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Narrator: the towering remains
Of a mountainside structure
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00:00:04,567 --> 00:00:07,667
Built to withstand
A colossal force.
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00:00:07,667 --> 00:00:10,300
What is it?
What happened to it?
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00:00:10,300 --> 00:00:12,267
What caused it to explode?
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00:00:13,933 --> 00:00:16,767
Narrator: a sprawling cityscape
That's been deserted
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00:00:16,767 --> 00:00:18,933
And left to the elements.
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00:00:18,933 --> 00:00:21,867
It's like a giant been
Brought to its knees,
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00:00:21,867 --> 00:00:23,367
But by what?
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00:00:25,800 --> 00:00:28,367
Narrator: and strange
Military platforms
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That harbor secrets
Of an underwater war.
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00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:31,000
That harbor secrets
Of an underwater war.
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00:00:31,800 --> 00:00:34,433
Talvik:
Suddenly, 200 meters from us...
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00:00:34,433 --> 00:00:36,800
Dook, dook, dook, dook.
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We were really like,
"Ah, what is this?"
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00:00:43,967 --> 00:00:46,500
Narrator: once, they were some
Of the most advanced structures
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And facilities on the planet,
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00:00:48,333 --> 00:00:51,833
At the cutting edge
Of design and construction.
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Today, they stand abandoned,
Contaminated,
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00:00:56,033 --> 00:00:58,500
And sometimes deadly.
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00:00:58,500 --> 00:01:00,000
But who built them?
And how?
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00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:01,000
But who built them?
And how?
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00:01:01,067 --> 00:01:03,833
And why were they abandoned?
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-- captions by vitac --
Www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
Discovery communications
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*
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*
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In europe, high up in
The mountainous region
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Of the central italian alps
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Stands a large cathedral-like
Structure.
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Stands a large cathedral-like
Structure.
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*
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Bell: towering 140 feet
Above the valley floor,
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This structure looks almost
Alien in the landscape.
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*
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It's like a fortress
From "Lord of the rings"
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That's been brought to life.
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The eerie gray concrete
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Alongside
The windswept mountains
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Alongside
The windswept mountains
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Makes you shiver inside.
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Gough: this huge structure
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00:02:08,867 --> 00:02:11,967
Is set in this glorious
Natural setting.
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There's mountains,
There's lakes.
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00:02:14,333 --> 00:02:17,233
As you move around
The side of it, you look and go,
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00:02:17,233 --> 00:02:19,500
"Uh-oh, what happened here?"
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If it were complete,
It would stretch
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00:02:23,833 --> 00:02:27,067
From one side of the valley
Right across to the other.
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But there's a massive
Gap in the middle.
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But there's a massive
Gap in the middle.
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Narrator: years ago,
The central section
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Of this great wall
Was ripped out.
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Gough: was it bombed?
Was there an earthquake?
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This would've been
An event that caused
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A whole lot of
Disruption and death.
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00:02:50,767 --> 00:02:53,667
How could something
That appears so solid
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00:02:53,667 --> 00:02:56,300
Have failed so spectacularly?
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Narrator: so what happened?
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00:02:59,300 --> 00:03:00,000
And is new evidence
Challenging our understanding
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00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:01,000
And is new evidence
Challenging our understanding
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00:03:02,233 --> 00:03:04,300
Of it's catastrophic demise?
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00:03:08,700 --> 00:03:11,867
The story unfolded
In the unstable years
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Around the first world war,
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00:03:14,167 --> 00:03:16,467
When italy was
Struggling to catch up
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00:03:16,467 --> 00:03:18,933
With the industrialized
Powers of europe.
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00:03:20,433 --> 00:03:23,400
To energize the growth
Of new factories,
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00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:27,133
Rich capitalists invested in
Hydroelectric power stations
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In the mountainous
Region of the alps.
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These are the remains of
One of those projects,
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The gleno dam.
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00:03:41,467 --> 00:03:43,733
But it was built
In troubled times
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When anarchists were
Staging occupations
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Of factories nearby
And even planting bombs
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At targeted sights.
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00:03:52,367 --> 00:03:57,567
Italy in the north was a place
Of great political unrest.
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00:03:57,567 --> 00:04:00,000
You had the capitalists
Who were effectively
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00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:00,300
You had the capitalists
Who were effectively
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00:04:00,300 --> 00:04:01,000
Under siege from
A communist movement
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00:04:02,867 --> 00:04:05,467
That had a whole different
Direction in mind.
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00:04:06,667 --> 00:04:12,433
Turmoil and violence, those
Were a day-to-day occurrence.
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00:04:15,567 --> 00:04:17,267
Bell: the man who financed
The project
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Was from the vigano family,
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A family of wealthy
Industrialists from milan.
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00:04:23,467 --> 00:04:26,933
Vigano constantly
Criticized the local workers
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00:04:26,933 --> 00:04:28,467
That he did employ.
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His preference was to
Use milanese workers
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00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:30,967
His preference was to
Use milanese workers
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00:04:30,967 --> 00:04:31,000
Instead of local workers,
Which caused a lot
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00:04:33,867 --> 00:04:36,100
Of bad feeling.
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00:04:36,100 --> 00:04:37,700
So, if the people that
Are trying
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00:04:37,700 --> 00:04:41,333
To put this structure together
Are not working together
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00:04:41,333 --> 00:04:44,067
In unison, then you are
Gonna get a problem
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00:04:44,067 --> 00:04:46,067
In the actual end product.
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Narrator:
Construction began in 1917
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00:04:49,933 --> 00:04:54,067
With the first world war
In full flow.
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00:04:54,067 --> 00:04:57,700
But a few years into
The job, the costs soared.
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00:04:57,700 --> 00:05:00,000
The design was
Changed drastically,
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00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:01,000
The design was
Changed drastically,
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00:05:01,233 --> 00:05:03,233
And the vigano
Family cut corners
99
00:05:03,233 --> 00:05:06,333
By using cheaper,
Lower grade materials.
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00:05:07,667 --> 00:05:11,067
Bell: construction of the dam
Used poor quality concrete,
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00:05:11,067 --> 00:05:15,733
Reinforced with first world war
Anti-grenade netting.
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00:05:15,733 --> 00:05:17,533
Neither of which
Were appropriate
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00:05:17,533 --> 00:05:19,933
For this kind of structure.
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00:05:19,933 --> 00:05:22,367
Whenever any of those
Workers complained
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About those materials,
They were immediately fired.
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00:05:28,833 --> 00:05:30,000
Agrawal: foundations are
Critical to all structures.
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00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:31,000
Agrawal: foundations are
Critical to all structures.
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00:05:32,333 --> 00:05:35,167
If you start to
Put in scrap metals,
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00:05:35,167 --> 00:05:37,067
You don't really know
What the composition
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00:05:37,067 --> 00:05:38,500
Of those metals are.
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00:05:38,500 --> 00:05:41,200
They may have rusted, and so,
Then, when you're pouring
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00:05:41,200 --> 00:05:43,667
Concrete around that,
You might not get
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00:05:43,667 --> 00:05:47,267
A very good bind between
The metal and the concrete,
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00:05:47,267 --> 00:05:49,167
And that is really,
Really important
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00:05:49,167 --> 00:05:51,733
To maintain the strength
Of the structure.
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00:05:54,167 --> 00:05:57,067
Narrator: so was this a disaster
Waiting to happen?
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00:06:00,367 --> 00:06:01,000
In october 1923,
With the dam built,
118
00:06:04,267 --> 00:06:08,600
The reservoir was filled to
Capacity for the first time,
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00:06:08,600 --> 00:06:11,567
But problems had already
Begun to surface.
120
00:06:11,567 --> 00:06:13,400
Gough:
In the autumn of the year,
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00:06:13,400 --> 00:06:15,800
There was
An extremely heavy rainfall,
122
00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:19,133
And this caused some
Minor leaks in the dam
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00:06:19,133 --> 00:06:21,533
That should've
Served as a warning,
124
00:06:21,533 --> 00:06:23,333
But in fact, they
Were regarded as,
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00:06:23,333 --> 00:06:26,067
"Mm, that's not a problem."
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00:06:26,067 --> 00:06:28,300
Narrator:
As the downpours continued,
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00:06:28,300 --> 00:06:30,000
The water level soon crept
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00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:30,133
The water level soon crept
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00:06:30,133 --> 00:06:31,000
Above the maximum
Permitted depth,
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00:06:32,667 --> 00:06:35,900
Testing the dam's structural
Integrity to the limit.
