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The Best Episodes of The U.S. and the Holocaust Season 1

Every episode of The U.S. and the Holocaust Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The U.S. and the Holocaust Season 1!

Binge this in 6h 38m•Peaking at 9.0/10

Americans consider themselves a 'nation of immigrants', but as the catastrophe of the Holocaust unfolds in Europe, the U.S. prove unwilling to open its doors to more than a fraction of the hundreds of thousands

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The U.S. and the Holocaust Season 1 Episode 1 - The Golden Door (Beginnings — 1938)
    9.0/10(236 votes)

    S1:E1

    Reversing a history of open borders, a xenophobic backlash prompts Congress to restrict immigration. Hitler and the Nazis persecute German Jews, forcing many to seek refuge. FDR is concerned by the growing crisis but unable to coordinate a response.

    Directors:Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, Sarah Botstein
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  2. The U.S. and the Holocaust Season 1 Episode 2 - Yearning to Breathe Free (1938 — 1942)
    9.0/10(188 votes)

    S1:E2

    As World War II begins, Americans are divided over whether to intervene against Nazi Germany. Some individuals and organizations work tirelessly to help refugees escape. Germany invades the USSR and secretly begins the mass murder of European Jews.

    Directors:Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, Sarah Botstein
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  3. The U.S. and the Holocaust Season 1 Episode 3 - The Homeless, Tempest-Tossed (1942 — )
    9.0/10(177 votes)

    S1:E3

    A group of dedicated government officials fights red tape to support rescue operations. As the Allies liberate German camps, the public sees for the first time the sheer scale of the Holocaust and begins to reckon with its reverberations.

    Directors:Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, Sarah Botstein
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The Golden Door (Beginnings — 1938)" is the best rated episode of "The U.S. and the Holocaust" season 1. It scored 9/10 based on 236 votes. Directed by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, Sarah Botstein and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on 9/18/2022. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Yearning to Breathe Free (1938 — 1942)".