief of staff general george marshall, 883 00:45:06,111 --> 00:45:09,580 And former vice president henry wallace. 884 00:45:09,615 --> 00:45:12,700 Admiral william leahy again noted the elasticity 885 00:45:12,734 --> 00:45:15,803 Of the yalta agreement and the difficulty 886 00:45:15,838 --> 00:45:18,356 Of alleging bad faith on that basis. 887 00:45:18,390 --> 00:45:21,409 In fact he said, after yalta, he would have been surprised 888 00:45:21,443 --> 00:45:24,479 Had the soviets behaved differently than they had. 889 00:45:24,513 --> 00:45:26,481 Marshall, who "time" magazine 890 00:45:26,515 --> 00:45:29,751 Had named "man of the year" for 1943, 891 00:45:29,785 --> 00:45:32,320 Contended that a break with the soviets 892 00:45:32,354 --> 00:45:35,206 Would be disastrous, given u.S. Dependence on them 893 00:45:35,240 --> 00:45:37,492 To help defeat the japanese. 894 00:45:37,526 --> 00:45:40,094 The conservative secretary of war, henry stimson, 895 00:45:40,129 --> 00:45:43,131 Who had fought the ute indians in the 19th century 896 00:45:43,165 --> 00:45:45,366 And still liked to be called "the colonel," 897 00:45:45,400 --> 00:45:48,002 Was long practiced in the ways of the world. 898 00:45:48,036 --> 00:45:51,522 When confronted by the issues of acquisition by force, 899 00:45:51,573 --> 00:45:55,059 He explained that the u.S.S.R. Had been a trustworthy ally, 900 00:45:55,094 --> 00:45:58,296 Often delivering even more than had been promised, 901 00:45:58,330 --> 00:46:01,165 Especially in military matters. 902 00:46:01,200 --> 00:46:05,736 He reminded the president of poland's importance to russia and said... 903 00:46:05,771 --> 00:46:08,873 Stimson's voice: The russians are probably being more realistic 904 00:46:08,907 --> 00:46:11,375 About their own security than we are. 905 00:46:11,410 --> 00:46:13,945 Stone: He had previously noted that russia... 906 00:46:13,979 --> 00:46:17,014 Stimson's voice: Prior to 1914 had owned the whole of poland, 907 00:46:17,049 --> 00:46:19,817 Including warsaw, as far as germany 908 00:46:19,852 --> 00:46:23,354 And that she was not asking for restitution of that. 909 00:46:23,388 --> 00:46:26,207 Stone: He added that, outside the u.S. And britain, 910 00:46:26,225 --> 00:46:30,528 Very few countries shared the western understanding of free elections. 911 00:46:32,631 --> 00:46:34,866 Nonetheless, in his first meeting 912 00:46:34,900 --> 00:46:38,603 With soviet foreign minister molotov on April the 23rd, 913 00:46:38,637 --> 00:46:41,172 11 days after roosevelt's death, 914 00:46:41,206 --> 00:46:44,108 Truman wasted little time accusing the soviets 915 00:46:44,143 --> 00:46:48,546 Of having broken their yalta agreement, particularly in poland. 916 00:46:48,597 --> 00:46:50,548 When molotov tried to explain 917 00:46:50,582 --> 00:46:53,518 The yalta-polish agreement through stalin's eyes, 918 00:46:53,552 --> 00:46:56,254 Truman dismissed his clarifications. 919 00:46:56,288 --> 00:46:59,857 When molotov raised other issues, truman snapped... 920 00:46:59,892 --> 00:47:02,393 Truman's voice: That will be all, mr. Molotov. 921 00:47:02,427 --> 00:47:04,495 I would appreciate it if you would transmit 922 00:47:04,530 --> 00:47:06,764 My views to marshal stalin. 923 00:47:06,798 --> 00:47:09,400 Molotov's voice: I've never been talked to like that in my life. 924 00:47:09,434 --> 00:47:11,369 Truman's voice: Carry out your agreements 925 00:47:11,403 --> 00:47:13,237 And you won't get talked to like that. 926 00:47:13,272 --> 00:47:15,339 Stone: Molotov stormed out of the room. 927 00:47:15,374 --> 00:47:17,708 After the meeting, truman boasted... 