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00:06:37,300 --> 00:06:41,533
By december 1st, it seemed to
Have reached breaking point.
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00:06:42,767 --> 00:06:45,633
It was just another day
When the caretaker
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00:06:45,633 --> 00:06:50,433
Was carrying out his
Routine checks on the dam,
134
00:06:50,433 --> 00:06:51,933
And then he felt a tremor.
135
00:06:54,767 --> 00:06:58,567
45 minutes later,
The whole dam burst.
136
00:07:01,733 --> 00:07:03,900
Bell: according to news
Reports at the time,
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00:07:03,900 --> 00:07:07,267
There was a violent
Blast of air.
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00:07:07,267 --> 00:07:10,700
Then water rushed down
Into the valley below.
139
00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:15,300
Narrator:
Over a billion gallons of water
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00:07:15,300 --> 00:07:18,067
Suddenly forced its
Way through the opening
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00:07:18,067 --> 00:07:22,067
At a speed of 45 miles per hour.
142
00:07:22,067 --> 00:07:24,800
Carnage was inevitable.
143
00:07:26,067 --> 00:07:29,500
The water would've been
Like a giant tidal wave,
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00:07:29,500 --> 00:07:30,000
A tsunami with debris
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00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:31,000
A tsunami with debris
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00:07:31,933 --> 00:07:35,100
Just rushing through
The valley below,
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00:07:35,100 --> 00:07:38,367
Causing devastation
Wherever it went.
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00:07:41,400 --> 00:07:45,067
Bell: the flood wave took about
45 minutes to crash its way
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00:07:45,067 --> 00:07:46,667
Along down the valley.
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00:07:49,167 --> 00:07:51,967
The flood destroyed
Three villages,
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00:07:51,967 --> 00:07:55,200
Five power stations,
And countless numbers
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00:07:55,200 --> 00:07:58,700
Of isolated buildings
And factories along the valley.
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00:08:00,767 --> 00:08:01,000
Narrator: by the time
The waters had settled,
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00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:06,567
Over 350 people had been killed.
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00:08:06,567 --> 00:08:09,367
The blame was directed
Towards the vigano family
156
00:08:09,367 --> 00:08:11,100
And the dam's engineers,
157
00:08:11,100 --> 00:08:13,233
But they protested
Their innocence.
158
00:08:14,600 --> 00:08:16,200
In the court case that followed,
159
00:08:16,200 --> 00:08:19,100
Inconsistencies between
The findings of the prosecution
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00:08:19,100 --> 00:08:21,967
And defense meant that,
On appeal,
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00:08:21,967 --> 00:08:24,067
The defendants were acquitted.
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00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:30,000
For almost a century, this was
How the story was laid to rest.
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00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:31,000
For almost a century, this was
How the story was laid to rest.
164
00:08:33,500 --> 00:08:35,800
But it would begin
To be rewritten
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00:08:35,800 --> 00:08:37,433
When benedetto bonomo,
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00:08:37,433 --> 00:08:40,600
The current mayor of one
Of those destroyed towns,
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00:08:40,600 --> 00:08:42,767
Uncovered some new evidence.
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00:08:45,100 --> 00:08:46,400
[ bonomo speaking italian ]
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Interpreter: just after
The collapse of the dam,
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00:08:47,900 --> 00:08:50,067
In the prison of
The city of cremona,
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00:08:50,067 --> 00:08:52,867
An inmate made
A very important claim,
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00:08:52,867 --> 00:08:55,767
Saying that he was the head
Of a group of subversives
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Who were putting
Bombs everywhere
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00:08:57,600 --> 00:09:00,000
In what was the rising
Industrial area.
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00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:00,567
In what was the rising
Industrial area.
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00:09:00,567 --> 00:09:01,000
*
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00:09:05,600 --> 00:09:07,300
Narrator:
Was there a cover-up that took
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00:09:07,300 --> 00:09:09,767
Almost 90 years to unearth?
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00:09:09,767 --> 00:09:12,733
Could everything be
Pointing to what seems to be
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00:09:12,733 --> 00:09:14,833
A terrorist attack?
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00:09:16,600 --> 00:09:17,000
*
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00:09:22,300 --> 00:09:24,733
Narrator: high in the mountains
Of northern italy,
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00:09:24,733 --> 00:09:28,667
The collapse of
The gleno dam in 1923
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00:09:28,667 --> 00:09:32,167
Sent a wave of destruction
Hurtling through the villages
185
00:09:32,167 --> 00:09:33,833
In the valley below.
186
00:09:33,833 --> 00:09:35,633
Once believed to
Have been caused
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00:09:35,633 --> 00:09:38,633
By poor construction
Techniques and materials,
188
00:09:38,633 --> 00:09:42,200
A recently uncovered court
Document from the trial
189
00:09:42,200 --> 00:09:46,088
Shows the failure came
From a targeted attack.
190
00:09:46,088 --> 00:09:46,100
Shows the failure came
From a targeted attack.
191
00:09:46,100 --> 00:09:47,000
[ speaking italian ]
192
00:09:48,067 --> 00:09:49,667
Interpreter: I quickly found
The document that says
193
00:09:49,667 --> 00:09:52,100
The judge had actually
Asked the most renowned
194
00:09:52,100 --> 00:09:54,400
Experts in the world
To do a survey...
195
00:09:55,733 --> 00:09:58,833
Which showed that
A bomb had exploded there.
196
00:09:58,833 --> 00:10:02,633
*
197
00:10:02,633 --> 00:10:04,133
Narrator: the survey proved
198
00:10:04,133 --> 00:10:05,800
That water pressure alone
199
00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:08,333
Could never have
Caused the collapse.
200
00:10:09,867 --> 00:10:14,133
Then it was revealed that
75 kilograms of dynamite
201
00:10:14,133 --> 00:10:16,088
Had recently been stolen
From the construction site.
202
00:10:16,088 --> 00:10:17,000
Had recently been stolen
From the construction site.
203
00:10:18,033 --> 00:10:22,200
It seems that sabotage
Was the only explanation.
204
00:10:23,800 --> 00:10:25,700
Because of this
Lack of integrity
205
00:10:25,700 --> 00:10:28,600
Between the materials
And the foundations,
206
00:10:28,600 --> 00:10:31,100
It's possible that these
Explosives actually caused
207
00:10:31,100 --> 00:10:33,733
A much bigger event
Than, you know,
208
00:10:33,733 --> 00:10:35,800
The saboteurs actually intended.
209
00:10:38,233 --> 00:10:40,600
Gough: it could've been
A disgruntled worker
210
00:10:40,600 --> 00:10:43,167
Who wanted revenge
For the vigano family.
211
00:10:44,800 --> 00:10:46,088
Or it could have
Been an anarchist,
212
00:10:46,088 --> 00:10:46,433
Or it could have
Been an anarchist,
213
00:10:46,433 --> 00:10:47,000
Because they were blowing up
Sort of power stations
214
00:10:48,667 --> 00:10:51,000
And power plants all
Around the north of italy
215
00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:54,000
At that time.
216
00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:57,233
Narrator: but a final theory
Suggests total destruction
217
00:10:57,233 --> 00:11:00,067
May not have been
The intention at all.
218
00:11:00,067 --> 00:11:04,067
The idea could've been
Just to create a small leak
219
00:11:04,067 --> 00:11:07,333
And thereby force
The dam to be decommissioned.
220
00:11:07,333 --> 00:11:11,267
So no one knows for sure,
But all we do know
221
00:11:11,267 --> 00:11:13,533
Is an explosion of that kind
222
00:11:13,533 --> 00:11:16,088
Should not have had
The devastating effect
223
00:11:16,088 --> 00:11:16,700
Should not have had
The devastating effect
224
00:11:16,700 --> 00:11:17,000
That it did.
225
00:11:20,567 --> 00:11:23,133
Narrator: the cover-up had aimed
To protect the government
226
00:11:23,133 --> 00:11:25,800
From embarrassment after
A spate of bombings
227
00:11:25,800 --> 00:11:29,467
In the area meant they
Should've been guarding the dam.
228
00:11:31,433 --> 00:11:33,933
Interpreter: telling the truth
95 years later,
229
00:11:33,933 --> 00:11:36,533
It's something that hurts.
