This mock documentary uses archival footage, interviews and reports taken out of context and staged interviews to highlight a possible escalation into a nuclear war. In this feature, tension in East Germany, and an uprising triggered by a visit by Gorbachev sees a successful military coup taking place in the USSR. Western actions against brutal crack-downs on civilians involved increases tension between the sides, finally resulting in nuclear war.

The 13 days from April 20th to May 2nd, 1945, are unique in the history of Germany: They are the final act in the history of the Third Reich, which was supposed to last for a thousand years and succumbed after twelve in an orgy of violence and fire. In the catacombs of his bunker under the Reich Chancellery in the capital city of Berlin, which Adolf Hitler wanted to make the centre of the world, the dictator operates with ghost divisions during the final days of the war. Only in the final moment, he takes his own life. Meanwhile, On the streets, in the ruins, and the basements of the destroyed city, the final battle wages on: Adolescents are sacrificed without purpose, women get raped, loyal party comrades commit suicide in the thousands, Jews who were in hiding for years hope for the liberation.

When Helmut Kohl came to power in 1982, there was no shortage of mockers who saw him as the "transitional chancellor". Declared politically dead several times, Kohl nevertheless became the longest-serving head of government in the Federal Republic. The film traces the most important stages of his 17-year tenure.

In the chancellorship of Konrad Adenauer, the course was set for democracy. None of his successors had such difficult decisions to make, and none exercised power as autocratically as he did.

"Dare more democracy" was the slogan of Willy Brandt, the visionary chancellor who was modeled on John F. Kennedy. Weakened by opponents in his own political party, he resigned after the Guillaume affair.

Documentary concerning the battle of Verdun which, with its weapons of mass destruction, marked the beginning of modern warfare in what is considered to be the most gruesome military confrontation of World War I. The programme conveys the horror of this military inferno, illustrating the similar experiences of the French and German soldiers and their struggle for survival. It also provides the unknown soldier with a face through various letters, diaries and private photographs.