Short courses

Summary

The centrality of the Second World War to British political and cultural life cannot be overstated. The image of Britain fighting against the odds to defeat fascism with nothing but its ‘blood, toil, tears and sweat’ has created an enduring national mythology where, with a touch of British grit and an ability to improvise, we can accomplish anything. But how real is this image? Ranging across strategic, political and military realms, this course explores key aspects of the British war effort. With particular emphasis on the war in Europe, topics covered include Britain’s role in the outbreak of the war, Churchill’s rise to power, the Battle of Britain, the Strategic bombing offensive, and D-Day.  

Over a series of talks our expert tutor will explain: 

• Key aspects of how the Second World War was fought, including military strategy and foreign relations 
• key issues and debates in the history of the Second World War and Britain at that time including the British approach to the war 
• a variety of contemporary sources and influential historical writing on the topic  

You will also have the opportunity to debate and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars 

Choose this course if you want to learn: 

• the impact of political and strategic decisions on the Second World War  
• the background of military campaigns in their political and social contexts.  
• How to evaluate the British approach to the Second World War and assess the contribution of its efforts to the eventual victory