History’s totally engrossing, thoroughly addictive smash hit “Modern Marvels” is back for WWII. Three episodes of the timeless series will cover the superweapons developed by both the Axis and the Allies, the gargantuan megaprojects both took to hasten an end to the war, and the smaller (yet still crucially important) gadgets they developed in an effort to get an edge on the other side.
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Although often overshadowed by the arms race and spy tech of the Cold War, the technological innovation of World War II was as much a critical part of the war effort as bombs, bullets, and rations. The world’s greatest minds and engineers were presented with monumental problems with life-or-death stakes—and rose to the challenge.
“Modern Marvels: WWII” begins with a deep dive into the war’s superweapons, some of which would revolutionize modern warfare, from Nazi Germany’s massive Gustav Gun to the American B-29 Superfortress, equally ambitious and terrifying (for the enemy).
In the weeks that follow, the show looks at “Mega Builds,” like the largest battleship ever constructed (which were not built by the Allied powers), critical infrastructure and fortifications like the Maginot Line, and even the Pentagon itself. It was all just an inkling about just how much World War II was set to change the world forever.
Finally, “Modern Marvels: WWII” wraps up with “Gears and Gadgets,” covering the technical knowhow (and what sometimes seems like wizardry) that drove the inventors and engineers on both sides of the war. World War II saw the first use of things that are now commonplace, like radar, night vision, and cypher machines.
Anyone interested in how a war that began with most of the German Army using horses and donkeys and ended with the first jet engine and atomic energy should tune in to see just how necessity mothered invention during a war that forever changed everything.
“Modern Marvels: WWII” runs July 27-Aug. 3, 2026 on History.
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