The U.S. and the Holocaust

“The Golden Door” (Beginnings-1938)

Episode 1 | 2h 8m 43s | WETA Passport

After decades of maintaining open borders, a xenophobic backlash prompts Congress to pass its first laws restricting immigration. Meanwhile, in Germany, Hitler and the Nazis begin their persecution of Jewish people, causing many to try to flee to neighboring countries or America. Franklin Roosevelt and other world leaders are concerned by the growing refugee crisis but fail to coordinate a response.

Aired: 09/18/22 | Expires: 09/17/29 | Rating: TV-14

Corporate funding provided by Bank of America. Major funding provided by David M. Rubenstein; the Park Foundation; the Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; and by the following members of The Better Angels Society: Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine; Jan and Rick Cohen; Allan and Shelley Holt; the Koret Foundation; David and Susan Kreisman; Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder; Blavatnik Family Foundation; Crown Family Philanthropies, honoring the Crown and Goodman Families; the Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Dr. Georgette Bennett and Dr. Leonard Polonsky; The Russell Berrie Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John and Catherine Debs; and Leah Joy Zell and the Joy Foundation. Funding was also provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and by public television viewers.

Extras From This Episode

• The Rise of Eugenics in America

  Clip: Ep1 | 5m 54s

• The American Press in Germany

  Clip: Ep1 | 5m 43s

• The Gradual Rise of Nazi Germany

  Clip: Ep1 | 6m 5s

More Episodes

• “The Golden Door” (Beginnings-1938)

  Ep1 | 2h 8m 43s | WETA Passport

• “Yearning to Breathe Free” (1938-1942)

  Ep2 | 2h 17m 35s | WETA Passport

• “The Homeless, Tempest-Tossed” (1942 - )

  Ep3 | 2h 10m 51s | WETA Passport

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