Reel 2 of The World at War (1942) delves into the escalating aggression of Axis powers during the 1930s. It begins with Japan’s confrontation with the League of Nations over its invasion of Shanghai, culminating in its withdrawal from the League after being branded an aggressor. The reel chronicles Japan’s continued invasion of China, showcasing scenes of looting, bombing raids, and the unification of Chinese forces under Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, who relocated his troops and industries into China’s interior. Contrasting images depict Japan’s cultural identity alongside its military buildup, with Emperor Hirohito reviewing troops and symbolic moments like ceremonies at a Japanese baseball game.
The narrative then shifts to Italy’s imperial ambitions, highlighting Benito Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia and Emperor Haile Selassie’s defiant resistance. The reel concludes with Germany’s growing power under Adolf Hitler, featuring the 1938 bloodless coup d'état in Austria, known as the Anschluss. Through vivid footage and storytelling, Reel 2 captures the ominous rise of Axis powers and their march toward global conflict.
The World at War (1942) - U.S. Government WWII Propaganda Film