230
00:11:36,533 --> 00:11:40,067
People looked death in the eyes.
231
00:11:40,067 --> 00:11:42,933
A whole district was
Completely swept away.
232
00:11:42,933 --> 00:11:44,933
Whole families were erased.
233
00:11:44,933 --> 00:11:46,088
The whole story of a small
Village was buried forever.
234
00:11:46,088 --> 00:11:47,000
The whole story of a small
Village was buried forever.
235
00:11:47,967 --> 00:11:54,200
*
236
00:11:54,200 --> 00:11:56,267
Narrator: talk of repairs
And putting the dam
237
00:11:56,267 --> 00:11:59,600
Back into use has
Never been far off.
238
00:11:59,600 --> 00:12:02,567
But without the financial
Backing necessary,
239
00:12:02,567 --> 00:12:06,067
The gleno dam has remained
In its failed state
240
00:12:06,067 --> 00:12:09,267
Ever since its explosive end.
241
00:12:09,267 --> 00:12:15,767
*
242
00:12:15,767 --> 00:12:16,088
Near the center of
Detroit, michigan,
243
00:12:16,088 --> 00:12:17,000
Near the center of
Detroit, michigan,
244
00:12:18,300 --> 00:12:21,567
Is a sprawling landscape
Of deserted buildings
245
00:12:21,567 --> 00:12:24,167
Left to disintegrate
Over decades.
246
00:12:24,167 --> 00:12:30,400
*
247
00:12:30,400 --> 00:12:32,867
Towering above abandoned
Streets,
248
00:12:32,867 --> 00:12:35,500
This line of structures
Stretches across
249
00:12:35,500 --> 00:12:37,167
Around half a mile.
250
00:12:39,633 --> 00:12:41,833
Bell: what's most striking
About this structure
251
00:12:41,833 --> 00:12:43,700
Is its size.
252
00:12:43,700 --> 00:12:45,733
It seems to go on forever.
253
00:12:48,400 --> 00:12:51,200
It looks like some kind
Of industrial metropolis.
254
00:12:53,067 --> 00:12:56,400
A relic from a world
That's long been forgotten.
255
00:12:58,767 --> 00:13:01,533
Wisdom:
It is complete devastation.
256
00:13:01,533 --> 00:13:04,133
Block after block after block.
257
00:13:04,933 --> 00:13:06,633
Roofs have fallen in,
258
00:13:06,633 --> 00:13:09,533
Water is flowing on the floor,
259
00:13:09,533 --> 00:13:12,433
There is no glass in
Any of the windows.
260
00:13:12,433 --> 00:13:15,833
Nature has taken its course.
261
00:13:15,833 --> 00:13:16,088
Dickrell: something big
Happened here.
262
00:13:16,088 --> 00:13:17,000
Dickrell: something big
Happened here.
263
00:13:18,133 --> 00:13:20,100
Almost out of a horror movie.
264
00:13:21,833 --> 00:13:26,167
Narrator: inside are vast,
Desolate open spaces,
265
00:13:26,167 --> 00:13:29,300
Their remains having been
Ripped apart by the elements.
266
00:13:31,300 --> 00:13:35,767
Bell: there's something about
These cavernous, empty rooms.
267
00:13:35,767 --> 00:13:38,067
It's like a film set
From "Blade runner"
268
00:13:38,067 --> 00:13:41,067
Or "The walking dead."
269
00:13:41,067 --> 00:13:43,067
Wisdom:
It is an incredible place
270
00:13:43,067 --> 00:13:46,088
And clearly has really
Suffered over the years.
271
00:13:46,088 --> 00:13:46,233
And clearly has really
Suffered over the years.
272
00:13:48,533 --> 00:13:51,967
Narrator: but what was this
Series of buildings used for?
273
00:13:51,967 --> 00:13:55,533
And what caused this
Devastation and downfall?
274
00:13:56,800 --> 00:14:01,400
*
275
00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:04,200
The answer lies in
The history of a product
276
00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:07,133
That changed the face of
The united states forever --
277
00:14:08,833 --> 00:14:11,067
The motor car.
278
00:14:14,233 --> 00:14:16,067
Bell: in the early 20th century
279
00:14:16,067 --> 00:14:16,088
The american automotive
Industry was very much
280
00:14:16,088 --> 00:14:17,000
The american automotive
Industry was very much
281
00:14:18,633 --> 00:14:20,067
In its infancy.
282
00:14:20,067 --> 00:14:23,767
Only one in every 10,000
Americans owned a car,
283
00:14:23,767 --> 00:14:25,967
And most of those
Were powered by steam.
284
00:14:27,833 --> 00:14:30,100
With it's vast land area
285
00:14:30,100 --> 00:14:32,933
And scattered,
Isolated settlements
286
00:14:32,933 --> 00:14:36,967
The u.S. Needed cars
More than anyone.
287
00:14:36,967 --> 00:14:38,500
Narrator: the problem, though,
288
00:14:38,500 --> 00:14:41,600
Was how to manufacture
Enough cars.
289
00:14:41,600 --> 00:14:45,167
Previously, factories were
Cramped, dingy,
290
00:14:45,167 --> 00:14:46,088
And dirty places.
291
00:14:46,088 --> 00:14:47,000
And dirty places.
292
00:14:47,067 --> 00:14:50,267
It's hard to believe now,
But this facility
293
00:14:50,267 --> 00:14:52,633
Was the start of something new.
294
00:14:54,800 --> 00:14:57,433
Agrawal: this design complexity
Revolutionized
295
00:14:57,433 --> 00:15:00,333
The space in which
You could actually
296
00:15:00,333 --> 00:15:02,900
Manufacture the cars.
297
00:15:02,900 --> 00:15:05,100
The workers had
Better conditions,
298
00:15:05,100 --> 00:15:08,067
And actually,
It improved their morale
299
00:15:08,067 --> 00:15:10,233
And also their productivity.
300
00:15:11,867 --> 00:15:13,500
Dickrell: the u.S. Led
The way in production
301
00:15:13,500 --> 00:15:16,088
In terms of number
And volumes of automobiles
302
00:15:16,088 --> 00:15:16,967
In terms of number
And volumes of automobiles
303
00:15:16,967 --> 00:15:17,000
Largely because of
The factory improvements
304
00:15:18,900 --> 00:15:20,133
And the ability to crank out
305
00:15:20,133 --> 00:15:23,967
Lots of cars in
A short amount of time.
306
00:15:23,967 --> 00:15:28,800
Narrator: the pioneering company
Leading the charge was packard.
307
00:15:28,800 --> 00:15:33,067
Look to packard for the easiest
Handling car ever built.
308
00:15:34,200 --> 00:15:37,867
This brilliant new packard
All but drives itself
309
00:15:37,867 --> 00:15:41,067
Thanks to packard
Power steering,
310
00:15:41,067 --> 00:15:45,133
Ultramatic drive,
And packard power breaks.
311
00:15:46,267 --> 00:15:47,000
America's new choice
In the fine car field.
312
00:15:52,933 --> 00:15:56,233
Narrator: this was packard's
Automotive plant.
313
00:15:56,933 --> 00:15:59,633
Construction began in 1903,
314
00:15:59,633 --> 00:16:03,467
And it soon grew
Beyond all expectation.
315
00:16:03,467 --> 00:16:06,933
The packard car plant
Was the most advanced
316
00:16:06,933 --> 00:16:08,700
Auto factory in the world.
317
00:16:10,733 --> 00:16:13,600
It was built over
35 acres of land
318
00:16:13,600 --> 00:16:16,088
And had over three and a half
Million square feet of space.
319
00:16:16,088 --> 00:16:17,000
And had over three and a half
Million square feet of space.
320
00:16:20,100 --> 00:16:24,233
It became the gold standard
For car factory design
321
00:16:24,233 --> 00:16:25,567
Throughout the u.S.,
322
00:16:25,567 --> 00:16:27,733
And production
Rates skyrocketed.
323
00:16:29,567 --> 00:16:31,533
Narrator: and the secret
To its success
324
00:16:31,533 --> 00:16:34,767
Was the use of
Reinforced concrete.
325
00:16:36,333 --> 00:16:38,933
This material
Transformed how a factory
326
00:16:38,933 --> 00:16:41,433
Could be laid out.
327
00:16:41,433 --> 00:16:44,433
As local tour guide
Jacob jones explains.
