The wave is based on an incident that took place in a high school history class in Palo Alto, California, in 1969. Ben Ross and his history class are about to learn a lesson they will never forget. As they study World War II, Ben Ross's students can't seem to understand how the German people could have followed Hitler and the Nazis. So Mr. Ross creates an experimental movement called The Wave. What begins in a single classroom quickly gathers momentum. Before the end of the week, The Wave's motto, "Strenght Through Discipline, Strength Trough Community, Strength Trough Action", governs the entire school. Only two students, Laurie Saunders and David Collins, recognize The Wave for what it is and set out to stop it before it's too late. But is history destined to repeat itself?