HIST 340: History of the Second World War

History of the Second World War

This course is an examination of World War II, 1939 - 1945. The largest and deadliest conflict in human history, the Second World War involved more than 50 nations, was fought on land, sea, and air in nearly every part of the world and is, arguably, the most significant and influential event of the twentieth century. Why were the Allies able to defeat the Axis powers in this global struggle? Historians offer differing arguments and explanations for root causes as well as eventual outcomes. By exploring these through the analysis of texts, films, and documentaries, we will develop our understanding of the causes of the war, the military doctrines and strategies of the combatant nations, and how each approached and made critical decisions that impacted their successes and failures. The results of the war elevated the US to superpower status: economically, militarily, and culturally while drastically changing American society. What were these changes and how did they act to shape the US? We will study how the war affected societal norms, changed Americans’ understanding of military service, labor, race, and gender. The direction and outcomes of the Second World War radically reshaped the world and the US. Understanding these events within their context is essential for understanding the rise of the US national security state, the Cold War, and future conflicts.