328
00:16:47,067 --> 00:16:49,067
Jones: we are on the ground
329
00:16:49,067 --> 00:16:52,767
Where the packard assembly
Line would've been.
330
00:16:52,767 --> 00:16:56,733
Moved through this entire
Space here at its peak
331
00:16:56,733 --> 00:16:58,733
Going up to the floor above us
332
00:16:58,733 --> 00:17:00,900
As well as the two floors below.
333
00:17:03,367 --> 00:17:05,300
The blend of the steel
And the concrete
334
00:17:05,300 --> 00:17:08,500
Added that extra
Support of strength.
335
00:17:08,500 --> 00:17:09,967
It was nearly unbreakable.
336
00:17:11,300 --> 00:17:13,433
This is where some of
The finest luxury cars
337
00:17:13,433 --> 00:17:15,733
In modern history were built.
338
00:17:15,733 --> 00:17:16,088
The ones that al capone and
Franklin roosevelt drove.
339
00:17:16,088 --> 00:17:17,000
The ones that al capone and
Franklin roosevelt drove.
340
00:17:19,800 --> 00:17:21,200
They came off of this stretch
341
00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:23,833
Of concrete
And steel right here.
342
00:17:25,767 --> 00:17:29,167
Narrator: but there was
A problem -- the price.
343
00:17:29,167 --> 00:17:32,567
A packard car could
Cost over $3,000,
344
00:17:32,567 --> 00:17:36,200
When a ford cost just $850.
345
00:17:38,600 --> 00:17:41,367
So how could packard compete?
346
00:17:41,367 --> 00:17:45,433
Once again, it was down to
The design of the plant.
347
00:17:45,433 --> 00:17:46,088
With a focus on high standards
348
00:17:46,088 --> 00:17:47,000
With a focus on high standards
349
00:17:47,333 --> 00:17:49,600
To justify the high price tags,
350
00:17:49,600 --> 00:17:52,300
Practically every
Part of every packard
351
00:17:52,300 --> 00:17:54,500
Was built somewhere
On this site.
352
00:17:58,333 --> 00:18:00,567
Jones: the 80 skilled
Trade departments --
353
00:18:00,567 --> 00:18:02,833
An absolutely massive number.
354
00:18:02,833 --> 00:18:05,367
Everything was so
Compact here at packard
355
00:18:05,367 --> 00:18:08,500
That it was really easy
To move parts, people,
356
00:18:08,500 --> 00:18:11,333
And cars, really,
From place to place.
357
00:18:11,333 --> 00:18:16,088
Bell: at it's peak, the complex
Employed up to 40,000 workers.
358
00:18:16,088 --> 00:18:17,000
Bell: at it's peak, the complex
Employed up to 40,000 workers.
359
00:18:17,267 --> 00:18:19,733
The company became known
As producing some of
360
00:18:19,733 --> 00:18:23,500
The highest quality luxury
Vehicles in the u.S.
361
00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:27,367
Created what was called
The gray wolf,
362
00:18:27,367 --> 00:18:30,133
The first race car that
Was commercially available
363
00:18:30,133 --> 00:18:31,533
In the united states,
364
00:18:31,533 --> 00:18:35,433
And ultimately became
A symbol of packard's success.
365
00:18:37,700 --> 00:18:39,967
Narrator: in the early decades,
Packard went
366
00:18:39,967 --> 00:18:42,133
From strength to strength,
367
00:18:42,133 --> 00:18:46,088
But the market changed in 1929
When the wall street crash
368
00:18:46,088 --> 00:18:47,000
But the market changed in 1929
When the wall street crash
369
00:18:47,467 --> 00:18:49,367
Shattered the economy.
370
00:18:49,367 --> 00:18:52,567
Suddenly, the money
Was drying up.
371
00:18:52,567 --> 00:18:58,067
*
372
00:18:58,067 --> 00:19:00,533
So could this site
Be adapted to compete
373
00:19:00,533 --> 00:19:02,600
With the likes of ford?
374
00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:06,567
Or did this spell the beginning
Of the end for packard?
375
00:19:09,067 --> 00:19:14,567
*
376
00:19:14,567 --> 00:19:17,533
Narrator: in detroit,
The packard automotive plant
377
00:19:17,533 --> 00:19:21,533
Was known as a beacon
Of luxury car design,
378
00:19:21,533 --> 00:19:25,133
But in the 1930s, packard
Began to try their hand
379
00:19:25,133 --> 00:19:27,400
At the production
Of cheaper cars.
380
00:19:30,167 --> 00:19:33,933
Then, suddenly, the outbreak
Of the second world war
381
00:19:33,933 --> 00:19:36,733
Put the whole industry on hold.
382
00:19:39,067 --> 00:19:41,533
Bell: in 1942, like other
Car factories,
383
00:19:41,533 --> 00:19:43,433
It stopped producing cars
384
00:19:43,433 --> 00:19:46,067
And instead focused
On manufacturing
385
00:19:46,067 --> 00:19:48,733
Rolls-royce aircraft
And naval engines
386
00:19:48,733 --> 00:19:50,433
For the u.S. And its allies.
387
00:19:52,367 --> 00:19:54,667
Jones: these automotive
Factories shut down
388
00:19:54,667 --> 00:19:59,067
Car production for a few years,
Building just over 100 cars
389
00:19:59,067 --> 00:20:02,733
During world war ii
Throughout the entire country.
390
00:20:02,733 --> 00:20:04,967
Dickrell: in many ways,
The packard car plant
391
00:20:04,967 --> 00:20:06,400
And other factories like it
392
00:20:06,400 --> 00:20:08,067
Were very, very key and integral
393
00:20:08,067 --> 00:20:08,680
Into winning that
Conflict for the allies.
394
00:20:08,680 --> 00:20:09,000
Into winning that
Conflict for the allies.
395
00:20:11,833 --> 00:20:15,067
Narrator: the postwar years were
Highly competitive.
396
00:20:16,633 --> 00:20:20,733
The big three -- ford,
General motors, and chrysler
397
00:20:20,733 --> 00:20:23,633
Still dominated the mass market,
398
00:20:23,633 --> 00:20:27,167
But the designs of luxury
Cars were rapidly changing
399
00:20:27,167 --> 00:20:30,767
And packard was
Being left behind.
400
00:20:32,600 --> 00:20:35,567
Popularity of packard
Cars slowly declined
401
00:20:35,567 --> 00:20:37,667
Due to its ability
To not compete
402
00:20:37,667 --> 00:20:38,680
With other luxury
Car manufacturers.
403
00:20:38,680 --> 00:20:39,000
With other luxury
Car manufacturers.
404
00:20:40,600 --> 00:20:43,700
They started to get
A bit of a reputation
405
00:20:43,700 --> 00:20:45,433
For their cars not
Being as attractive
406
00:20:45,433 --> 00:20:46,767
As perhaps they could be.
407
00:20:46,767 --> 00:20:48,933
Some were called
"Pregnant elephants,"
408
00:20:48,933 --> 00:20:51,333
Some were described as bathtubs.
409
00:20:52,600 --> 00:20:55,467
The cars were not popular
With the public now.
410
00:20:57,267 --> 00:20:59,833
Narrator: with falling sales
And their reputation
411
00:20:59,833 --> 00:21:01,200
Taking a beating,
412
00:21:01,200 --> 00:21:04,567
A desperate bid for
Survival in the mid-1950s
413
00:21:04,567 --> 00:21:07,900
Saw packard move off
This site for good.
414
00:21:07,900 --> 00:21:08,680
This towering facility that
Had overseen their rise
415
00:21:08,680 --> 00:21:09,000
This towering facility that
Had overseen their rise
416
00:21:11,867 --> 00:21:15,800
Was left abandoned,
And the company soon folded.
417
00:21:17,433 --> 00:21:20,933
Ultimately ford's style
And price had won out
418
00:21:20,933 --> 00:21:23,600
Against packard's
More expensive models.
419
00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:29,733
From what remains today,
It's hard to imagine
420
00:21:29,733 --> 00:21:34,767
This facility forever changed
The way cars were built.
421
00:21:34,767 --> 00:21:36,500
Wisdom: you look at what
Its become now
422
00:21:36,500 --> 00:21:38,680
And it really is a shadow
Of the world it once knew.
423
00:21:38,680 --> 00:21:39,000
And it really is a shadow
Of the world it once knew.
