In the final moments of World War Two, the Allies were determined to inflict total defeat on their enemies, at any cost. But following Victory the big three, Britain, America and Russia, fought each other for supremacy. This definitive 5-part series covers the conflicts in the final days of the war on both the European and Pacific fronts. The shape of the world we live in today is the legacy of events that took place in 1945.Episode 1 - The Beginning of the EndExamines the controversial military decisions and the behind the scenes scheming that characterise the first two months of 1945. In January, the Western Allies suffer a major military set-back. On the Eastern Front the Red Army launches one of the biggest military offensives in history. During February German cities are being pulverised by British bombers.Episode 2 - The End of the DictatorsIn March the Allied forces face fanatical Nazi resistance and the Western Allies discover the horrors or the Nazi regime. In April the Americans finally land on Japanese soil but at great cost to life on both sides. The Americans allow Stalin to take Berlin as his prize and Britain starts to realise they're out in the cold.Episode 3 - The Victors Carve up EuropeVeiled threats and broken promises in the summer of 1945 determine the political future of millions of people, for the next 50 years. In May the Allies finally force Germany to its knees and Europe celebrates. In June the Soviet Union, land grab is swiftly followed by political purges. By July a new world order beings to emerge dominated by two, not three superpowers.Episode 4 - War in the PacificIn August the ultimate weapon of mass destruction is used for the first time against the Japanese. In September European powers reclaim their colonies but face an increased clamour from independence movements throughout South-East Asia. As American gives birth tothe nuclear age, it watches old empires die, as its own expands.Episode 5 - The Future Takes ShapeAs 1945 drew to an end, the world was to change shape forever. Millions of people are forced to move as borders were redrawn and new occupying governments installed. By November The Nuremberg trials have started and the victors have set about ensuring there will be no third world war. By December 1945 America and Russia are onthe brink of a new, cold war.