History: The Causes and Origins of World War II

This course discusses the cause and origins of the global conflicts which came to be known as the Second World War, which must be considered as stretching between the years 1937 and 1945. The Second World War was, in fact, two wars linked by common adversaries. This course looks at the differing causes and how the two wars became one. The Second World War began in the east of the globe in 1937, or even earlier, for particular regional reasons. The war in Europe, and later north Africa, began as a consequence of forces arriving after the Peace of Versailles, signed in 1919 as a direct result of World War I. We will look at the causes behind each conflict and how they became interlinked and one war. Our tutor will enable you to consider the factors behind the conflict in the east and the conflict in the west, debate how they became linked, analyse and evaluate the result of the Peace of Paris in the cause of the western conflict and discuss the role of nationalism in the cause of both conflicts. No previous knowledge of the history of mid-20th century conflict is necessary- all students are welcome to debate and discuss the origins and cause of the Second World War.