424
00:21:40,167 --> 00:21:44,100
It's a good example of how
The mighty can easily fall.
425
00:21:44,100 --> 00:21:49,700
*
426
00:21:49,700 --> 00:21:51,200
Narrator: in eastern europe,
427
00:21:51,200 --> 00:21:55,267
Just over 30 miles from
Tallinn, estonia's capital,
428
00:21:55,267 --> 00:22:00,100
Is a bizarre construction lying
In wait just off the coast.
429
00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:05,433
Stretching out across the water
430
00:22:05,433 --> 00:22:08,680
Is a set of long
Concrete platforms.
431
00:22:08,680 --> 00:22:08,700
Is a set of long
Concrete platforms.
432
00:22:10,467 --> 00:22:13,567
Bell: tucked away in a secluded
Corner of the world
433
00:22:13,567 --> 00:22:16,433
No one really knew
What went on there.
434
00:22:16,433 --> 00:22:18,367
It was all very top secret.
435
00:22:21,567 --> 00:22:24,533
Talvik: when we were young
Playing on a beach,
436
00:22:24,533 --> 00:22:27,600
And suddenly,
200 meters from us...
437
00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:31,133
Dook, dook, dook, dook, dook,
Dook, dook.
438
00:22:31,133 --> 00:22:36,067
We were really like,
"Ah, what is this?"
439
00:22:36,067 --> 00:22:37,967
Narrator: almost no clues
Remained
440
00:22:37,967 --> 00:22:38,680
To indicate what this
Strange structure
441
00:22:38,680 --> 00:22:39,000
To indicate what this
Strange structure
442
00:22:40,500 --> 00:22:42,733
On the edge of the sea once was.
443
00:22:44,367 --> 00:22:47,067
It's like a carcass
Been stripped bare
444
00:22:47,067 --> 00:22:49,833
By the harsh baltic winds.
445
00:22:49,833 --> 00:22:51,767
Caldwell-evans:
Something fairly serious,
446
00:22:51,767 --> 00:22:54,733
Something fairly major
Was installed there.
447
00:22:56,267 --> 00:23:01,067
This wasn't just your typical
Industrial, commercial port.
448
00:23:03,267 --> 00:23:06,667
I don't know exactly what
Was the building's meaning,
449
00:23:06,667 --> 00:23:08,680
But it goes three
Floors under the water.
450
00:23:08,680 --> 00:23:09,000
But it goes three
Floors under the water.
451
00:23:13,600 --> 00:23:14,967
Narrator: but why is this place
452
00:23:14,967 --> 00:23:17,267
Still shrouded in secrecy?
453
00:23:17,267 --> 00:23:19,867
And what finally caused
It to be abandoned?
454
00:23:24,367 --> 00:23:27,600
The answers are linked to
The tension-filled years
455
00:23:27,600 --> 00:23:29,533
Of the cold war.
456
00:23:29,533 --> 00:23:33,633
In 1962, as the cuban
Missile crisis unfolded,
457
00:23:33,633 --> 00:23:35,500
The soviets deployed submarines,
458
00:23:35,500 --> 00:23:37,633
Some armed with
Nuclear missiles,
459
00:23:37,633 --> 00:23:38,680
To hold tactical positions
In the atlantic ocean.
460
00:23:38,680 --> 00:23:39,000
To hold tactical positions
In the atlantic ocean.
461
00:23:41,100 --> 00:23:46,800
*
462
00:23:46,800 --> 00:23:49,100
One of the hottest parts
Of the whole cold war
463
00:23:49,100 --> 00:23:52,200
Was the undersea war,
The submarine war.
464
00:23:52,200 --> 00:23:55,233
[ sonar pinging ]
465
00:23:55,233 --> 00:23:57,467
The submarine is one of
The original stealth weapons.
466
00:23:57,467 --> 00:24:00,767
In fact, by going underwater,
It can remain invisible
467
00:24:00,767 --> 00:24:02,600
And get very close
To an enemy shoreline
468
00:24:02,600 --> 00:24:05,467
Enemy naval base,
Launch some kind of attack.
469
00:24:06,733 --> 00:24:08,467
Narrator:
The world was teetering
470
00:24:08,467 --> 00:24:08,680
On the brink of
All-out nuclear war,
471
00:24:08,680 --> 00:24:09,000
On the brink of
All-out nuclear war,
472
00:24:11,900 --> 00:24:14,900
But the water around cuba
Wasn't the only arena
473
00:24:14,900 --> 00:24:18,333
Feeling the heat.
474
00:24:18,333 --> 00:24:21,667
Almost 5,000 miles away,
In the baltic sea
475
00:24:21,667 --> 00:24:25,600
The action was
Already well underway.
476
00:24:25,600 --> 00:24:30,600
The baltic was still a really
Intense area of activity.
477
00:24:30,600 --> 00:24:33,367
Corum: the russians needed
This baltic area
478
00:24:33,367 --> 00:24:36,067
To train up and practice
With their submarines
479
00:24:36,067 --> 00:24:38,680
And to develop better submarines
And better techniques.
480
00:24:38,680 --> 00:24:39,000
And to develop better submarines
And better techniques.
481
00:24:42,833 --> 00:24:45,167
Narrator:
In soviet-occupied estonia,
482
00:24:45,167 --> 00:24:46,967
The russians built this site
483
00:24:46,967 --> 00:24:49,567
To advance the capabilities
Of their fleet.
484
00:24:51,767 --> 00:24:54,867
This was hara submarine base.
485
00:24:58,167 --> 00:25:00,467
Completed in the late 1950s,
486
00:25:00,467 --> 00:25:04,200
It was once a state-of-the-art
Top secret facility.
487
00:25:08,067 --> 00:25:08,680
But what was its unique purpose?
488
00:25:08,680 --> 00:25:09,000
But what was its unique purpose?
489
00:25:11,067 --> 00:25:14,333
And how could it give
The soviets the edge in the war
490
00:25:14,333 --> 00:25:17,200
Under the sea?
491
00:25:18,700 --> 00:25:19,000
*
492
00:25:25,233 --> 00:25:27,900
Narrator: during the cold war,
Just off the coast
493
00:25:27,900 --> 00:25:30,400
Of formerly occupied estonia,
494
00:25:30,400 --> 00:25:33,233
The soviets were aiming
To radically advance
495
00:25:33,233 --> 00:25:35,567
Their submarines' capabilities.
496
00:25:35,567 --> 00:25:40,133
But the battle in the baltic
Was not focused on firepower.
497
00:25:40,133 --> 00:25:43,533
It was all about
Secrecy and strategy.
498
00:25:45,533 --> 00:25:48,416
Unlike a surface vessel,
Where you design that
499
00:25:48,416 --> 00:25:49,000
Unlike a surface vessel,
Where you design that
500
00:25:49,733 --> 00:25:51,700
For speed and efficiency,
501
00:25:51,700 --> 00:25:54,733
A submarine you
Design for silence.
502
00:25:56,600 --> 00:25:58,833
Caldwell-evans: the baltic
Was the forefront
503
00:25:58,833 --> 00:26:00,800
Of intelligence gathering.
504
00:26:00,800 --> 00:26:04,067
Submarines were
Creeping along the coast
505
00:26:04,067 --> 00:26:07,733
Morning, noon, and night to spy
On the military capabilities,
506
00:26:07,733 --> 00:26:09,767
To tap into communications.
507
00:26:09,767 --> 00:26:11,467
They were both equipped
With missiles
508
00:26:11,467 --> 00:26:14,333
That could be used
To target land sites,
509
00:26:14,333 --> 00:26:18,067
Plus they had torpedoes
For attacking warships.
510
00:26:18,067 --> 00:26:18,416
But I think their spying
Role was probably critical.
511
00:26:18,416 --> 00:26:19,000
But I think their spying
Role was probably critical.
512
00:26:23,167 --> 00:26:27,433
Narrator: today, the site is
A shell of its former self,
513
00:26:27,433 --> 00:26:29,900
But local politician
Artur talvic
514
00:26:29,900 --> 00:26:32,933
Can still picture what
It used to look like.
515
00:26:34,600 --> 00:26:37,933
Everything here
Was full of cables.
516
00:26:40,067 --> 00:26:45,200
Those two quays were
United by bridges.
517
00:26:45,200 --> 00:26:48,416
Special cranes moved
Here back and forth
518
00:26:48,416 --> 00:26:49,000
Special cranes moved
Here back and forth
519
00:26:49,167 --> 00:26:52,300
To cover the ships
With, say, cables.
