The U.S. and the Holocaust

“Yearning to Breathe Free” (1938-1942)

Episode 2 | 2h 17m 35s | WETA Passport

As World War II begins, Americans are united in their disapproval of Nazi brutality but divided on whether to act. Some individuals and organizations work tirelessly to help refugees escape. Meanwhile, Charles Lindbergh and isolationists battle with Roosevelt to try to keep America out of the war. Germany invades the Soviet Union and secretly begins the mass murder of European Jews.

Aired: 09/20/22 | Expires: 09/17/29 | Rating: TV-MA

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

• Charles Lindbergh & The America First Committee

  Clip: Ep2 | 5m 31s

• Susan & Joseph Arrive in America

  Clip: Ep2 | 7m 3s

• US Bill to Save Refugee Children Hits Wall of Anti-Semitism

  Clip: Ep2 | 6m 39s

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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