131-127 Total War in Europe: World War Two

Formerly available as 131-013. Students who have completed 131-013 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 131-124 Total War in Europe: World War One.

This subject will focus on Europe during World War II and raise questions about the causes of armed conflict, the nature of total war, and the consequences (social, economic, cultural and political) of war in modern European history. Special emphasis will be placed on illuminating the link between war and social and political change in Europe and on the process of modernisation and its discontents. Topics include the rise of Nazism, the origins of WWII, the barbarisation of warfare, the Holocaust, postwar uncertainties and reconstruction. Students should complete the subject with a general knowledge of the significant aspects of WWII and its impact on European society, politics and culture, and of the different historical approaches and arguments concerning the causes, course and consequences of WWII.