520
00:26:55,467 --> 00:26:57,867
Narrator: hanging huge
Quantities of cables
521
00:26:57,867 --> 00:27:01,233
Across the submarines
Is an unusual practice.
522
00:27:01,233 --> 00:27:05,733
This is not part of standard
Repair and maintenance work.
523
00:27:05,733 --> 00:27:08,433
So what was going on here?
524
00:27:08,433 --> 00:27:12,567
And how did this base help
With spying in the baltic?
525
00:27:14,800 --> 00:27:16,933
The whole thing
About a submarine
526
00:27:16,933 --> 00:27:18,416
Is making it difficult to find.
527
00:27:18,416 --> 00:27:19,000
Is making it difficult to find.
528
00:27:20,167 --> 00:27:22,167
Caldwell-evans: the problem is
It's made of steel,
529
00:27:22,167 --> 00:27:23,700
And any steel object
Moving through the water
530
00:27:23,700 --> 00:27:25,800
Is gonna generate
A magnetic signature,
531
00:27:25,800 --> 00:27:28,233
And that can be detected.
532
00:27:28,233 --> 00:27:31,267
Narrator: hara was built to
Solve this issue.
533
00:27:32,867 --> 00:27:36,267
Caldwell-evans: it's essentially
A base that demagnetizes,
534
00:27:36,267 --> 00:27:38,900
That reduces the magnetic
Signature of soviet submarines
535
00:27:38,900 --> 00:27:40,733
So that it can
Sneak up quite close
536
00:27:40,733 --> 00:27:45,800
To nato naval bases and still
Remain effectively invisible.
537
00:27:45,800 --> 00:27:48,167
Corum: the actual demagnetizing
538
00:27:48,167 --> 00:27:48,416
Is actually a pretty quick
And efficient process.
539
00:27:48,416 --> 00:27:49,000
Is actually a pretty quick
And efficient process.
540
00:27:50,600 --> 00:27:53,567
Getting the submarine into
The lock and lifted up
541
00:27:53,567 --> 00:27:56,567
That takes all the effort.
542
00:27:56,567 --> 00:27:59,800
So the submarines came in here,
543
00:27:59,800 --> 00:28:01,400
And then they were checked --
544
00:28:01,400 --> 00:28:05,533
What is the magnetic
Field situation?
545
00:28:05,533 --> 00:28:07,800
Caldwell-evans: you establish
Your cable system around it,
546
00:28:07,800 --> 00:28:10,200
You run the current
Through that, and that will
547
00:28:10,200 --> 00:28:12,067
Lower the magnetic
Signature of the submarine
548
00:28:12,067 --> 00:28:13,967
Which can then go
On its merry way.
549
00:28:15,400 --> 00:28:17,400
Narrator:
With this process completed,
550
00:28:17,400 --> 00:28:18,416
The submarine would now
Be much harder to track.
551
00:28:18,416 --> 00:28:19,000
The submarine would now
Be much harder to track.
552
00:28:22,100 --> 00:28:24,767
But this wasn't only to
Help them avoid detection
553
00:28:24,767 --> 00:28:26,200
By the enemy.
554
00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:29,600
These waters contained other
Deadly threats, as well.
555
00:28:31,700 --> 00:28:34,533
Talvik: the first need for
The base like this
556
00:28:34,533 --> 00:28:37,667
Was because of
The magnetic mines.
557
00:28:39,300 --> 00:28:45,200
Not far away from here,
1941 was one of the biggest
558
00:28:45,200 --> 00:28:48,416
Sea battles in all history,
Called juminda mine battle.
559
00:28:48,416 --> 00:28:49,000
Sea battles in all history,
Called juminda mine battle.
560
00:28:53,367 --> 00:28:55,100
Narrator: it's estimated
That during
561
00:28:55,100 --> 00:28:59,067
The second world war,
Almost 70,000 mines
562
00:28:59,067 --> 00:29:00,633
And other explosive obstacles
563
00:29:00,633 --> 00:29:03,800
Were laid in the nearby
Area of the baltic sea.
564
00:29:05,333 --> 00:29:07,633
And a number of
The magnetic versions
565
00:29:07,633 --> 00:29:09,400
Were likely still there.
566
00:29:11,700 --> 00:29:14,067
A magnetic mine can
Sit there dormant
567
00:29:14,067 --> 00:29:15,567
Not being affected by anything
568
00:29:15,567 --> 00:29:17,967
Until a ship comes.
569
00:29:17,967 --> 00:29:18,416
Its trigger mechanism
Is set to respond
570
00:29:18,416 --> 00:29:19,000
Its trigger mechanism
Is set to respond
571
00:29:20,067 --> 00:29:21,567
To the magnetic
Signature of a vessel
572
00:29:21,567 --> 00:29:24,200
Coming within range,
And this detonates.
573
00:29:27,800 --> 00:29:31,267
Narrator: but demagnetization
Only lasted so long
574
00:29:31,267 --> 00:29:33,267
Before the signature
Built up again
575
00:29:33,267 --> 00:29:35,967
And the process
Had to be repeated.
576
00:29:37,967 --> 00:29:42,700
So could this one base really
Cope with the soviets' needs?
577
00:29:42,700 --> 00:29:46,100
Or is there more to this site
Than first meets the eye?
578
00:29:46,900 --> 00:29:48,416
The demagnetization
Doesn't happen only here
579
00:29:48,416 --> 00:29:49,000
The demagnetization
Doesn't happen only here
580
00:29:50,100 --> 00:29:55,167
In the quay but also
In the bay area.
581
00:29:55,167 --> 00:30:00,133
There were 18 kilometers
Of cables here.
582
00:30:00,133 --> 00:30:04,167
They spent maybe
A week or even more
583
00:30:04,167 --> 00:30:07,900
Just moving back and forth,
584
00:30:07,900 --> 00:30:11,367
And then they came
Into the harbor
585
00:30:11,367 --> 00:30:16,300
And measured, is the ship
Enough demagnetized or not.
586
00:30:17,633 --> 00:30:18,416
Narrator:
As the cold war progressed,
587
00:30:18,416 --> 00:30:19,000
Narrator:
As the cold war progressed,
588
00:30:20,000 --> 00:30:22,200
Hara likely played a key role
589
00:30:22,200 --> 00:30:25,300
In the secretive battle for
Position and information
590
00:30:25,300 --> 00:30:28,133
That took place beneath
The waves of the baltic.
591
00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:33,900
But why has it been
Stripped of almost all signs
592
00:30:33,900 --> 00:30:35,800
Of that former life?
593
00:30:35,800 --> 00:30:37,533
And could it have
Done more than just
594
00:30:37,533 --> 00:30:40,267
Demagnetize submarines?
595
00:30:41,833 --> 00:30:42,000
*
596
00:30:47,133 --> 00:30:50,467
Narrator: on the north coast
Of estonia,
597
00:30:50,467 --> 00:30:54,467
A country formerly occupied
By communist russia,
598
00:30:54,467 --> 00:30:56,833
Lies hara submarine base.
599
00:30:56,833 --> 00:31:02,400
During the cold war, this
Was a top secret facility.
600
00:31:02,400 --> 00:31:05,333
But today, with the collapse
Of the soviet union
601
00:31:05,333 --> 00:31:07,267
Over 25 years in the past,
602
00:31:07,267 --> 00:31:11,367
Why is there still an air of
Mystery surrounding the site?
603
00:31:13,367 --> 00:31:15,267
The russians were quite
Paranoid about anybody
604
00:31:15,267 --> 00:31:18,633
Finding out about
Their submarines.
605
00:31:18,633 --> 00:31:23,467
No foreigners were allowed
Within any distance of this.
606
00:31:23,467 --> 00:31:26,267
Caldwell-evans: no one was
Supposed to see what's going on.
607
00:31:26,267 --> 00:31:28,600
The fact that it was
Doing this crucial role
608
00:31:28,600 --> 00:31:31,067
In trying to reduce
The magnetic signature,
609
00:31:31,067 --> 00:31:32,700
Make submarines
Harder to detect,
610
00:31:32,700 --> 00:31:37,200
Meant that it really had to be
A very top secret installation.
611
00:31:39,100 --> 00:31:41,606
Narrator: but these concerns
Didn't end with the cold war.
