🪖World War II

Unit 1 – The Rise of Fascism and Nazism

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Unit 2 – The Road to War

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Unit 3 – The Early War in Europe

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Unit 4 – The War in the Pacific

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Unit 5 – The Holocaust and Other Atrocities

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Unit 6 – The Home Fronts

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Unit 7 – The Turning Points of the War

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Unit 8 – The Allied Offensive in Europe

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Unit 9 – The End of the War in the Pacific

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Unit 10 – World War II: Aftermath and Legacy

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What do you learn in The Second World War

You'll cover the major events, key players, and global impact of WWII from 1939 to 1945. Expect to delve into the causes of the war, major battles, political strategies, and technological advancements. You'll also explore the Holocaust, home front experiences, and the war's lasting effects on international relations and society.

Is The Second World War hard?

It's not the easiest class, but it's definitely manageable. There's a lot of information to absorb, so keeping up with readings is crucial. The trickiest part is remembering all the dates, names, and places. But if you're into history or war stories, you'll probably find it pretty engaging. Just stay on top of your work and you'll be fine.

Tips for taking The Second World War in college

  1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
  2. Create timelines to visualize the sequence of events
  3. Watch documentaries like "World War II in Color" for visual context
  4. Use mnemonic devices for remembering key dates (e.g., "In 1941, Japan's attack was done")
  5. Form study groups to discuss and debate different perspectives on the war
  6. Read primary sources like Churchill's speeches or soldiers' letters for deeper understanding
  7. Use maps to track military campaigns and territorial changes

Common pre-requisites for The Second World War

  1. World History: Surveys major civilizations and global interactions from ancient times to the present. Provides a solid foundation for understanding the context of WWII.

  2. European History: Focuses on the political, social, and cultural developments in Europe from the Renaissance to modern times. Helps in understanding the European theater of WWII.

  3. American History: Covers the development of the United States from colonial times to the present. Gives insight into America's role in WWII and its impact on the nation.

Classes similar to The Second World War

  1. The First World War: Examines the causes, course, and consequences of WWI. Helps understand the roots of WWII and the interwar period.

  2. Cold War History: Explores the tensions between the US and USSR after WWII. Covers the political, military, and cultural aspects of this global conflict.

  3. Modern Military History: Analyzes warfare from the 18th century to present day. Includes technological advancements, strategy, and the impact of war on society.

  4. Genocide Studies: Investigates various genocides throughout history, including the Holocaust. Examines causes, processes, and consequences of mass violence.

  5. History of Fascism: Delves into the rise of fascist movements in Europe. Covers ideologies, leaders, and the social conditions that led to fascism's popularity.

  1. History: Focuses on analyzing and interpreting past events, cultures, and societies. Students develop critical thinking and research skills while exploring various historical periods and themes.

  2. Political Science: Examines political systems, institutions, and international relations. Students study government structures, policy-making processes, and global political dynamics.

  3. International Relations: Concentrates on global politics, diplomacy, and cross-cultural interactions. Students learn about foreign policy, international organizations, and global economic systems.

  4. Military Science: Prepares students for leadership roles in the armed forces. Covers military history, strategy, tactics, and contemporary defense issues.

  5. Peace and Conflict Studies: Explores the causes of conflict and strategies for promoting peace. Students examine various approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding at local and global levels.

What can you do with a degree in The Second World War?

  1. Museum Curator: Organizes and manages collections of historical artifacts and documents. Develops exhibitions, conducts research, and educates the public about historical events and their significance.

  2. Military Analyst: Assesses military capabilities, strategies, and potential threats for government agencies or private organizations. Provides insights and recommendations based on historical and current military trends.

  3. Historical Consultant: Advises film productions, authors, or game developers on historical accuracy. Ensures that depictions of historical events, settings, and characters are authentic and well-researched.

  4. Foreign Service Officer: Represents their country's interests abroad through diplomacy and international relations. Applies historical knowledge to understand current global dynamics and inform policy decisions.

  5. Archivist: Preserves and organizes historical documents and records for future reference and research. Works in government agencies, libraries, or private institutions to maintain and provide access to important historical materials.

The Second World War FAQs

  1. How much reading is involved in this course? Expect a fair amount of reading, including textbooks and primary sources. It's crucial to keep up with the assigned readings to fully grasp the complexities of the war.

  2. Are there any field trips or guest speakers? Many professors bring in WWII veterans or historians as guest speakers. Some courses might include visits to local museums or war memorials.

  3. How is the course typically graded? Assessment usually includes a mix of exams, essays, and possibly a research paper. Some professors might also include group projects or presentations.

  4. Is there a focus on any particular country or region? While the course covers the global nature of the war, some professors might emphasize certain areas based on their expertise or the course's specific focus.

  5. Do we study the aftermath of WWII? Most courses touch on the immediate aftermath, including the Nuremberg Trials and the division of Europe. Some may extend to cover the early Cold War period as well.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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