World War II
World War II the most devastating conflict in human history, claimed the lives of over 70 million people. It was a total war—and a global war—that saw the use of powerful new weapons, including atomic bombs. Civilians became direct targets of bombings, genocide, and forced displacement. The aftermath reshaped the global order. This lesson helps students explore how the Second World War transformed borders, societies, and the idea of global responsibility.

Featured Materials
The Second World War

Article
The Second World War
World War II was an epic conflict between two great alliances. It was a grueling war with no predictable outcome. For those involved, it was also a very personal experience.
The Fallen

Video
The Fallen
World War II was devastating on a scale never seen before. This video uses data visualization to reveal the staggering human cost of the war.
Second World War (November, 1942) Thematic Map

Visual Aid
Second World War (November, 1942) Thematic Map
A full-color thematic map of the Second World War (November, 1942 CE), meant to help you support, extend, and challenge the frame narratives.
Lessons

Lesson 8.6
The Second World War
No war has matched the scale and impact of World War II. Explore its complex causes, how it unfolded, and the far-reaching consequences it left behind.
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Lesson 7.5
Causes of the Second World War
Why did another world war break out just two decades after the first? Unpack the complex causes behind the most destructive war in history.
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Materials
Global Conflict (1914 to 1991 CE): Unit 8 Overview

Video
Global Conflict (1914 to 1991 CE): Unit 8 Overview
After each of the world wars, world leaders hoped to create a system that would prevent future wars. They all failed. What can we learn about this period of global conflict from the art of young people who experienced it?
Source Collection: The Holocaust

Article
Source Collection: The Holocaust
This collection of sources provides windows into the brutality of the Holocaust.
Nuclear Weapons

Article
Nuclear Weapons
The Second World War was ended by two new, powerfully lethal atomic bombs that killed hundreds of thousands of humans. Were they necessary?
Appeasement

Activity
Appeasement
How was Hitler able to take over so much territory before other countries declared war? Avoid the trap of “presentism” by thinking critically about this difficult question.
Appeasement

Article
Appeasement
Appeasement sounds nice but the failed attempts to appease Adolf Hitler in the lead-up to World War II have become a historical punchline, one that had some serious consequences.
Nuremberg Laws, Nuremberg Trials

Article
Nuremberg Laws, Nuremberg Trials
This article traces how Nazi leaders used law to target specific groups, and how the world responded after the war. It highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the global push to define justice and human rights.