612
00:31:41,606 --> 00:31:42,000
Narrator: but these concerns
Didn't end with the cold war.
613
00:31:42,900 --> 00:31:44,233
As the russians withdrew
614
00:31:44,233 --> 00:31:46,700
And the occupation
Of estonia ended,
615
00:31:46,700 --> 00:31:49,667
Bases like this were
Stripped of their assets
616
00:31:49,667 --> 00:31:52,567
To prevent the leak
Of military secrets.
617
00:31:56,167 --> 00:31:59,400
With the little that
Remains at hara today,
618
00:31:59,400 --> 00:32:01,967
Offering only a glimpse
Into the past life
619
00:32:01,967 --> 00:32:03,767
Of this facility,
620
00:32:03,767 --> 00:32:06,633
Full story of this submarine
Base and its capabilities
621
00:32:06,633 --> 00:32:10,067
Will continue to
Remain a mystery.
622
00:32:10,067 --> 00:32:11,606
*
623
00:32:11,606 --> 00:32:12,000
*
624
00:32:15,200 --> 00:32:18,600
In central europe,
In the northeast of poland,
625
00:32:18,600 --> 00:32:21,900
Is a giant concrete
Structure hidden from view
626
00:32:21,900 --> 00:32:23,767
By the surrounding woodland.
627
00:32:23,767 --> 00:32:28,333
*
628
00:32:28,333 --> 00:32:30,733
Deep in the rural hinterland,
629
00:32:30,733 --> 00:32:34,133
This decaying object sits
Frozen to the ground.
630
00:32:35,567 --> 00:32:38,633
Dickrell: you'd be very confused
If you came across it.
631
00:32:38,633 --> 00:32:41,267
It'd be very incongruous,
632
00:32:41,267 --> 00:32:41,606
This almost alien
Structure plopped down
633
00:32:41,606 --> 00:32:42,000
This almost alien
Structure plopped down
634
00:32:44,800 --> 00:32:47,600
In the middle of the woods.
635
00:32:47,600 --> 00:32:52,233
Nusbacher: you've got all of
That green countryside...
636
00:32:53,933 --> 00:32:56,633
You've got that
Beautiful still water.
637
00:32:57,900 --> 00:33:02,967
Why is there this enormous
Block sitting on top of it?
638
00:33:04,500 --> 00:33:07,433
Narrator: whatever was once
Trapped inside here
639
00:33:07,433 --> 00:33:09,433
Wasn't getting out.
640
00:33:12,400 --> 00:33:14,133
Wisdom: when you look
At it from above,
641
00:33:14,133 --> 00:33:16,300
You realize one thing --
It's a mystery.
642
00:33:18,067 --> 00:33:20,967
The center is
Effectively a vast pool.
643
00:33:23,167 --> 00:33:25,333
Is it some kind of cooling tank?
644
00:33:25,333 --> 00:33:27,833
Is it some kind
Of power station?
645
00:33:29,667 --> 00:33:32,433
Outside is a water
Course running up to it.
646
00:33:32,433 --> 00:33:34,467
That might be a clue.
647
00:33:37,300 --> 00:33:40,200
Narrator: so why build this
Heavy weight structure
648
00:33:40,200 --> 00:33:41,606
Out here in
The polish countryside?
649
00:33:41,606 --> 00:33:42,000
Out here in
The polish countryside?
650
00:33:42,900 --> 00:33:47,367
And why was it left in the
Woods, abandoned and forgotten?
651
00:33:51,167 --> 00:33:54,167
The first clue to
Solving this mystery
652
00:33:54,167 --> 00:33:57,767
Can be found carved into
The face of the concrete.
653
00:33:57,767 --> 00:33:59,500
Wisdom: when you're looking
At the structure,
654
00:33:59,500 --> 00:34:02,167
You see the concrete's
Been bleached by time.
655
00:34:02,167 --> 00:34:06,200
But in the middle of it is
The outline of an eagle.
656
00:34:08,133 --> 00:34:10,133
Now that could only
Mean one thing.
657
00:34:10,133 --> 00:34:11,606
This building is
From the third reich.
658
00:34:11,606 --> 00:34:12,000
This building is
From the third reich.
659
00:34:12,467 --> 00:34:14,500
It's a nazi eagle.
660
00:34:17,467 --> 00:34:19,067
Narrator: in 1934,
661
00:34:19,067 --> 00:34:21,667
The nazis had taken
Control of germany.
662
00:34:21,667 --> 00:34:24,933
And hitler had begun to
Build his new empire.
663
00:34:27,333 --> 00:34:29,900
The agricultural
Region of east prussia
664
00:34:29,900 --> 00:34:32,200
Soon became a focus.
665
00:34:32,200 --> 00:34:33,833
But marooned on its own,
666
00:34:33,833 --> 00:34:36,733
The nazis recognized
Its vulnerability
667
00:34:36,733 --> 00:34:40,067
As tensions across
The continent began to rise.
668
00:34:41,300 --> 00:34:41,606
When hitler decides that
He wants his new empire
669
00:34:41,606 --> 00:34:42,000
When hitler decides that
He wants his new empire
670
00:34:45,600 --> 00:34:47,433
To be self-sufficient,
671
00:34:47,433 --> 00:34:50,500
Suddenly it becomes
Really important
672
00:34:50,500 --> 00:34:53,733
To grow a lot of
Grain in east prussia.
673
00:34:55,167 --> 00:34:57,467
But east prussia is
The part of germany
674
00:34:57,467 --> 00:35:00,367
That's closest to russia.
675
00:35:00,367 --> 00:35:03,500
Narrator: this land was
The place where those two sides
676
00:35:03,500 --> 00:35:06,733
Had gone head to head
Around two decades earlier.
677
00:35:07,667 --> 00:35:10,067
Dickrell: it was a very intense
Area of conflict
678
00:35:10,067 --> 00:35:11,606
And a very fought after
And sought after region.
679
00:35:11,606 --> 00:35:12,000
And a very fought after
And sought after region.
680
00:35:15,133 --> 00:35:19,100
If germany is going to
Control its own food supply
681
00:35:19,100 --> 00:35:20,667
In time of war,
682
00:35:20,667 --> 00:35:23,967
It has to be able to
Defend this territory.
683
00:35:26,533 --> 00:35:29,433
Narrator: but the inland areas
Barely had enough people
684
00:35:29,433 --> 00:35:32,367
To work the land,
Let alone defend it.
685
00:35:35,700 --> 00:35:38,767
Despite the wishes of
The germans to have this
686
00:35:38,767 --> 00:35:40,933
Big population in east prussia,
687
00:35:40,933 --> 00:35:41,606
Population didn't
Want to live there.
688
00:35:41,606 --> 00:35:42,000
Population didn't
Want to live there.
689
00:35:43,300 --> 00:35:46,700
A lot of them were moving
Out and moving away.
690
00:35:46,700 --> 00:35:48,767
It was a depressed farming area.
691
00:35:52,333 --> 00:35:54,300
So how do you populate an area?
692
00:35:54,300 --> 00:35:57,667
Well, you build
An infrastructure.
693
00:35:57,667 --> 00:36:00,100
And I suppose, if you
Build it, they will come.
694
00:36:00,100 --> 00:36:06,067
*
695
00:36:06,067 --> 00:36:08,333
Narrator: so was this hulking
Concrete structure
696
00:36:08,333 --> 00:36:11,233
Part of a new nazi
Defensive line?
697
00:36:11,233 --> 00:36:11,606
Or could it hold
The answer to transforming
698
00:36:11,606 --> 00:36:12,000
Or could it hold
The answer to transforming
699
00:36:13,633 --> 00:36:16,467
The fortunes of east prussia?
700
00:36:18,300 --> 00:36:25,800
*
701
00:36:25,800 --> 00:36:28,067
Narrator: in the lead up to
The second world war,
702
00:36:28,067 --> 00:36:29,933
In former east prussia,
703
00:36:29,933 --> 00:36:32,100
The nazis hoped to
Develop this region
704
00:36:32,100 --> 00:36:34,833
Through new major
Infrastructure projects.
705
00:36:38,533 --> 00:36:41,767
But how could this series
Of concrete blocks and walls
706
00:36:41,767 --> 00:36:44,700
Help with this aim?