928 00:47:17,743 --> 00:47:20,545 Truman's voice: I gave it to him straight. I let him have it. 929 00:47:20,579 --> 00:47:23,014 It was a straight one-two to the jaw. 930 00:47:23,048 --> 00:47:26,017 Stone: His bullying of the soviet foreign minister 931 00:47:26,051 --> 00:47:28,019 Probably conjured up images 932 00:47:28,053 --> 00:47:31,689 Of 5'4" john "peanuts" truman, 933 00:47:31,723 --> 00:47:34,792 The 5'8" president's father, 934 00:47:34,826 --> 00:47:37,695 Who, back in missouri, would pick fights with men 935 00:47:37,729 --> 00:47:40,965 A foot taller to show how tough he was. 936 00:47:40,999 --> 00:47:43,601 He wanted that same toughness in his sons 937 00:47:43,635 --> 00:47:46,687 And found it in harry's younger brother vivian. 938 00:47:46,722 --> 00:47:49,690 Harry, however, was diagnosed with flat eyeballs 939 00:47:49,725 --> 00:47:53,027 And forced to wear coke-bottle-thick glasses. 940 00:47:53,061 --> 00:47:54,862 He could not play sports 941 00:47:54,897 --> 00:47:56,764 And he was bullied by the other boys, 942 00:47:56,798 --> 00:47:58,900 Who called him "four-eyes" and "sissy" 943 00:47:58,934 --> 00:48:01,335 And chased him home after school. 944 00:48:01,370 --> 00:48:03,905 When he arrived home trembling, 945 00:48:03,939 --> 00:48:06,908 His mother would comfort him by telling him not to worry 946 00:48:06,942 --> 00:48:09,277 Because he was meant to be a girl anyway. 947 00:48:09,311 --> 00:48:11,646 Gender issues plagued him for years. 948 00:48:11,680 --> 00:48:15,283 He would often refer to his feminine features and attributes. 949 00:48:15,317 --> 00:48:18,419 Economic hardship added to his woes. 950 00:48:18,453 --> 00:48:22,256 No sissy anymore, he now proved he could stand up to leaders 951 00:48:22,291 --> 00:48:25,226 Of the second most powerful nation in the world. 952 00:48:25,260 --> 00:48:29,263 His father, whose approval he struggled unsuccessfully to win 953 00:48:29,298 --> 00:48:32,800 When he was alive, would have been proud of him now. 954 00:48:32,834 --> 00:48:34,552 Stalin, feeling betrayed, 955 00:48:34,586 --> 00:48:37,004 Wasted no time cabling truman the following day, 956 00:48:37,039 --> 00:48:39,540 Insisting that roosevelt had agreed 957 00:48:39,558 --> 00:48:41,759 That the pro-soviet polish government 958 00:48:41,810 --> 00:48:44,845 Would form the kernel of the new government. 959 00:48:44,880 --> 00:48:47,031 He added he didn't know if the governments 960 00:48:47,082 --> 00:48:49,834 Of belgium or greece were really democratic, 961 00:48:49,868 --> 00:48:51,602 But he wouldn't make a stink 962 00:48:51,637 --> 00:48:54,188 Because they were vital to british interests. 963 00:48:54,222 --> 00:48:56,607 These were strong words. 964 00:48:56,658 --> 00:48:59,327 And where the opening of the united nations 965 00:48:59,361 --> 00:49:02,997 In san francisco two days later on April the 25th 966 00:49:03,031 --> 00:49:07,351 Should have been an occasion to celebrate a new era in international peace, 967 00:49:07,386 --> 00:49:11,572 It was instead ruined by tension between the allies. 968 00:49:11,606 --> 00:49:14,859 The russian request to have the pro-soviet government seated 969 00:49:14,893 --> 00:49:17,862 To represent poland was rejected. 970 00:49:17,896 --> 00:49:19,380 After that 971 00:49:19,414 --> 00:49:23,317 Relations continued to deteriorate rapidly. 972 00:49:23,352 --> 00:49:25,820 Realizing that his get-tough tactics 973 00:49:25,854 --> 00:49:28,589 Had not produced the desired results, 974 00:49:28,623 --> 00:49:30,925 Truman met twice with joseph davies, 975 00:49:30,959 --> 00:49:33,561 The former ambassador to the soviet union. 