"World War II: A Military and Social History" is a course offered by The Great Courses, taught by Professor Thomas Childers, that provides a comprehensive look at World War II, examining both the military aspects of the conflict and its social impacts across different regions and societies involved. Between 1937 and 1945, approximately 55 million people perished in the series of interrelated conflicts known as the Second World War. No continent was left untouched, no ocean unaffected. The war led to the eclipse of Europe and the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as global superpowers; ushered in the atomic age; produced, in the Holocaust, the most horrific crime ever committed in the history of Western civilization; and led to the end of Europe's colonial empires around the world. But though World War II defined an entire epoch in human history, pressing questions remain—about whether Hitler could have been stopped earlier, about Pearl Harbor, about saving more people from the Holocaust, about using the atomic bomb, and even about how close the Allies came to actually losing. This engaging series of 30 lectures is rich in detail and near-cinematic portraits of leaders and events. It explores not only the origins of the war, including the impact of the Treaty of Versailles, but also how it unfolded on both the battlefront and the American home front, with focused looks at key subjects like Nazism and the Holocaust and the philosophy of strategic bombing and its impact on the future nature of warfare. Key points about the course: Focus on both military and social aspects: The course explores not only major battles and strategies but also how the war affected civilian populations, economies, and social structures in different countries. Detailed analysis of key events: From the rise of Hitler and the origins of the war to the pivotal battles like Stalingrad and D-Day, the course covers major turning points in the conflict. Controversial topics addressed: Professor Childers does not shy away from discussing complex issues like the decision to drop the atomic bombs and the Allied strategy regarding the Holocaust. Accessible format: The lectures are designed to be clear and informative, making them suitable for a wide audience interested in learning about World War II. The product is "World War II: A Military and Social History" by Thomas Childers, a DVD and guidebook set focusing on military and social aspects of the war. It was published in 2008 by Teaching Company, LLC, T.H.E. and is part of the "World History" series. The educational level is for adults and further education, with content suitable for beginners, advanced, and intermediate levels. The set is a limited edition and comes sealed.