707
00:36:44,700 --> 00:36:47,942
It was part of a grand plan
To kick-start the process,
708
00:36:47,942 --> 00:36:48,000
It was part of a grand plan
To kick-start the process,
709
00:36:48,867 --> 00:36:52,967
As local historian
Bartek plebanczyk knows well.
710
00:37:10,100 --> 00:37:14,100
Nusbacher: east prussia needs
Transport infrastructure...
711
00:37:16,567 --> 00:37:17,942
To get industrial farm
Machinery and fodder in
712
00:37:17,942 --> 00:37:18,000
To get industrial farm
Machinery and fodder in
713
00:37:21,333 --> 00:37:24,133
And agricultural produce out.
714
00:37:25,367 --> 00:37:28,333
Narrator: this mass of concrete
Was to be a lock
715
00:37:28,333 --> 00:37:31,933
On the new masurian canal.
716
00:37:31,933 --> 00:37:35,133
These are the remains of
Lesniewo górne.
717
00:37:37,400 --> 00:37:40,067
The canal was planned
To run along a distance
718
00:37:40,067 --> 00:37:44,600
Of 30 miles from the lake
Mamry to the lyna river.
719
00:37:46,067 --> 00:37:47,942
But there was a huge
Difference in height
720
00:37:47,942 --> 00:37:48,000
But there was a huge
Difference in height
721
00:37:48,367 --> 00:37:50,167
Between those two points,
722
00:37:50,167 --> 00:37:52,467
So locks like this
One were needed.
723
00:37:55,100 --> 00:37:57,500
There's ten total
Locks along the canal.
724
00:37:57,500 --> 00:38:00,633
And they could handle
Craft up to 25 feet wide,
725
00:38:00,633 --> 00:38:03,267
Being raised and lowered
As the craft would move
726
00:38:03,267 --> 00:38:05,967
Through the canal.
727
00:38:05,967 --> 00:38:08,900
Wisdom: the remarkable thing
About the lock system here
728
00:38:08,900 --> 00:38:12,400
Is that it rises up 300 feet.
729
00:38:12,400 --> 00:38:15,900
When you think about that,
That is a boat going up a hill
730
00:38:15,900 --> 00:38:17,942
And over the top
And down the other side.
731
00:38:17,942 --> 00:38:17,967
And over the top
And down the other side.
732
00:38:17,967 --> 00:38:18,000
That is what locks give us --
733
00:38:19,767 --> 00:38:23,367
The ability to traverse
Geographical obstacles
734
00:38:23,367 --> 00:38:26,067
That water wouldn't
Normally be able to flow on.
735
00:38:29,367 --> 00:38:31,900
Narrator: of all the locks
Along the route,
736
00:38:31,900 --> 00:38:34,400
This was the largest
With a level difference
737
00:38:34,400 --> 00:38:36,733
Of over 50 feet.
738
00:38:36,733 --> 00:38:40,167
The lesniewo górne lock
Works like this --
739
00:38:40,167 --> 00:38:42,500
We have two different
Heights of water.
740
00:38:42,500 --> 00:38:44,433
I think the boat goes
Through into the lock,
741
00:38:44,433 --> 00:38:45,567
The gates are closed,
742
00:38:45,567 --> 00:38:47,942
Water is then
Flooded into the lock,
743
00:38:47,942 --> 00:38:48,000
Water is then
Flooded into the lock,
744
00:38:48,100 --> 00:38:51,167
Raising the level of
The boat to the next passage,
745
00:38:51,167 --> 00:38:52,633
And then the gate is opened
746
00:38:52,633 --> 00:38:55,067
And the boat passes through,
Proceeding along the canal.
747
00:38:56,200 --> 00:38:59,367
Narrator: but today, there only
Appears to be water
748
00:38:59,367 --> 00:39:01,767
On one side of the lock.
749
00:39:01,767 --> 00:39:04,667
So were the nazis ever
Able to complete the route?
750
00:39:04,667 --> 00:39:09,100
It turns out they weren't
The first to attempt it.
751
00:39:10,967 --> 00:39:12,600
People first tried
To build a canal
752
00:39:12,600 --> 00:39:16,933
Connecting east prussia
To the baltic sea
753
00:39:16,933 --> 00:39:17,942
In the 1800s,
754
00:39:17,942 --> 00:39:18,000
In the 1800s,
755
00:39:20,400 --> 00:39:24,833
But it's never economically
Feasible,
756
00:39:24,833 --> 00:39:28,833
And there's never
Enough government money
757
00:39:28,833 --> 00:39:30,967
To make it work.
758
00:39:33,067 --> 00:39:35,767
Narrator: picking up where the
Previous efforts had left off,
759
00:39:35,767 --> 00:39:37,633
The construction also
Helped solve another
760
00:39:37,633 --> 00:39:39,800
Of the region's problems.
761
00:39:42,267 --> 00:39:44,433
Corum: it's really
A works project.
762
00:39:44,433 --> 00:39:47,942
This is probably a scheme
That's going to work
763
00:39:47,942 --> 00:39:48,000
This is probably a scheme
That's going to work
764
00:39:48,167 --> 00:39:50,067
For all of those farm laborers
765
00:39:50,067 --> 00:39:55,067
That were really living
On the subsistence level.
766
00:39:57,367 --> 00:39:59,333
Narrator:
But even with an army of workers
767
00:39:59,333 --> 00:40:01,800
Already busy on the project,
768
00:40:01,800 --> 00:40:04,467
The outbreak of war in 1939
769
00:40:04,467 --> 00:40:08,300
Amplified hitler's ambitions
To a whole new level.
770
00:40:08,300 --> 00:40:13,667
Hitler's vision goes from
Making germany self-sufficient
771
00:40:13,667 --> 00:40:17,333
To building
A continent-wide empire
772
00:40:17,333 --> 00:40:17,942
So swiftly that the impetus
To keep building a canal
773
00:40:17,942 --> 00:40:18,000
So swiftly that the impetus
To keep building a canal
774
00:40:22,733 --> 00:40:25,933
In east prussia is wiped out.
775
00:40:27,133 --> 00:40:30,433
The masurian canal
Is just left behind.
776
00:40:30,433 --> 00:40:35,367
*
777
00:40:35,367 --> 00:40:38,833
Narrator: a few years later,
In december 1944,
778
00:40:38,833 --> 00:40:41,200
When the tide of war had turned,
779
00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:44,300
The soviet army was
Pushing the germans back.
780
00:40:45,633 --> 00:40:47,942
In a desperate bid to slow
The approaching enemy,
781
00:40:47,942 --> 00:40:48,000
In a desperate bid to slow
The approaching enemy,
782
00:40:48,833 --> 00:40:50,933
The nazis started
Blowing up the bridges
783
00:40:50,933 --> 00:40:54,100
Over the unfinished canal.
784
00:40:54,100 --> 00:40:56,967
The masurian canal is
Meant to be a piece
785
00:40:56,967 --> 00:40:59,300
Of transport infrastructure.
786
00:40:59,300 --> 00:41:01,333
It never becomes that.
787
00:41:01,333 --> 00:41:03,833
Instead, for a very short while,
788
00:41:03,833 --> 00:41:07,533
It just becomes a barrier
Against the red army.
789
00:41:07,533 --> 00:41:09,333
Not a very good one.
790
00:41:12,867 --> 00:41:15,433
Narrator: today,
This abandoned structure
791
00:41:15,433 --> 00:41:17,942
Is hidden amongst the trees
Deep in the polish countryside.
792
00:41:17,942 --> 00:41:18,000
Is hidden amongst the trees
Deep in the polish countryside.
793
00:41:20,400 --> 00:41:23,533
But with the outline of
The nazi eagle still carved
794
00:41:23,533 --> 00:41:25,500
Above the entrance,
795
00:41:25,500 --> 00:41:29,700
The memory of those dark
Years is ever present.
796
00:41:31,067 --> 00:41:36,767
Hitler's ambition to impose
His concrete
797
00:41:36,767 --> 00:41:41,333
Industrial will on the world
Failed.
798
00:41:41,333 --> 00:41:45,867
I am seeing
An attempt to dominate
799
00:41:45,867 --> 00:41:47,942
The green countryside of
Poland turned to ruins.
800
00:41:47,942 --> 00:41:48,000
The green countryside of
Poland turned to ruins.
801
00:41:51,633 --> 00:41:55,567
Hitler's thousand-year empire
802
00:41:55,567 --> 00:42:00,600
Didn't even last long
Enough to finish a canal.
63391
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