976 00:49:33,595 --> 00:49:36,297 A conservative corporate attorney, 977 00:49:36,331 --> 00:49:38,199 He'd surprised liberal critics 978 00:49:38,233 --> 00:49:41,535 By sympathizing with the soviet experiment. 979 00:49:41,570 --> 00:49:44,905 Davies counseled truman that the soviets had always been 980 00:49:44,940 --> 00:49:48,943 "sticklers for reciprocity between allies." 981 00:49:48,977 --> 00:49:51,345 So they accepted british-imposed governments 982 00:49:51,380 --> 00:49:53,381 In africa, Italy and greece 983 00:49:53,415 --> 00:49:55,416 Even though they did not represent 984 00:49:55,450 --> 00:49:58,119 The anti-fascist forces in those countries, 985 00:49:58,153 --> 00:50:00,087 Because they understood these were 986 00:50:00,122 --> 00:50:03,257 "vital interests" to america and britain. 987 00:50:03,291 --> 00:50:05,626 And they expected similar consideration 988 00:50:05,660 --> 00:50:08,929 For their vital security interests in poland. 989 00:50:08,964 --> 00:50:11,682 Davies noted how fundamentally 990 00:50:11,717 --> 00:50:14,452 The relationship had changed in the last six weeks 991 00:50:14,486 --> 00:50:16,821 With the british acting as instigators, 992 00:50:16,855 --> 00:50:19,073 And warned that if the russians decide 993 00:50:19,107 --> 00:50:21,575 The u.S. And britain are "ganging up on them," 994 00:50:21,593 --> 00:50:24,261 They'll respond by out-toughing the west 995 00:50:24,296 --> 00:50:28,549 As they did in concluding the 1939 pact with hitler 996 00:50:28,567 --> 00:50:32,686 When it became clear that the west would not help them stop the nazis. 997 00:50:32,721 --> 00:50:34,939 But he assured truman that 998 00:50:34,973 --> 00:50:37,942 "when approached with generosity and friendliness, 999 00:50:37,976 --> 00:50:41,212 The soviets respond with even greater generosity." 1000 00:50:41,246 --> 00:50:44,815 Davies agreed to set up a meeting between truman and stalin. 1001 00:50:44,850 --> 00:50:47,134 In that same crucial month, 1002 00:50:47,152 --> 00:50:49,553 A few days after roosevelt's death, 1003 00:50:49,588 --> 00:50:53,557 The soviets had amassed three armies of 2 1/2 million men 1004 00:50:53,592 --> 00:50:57,911 To take berlin and end forever hitler's 1,000-year reich. 1005 00:51:02,917 --> 00:51:06,003 But incredibly the germans were still able, 1006 00:51:06,037 --> 00:51:09,323 With all their losses, to muster an enormous defense 1007 00:51:09,357 --> 00:51:13,577 Of one million men with fortified bunkers, air, artillery. 1008 00:51:13,612 --> 00:51:15,579 Their most fanatical recruits 1009 00:51:15,614 --> 00:51:18,766 In this terrible gotterdammerung: 1010 00:51:18,800 --> 00:51:20,418 Child soldiers. 1011 00:51:22,220 --> 00:51:24,722 It was the third reich's last stand. 1012 00:51:25,757 --> 00:51:27,792 The battle was bloody. 1013 00:51:27,826 --> 00:51:29,927 80,000 russian troops were killed, 1014 00:51:29,961 --> 00:51:32,763 At least 300,000 casualties, 1015 00:51:32,798 --> 00:51:34,331 Fighting street to street. 1016 00:51:34,366 --> 00:51:37,067 Berlin fell in four days. 1017 00:51:37,102 --> 00:51:40,988 Hitler and his long-term mistress eva braun 1018 00:51:41,022 --> 00:51:43,824 Married and the next day committed suicide. 1019 00:51:43,859 --> 00:51:47,728 Seeking revenge for the german rape of the u.S.S.R., 1020 00:51:47,762 --> 00:51:51,499 And further fueled by what they had witnessed liberating 1021 00:51:51,533 --> 00:51:54,168 The concentration camps of majdanek, 1022 00:51:54,202 --> 00:51:56,704 Sobibor, treblinka and auschwitz 1023 00:51:56,738 --> 00:51:58,205 En route to berlin, 1024 00:51:58,240 --> 00:52:00,841 The soviet soldiers behaved brutally 1025 00:52:00,876 --> 00:52:02,409 Towards the vanquished germans. 