Second World War

Charles Maechling argues that the Japanese attack, which took place on December 7th 1941, was partly a response to the country's limited energy resources.

Patrick Wilson assesses the importance of Operation Dynamo.

What did Hitler mean by Lebensraum? Did he attempt to translate theory into reality? Martyn Housden 'unpacks' the term and puts it into historical context.

Taylor Downing and Andrew Johnston seek the truth behind the legend of the Spitfire.

The anniversary of De Gaulle’s London address to ‘Free France’.

Edgar Feuchtwanger examines the controversial issue of change and continuity in the foreign policies of the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany.

Cressida Trew, winner of this year's Julia Wood Essay Prize, shows that Polish historians under political duress and with the need to forge a positive national identity have denied rather than confronted the Holocaust. 

William D. Rubinstein takes issue with the argument that Britain could have done more to prevent the Holocaust.

Martin McCauley reviews Stalin's foreign policy, paying special attention to his covert involvement in the Korean war. He shows that, despite short-term successes, his record can be seen as one of long-term failure.

Stewart Binns introduces the new series which uses colour film footage found of the conflict.