This is the first of six separate films that combine to form a definitive history of the break up of Yugoslavia. Part one begins with the period immediately following Tito's death in 1980, focusing on the reshuffling of power and the economic problems within the Yugoslav federation at that time. Slobodan Milošević's steps to broaden power are retraced closely, specifically his historic trip to Kosovo in April 1987, which brought him the support of Serbian nationalists. The documentary shows how Milošević used the local Serbian nationalists in Kosovo as a power base, orchestrating protests throughout the Yugoslavian republics that created a wave of Serbian nationalism. The Communist Party meeting that enabled Milošević to replace Ivan Stambolić as President of Serbia in a power grab is also covered. The documentary shows how Milošević then stripped Kosovo of its autonomy, which triggered a nervous reaction in Slovenia and other republics. Slovenia's move to secede from the Yugoslav federation is highlighted, including the role played by Mladina magazine. In concluding part one, the implications of an independent Slovenia are examined, relating to the looming domino-effect of secession by individual republics within the Yugoslav federation, as Milan Kučan and his delegation are shown walking out on the Communist Party congress. The key politicians are interviewed throughout the documentary, including Slobodan Milošević, Ivan Stambolić, Milan Kučan, Borisav Jović, Petar Gračanin, Miroslav Šolević, Azem Vllasi, Mira Marković, Dušan Mitević, Dragiša Pavlović, Dušan Čkrebić, Raif Dizdarević, Momir Bulatović, JNA Admiral Branko Mamula, Franci Zavrl, Janez Janša, JNA Colonel Aleksandar Vasiljević, Vasil Tuporkovski, Ivica Račan, and Ciril Ribičič.