1026 00:52:02,444 --> 00:52:04,211 ( gunfire ) 1027 00:52:04,246 --> 00:52:06,647 Stalin did nothing to stop it. 1028 00:52:06,681 --> 00:52:10,384 But when reports began to fill the world's airwaves 1029 00:52:10,418 --> 00:52:14,738 Of vast hordes of soviet soldiers raping their way through germany, 1030 00:52:14,773 --> 00:52:17,508 Orders came from above to stop, 1031 00:52:17,542 --> 00:52:19,577 And the rapes stopped. 1032 00:52:19,611 --> 00:52:21,378 The stories continued-- 1033 00:52:21,413 --> 00:52:24,648 Up to two million women, some claimed, were raped. 1034 00:52:24,683 --> 00:52:27,451 In just a few weeks over 100,000 did seek 1035 00:52:27,486 --> 00:52:29,453 Medical care for rape. 1036 00:52:31,590 --> 00:52:34,325 As part of the intended roosevelt-stalin plan 1037 00:52:34,359 --> 00:52:36,760 For the pastoralization of germany, 1038 00:52:36,795 --> 00:52:39,663 Soviet officials in the first few months 1039 00:52:39,698 --> 00:52:43,033 Shipped 100,000 rail cars of construction materials 1040 00:52:43,068 --> 00:52:45,603 And personal goods back to russia-- 1041 00:52:45,637 --> 00:52:47,738 Some to help rebuild 1042 00:52:47,772 --> 00:52:49,740 The shattered economy and some-- 1043 00:52:49,791 --> 00:52:52,943 Like furs, paintings, gold and jewels-- 1044 00:52:52,978 --> 00:52:55,546 For purely monetary purposes. 1045 00:52:55,580 --> 00:52:58,249 But as a result, the worldwide perception 1046 00:52:58,283 --> 00:53:01,685 Of the soviet union endured that it was a barbaric 1047 00:53:01,720 --> 00:53:04,388 And brutal semi-asian nation 1048 00:53:04,422 --> 00:53:08,359 Invading what had once been civilized europe. 1049 00:53:08,393 --> 00:53:11,829 The dictionary definition of "empathy" is... 1050 00:53:18,937 --> 00:53:21,872 But truman did not seem capable of comprehending 1051 00:53:21,907 --> 00:53:26,377 The pain and suffering of the soviet people or their motives. 1052 00:53:27,979 --> 00:53:31,815 Roosevelt, a man who had suffered from polio in his life, 1053 00:53:31,850 --> 00:53:36,287 Had understood that the war had been won by soviet sacrifice 1054 00:53:36,321 --> 00:53:39,506 And that peace now depended on mutual respect. 1055 00:53:42,544 --> 00:53:46,313 Even churchill had admitted the soviet army tore 1056 00:53:46,348 --> 00:53:49,883 The guts out of the german military machine. 1057 00:53:49,918 --> 00:53:52,519 Stalin was a tyrant, absolutely-- 1058 00:53:52,554 --> 00:53:55,923 A ruthless, paranoid dictator who disdained 1059 00:53:55,957 --> 00:53:58,909 The u.S. Concept of democracy, 1060 00:53:58,944 --> 00:54:03,480 But he was also in the tradition of the cruelest tsars. 1061 00:54:03,515 --> 00:54:05,732 He had clearly gotten along with roosevelt, 1062 00:54:05,750 --> 00:54:08,586 And had, according to several high-level witnesses, 1063 00:54:08,620 --> 00:54:11,188 Kept his word to roosevelt. 1064 00:54:11,222 --> 00:54:13,457 He desperately wanted friendly relations 1065 00:54:13,491 --> 00:54:15,192 With the u.S. To continue. 1066 00:54:15,226 --> 00:54:17,795 But as the cold war descended, 1067 00:54:17,829 --> 00:54:22,132 The laurels of the u.S.S.R.'s victory over nazi germany 1068 00:54:22,167 --> 00:54:24,969 Were stolen-- or rather, forgotten. 1069 00:54:26,388 --> 00:54:28,806 It would take another 20 years 1070 00:54:28,840 --> 00:54:31,091 For another u.S. President and veteran-- 1071 00:54:31,126 --> 00:54:35,095 John fitzgerald kennedy, who had lived his entire life 1072 00:54:35,130 --> 00:54:38,532 In some degree of pain and with the prospect of death-- 1073 00:54:38,566 --> 00:54:42,686 To pay homage to the soviet contribution in world war ii. 1074 00:54:44,339 --> 00:54:46,290 No nation in the history of battle 1075 00:54:46,324 --> 00:54:49,226 Ever suffered more than the soviet union 1076 00:54:49,260 --> 00:54:51,562 In the second world war. 1077 00:54:51,596 --> 00:54:54,748 At least 20 million lost their lives. 1078 00:54:54,766 --> 00:54:57,318 Countless millions of homes and families 1079 00:54:57,352 --> 00:54:59,620 Were burned or sacked. 1080 00:54:59,654 --> 00:55:02,439 A third of the nation's territory, 1081 00:55:02,474 --> 00:55:05,275 Including two-thirds of its industrial base, 1082 00:55:05,310 --> 00:55:07,277 Was turned into a wasteland-- 1083 00:55:07,312 --> 00:55:09,663 A loss equivalent to the destruction 1084 00:55:09,681 --> 00:55:12,282 Of this country east of chicago." 1085 00:55:23,428 --> 00:55:27,798 Stone: Germany officially surrendered may 7th. 1086 00:55:34,239 --> 00:55:36,657 Newsreel voice: The war in europe has ended. 1087 00:55:36,691 --> 00:55:39,693 Unconditionally and finally our german enemy 1088 00:55:39,728 --> 00:55:41,829 Has surrendered to russia, to britain 1089 00:55:41,863 --> 00:55:44,048 And her commonwealth, to america, 1090 00:55:44,082 --> 00:55:46,850 To the millions who fought with their hearts and souls, 1091 00:55:46,885 --> 00:55:49,353 To the people of all free nations. 1092 00:55:49,387 --> 00:55:52,222 ( cheering ) 1093 00:55:52,257 --> 00:55:55,626 Stone: As v-e day was celebrated around the world, 1094 00:55:55,660 --> 00:55:59,847 It also meant that the soviets, as agreed at yalta, 1095 00:55:59,881 --> 00:56:03,317 Would enter the pacific war around August 8th-- 1096 00:56:03,351 --> 00:56:06,854 Almost three months before the November 1 start date 1097 00:56:06,888 --> 00:56:10,374 For the planned allied invasion of mainland japan. 1098 00:56:11,409 --> 00:56:13,077 When truman and byrnes, 1099 00:56:13,111 --> 00:56:15,496 Now appointed secretary of state, 1100 00:56:15,530 --> 00:56:18,415 Met with stalin and churchill in the most important conference 1101 00:56:18,466 --> 00:56:22,252 Of world war ii at potsdam in a suburb of berlin, 1102 00:56:22,303 --> 00:56:25,972 They were waiting for news of the secret atomic tests 1103 00:56:25,990 --> 00:56:28,559 In the desert of alamogordo. 1104 00:56:30,962 --> 00:56:33,097 Truman had pushed the start of the summit 1105 00:56:33,131 --> 00:56:35,682 Back two weeks to mid-July 1106 00:56:35,717 --> 00:56:37,584 And hoped the bomb would be tested 1107 00:56:37,619 --> 00:56:40,487 Before negotiations with stalin began. 1108 00:56:41,689 --> 00:56:43,507 In the desert, robert oppenheimer said, 1109 00:56:43,558 --> 00:56:45,726 "we were under incredible pressure 1110 00:56:45,760 --> 00:56:49,213 To get it done before the potsdam meeting." 1111 00:56:49,247 --> 00:56:53,200 It turned out, from truman's perspective, to be worth the wait. 1112 00:56:54,669 --> 00:56:58,405 On July 16th, while truman was touring bombed-out berlin 1113 00:56:58,440 --> 00:57:02,459 And preparing for the next day's meeting with stalin, 1114 00:57:02,494 --> 00:57:05,979 Scientists exploded the first atomic bomb. 1115 00:57:10,185 --> 00:57:12,986 It exceeded all expectations. 1116 00:57:14,189 --> 00:57:15,989 Some scientists even feared 1117 00:57:16,024 --> 00:57:19,259 They had indeed set the atmosphere on fire. 1118 00:57:19,294 --> 00:57:23,163 Groves cabled the preliminary results to stimson, 1119 00:57:23,198 --> 00:57:26,400 Who rushed to brief truman and byrnes. 1120 00:57:26,434 --> 00:57:30,003 They were elated. They knew that they had a date with destiny. 1121 00:57:30,037 --> 00:57:32,039 ( dramatic music playing )