Second World War

Churchill and his War Rivals

David Day argues that deft footwork, personal PR and skilful use of both patronage and rhetoric were key elements in sustaining Britain's wartime PM in a position intrinsically far weaker than has often been supposed.

'...And Tomorrow the Whole World'

What would Europe (and Britain) have looked like if Hitler had won the war? Michael Burleigh unveils a fascinating, if chilling panorama of megalomaniac architecture and social engineering.

The RAF on Screen 1940-1942

During the early days of UK involvement in World War II, official British films deliberately created a particular view of the air war, perhaps distorting our perceptions of some key phases.

ht

Re-thinking Japan, 1937-45

Irrational chauvinists or fearful protectionists? Gordon Daniels looks at the new research and arguments reshaping our view of Japan's rulers before and after Pearl Harbour.

For Honour Alone

Roy Macnab examines the ongoing debate on the two Frances of 1940 – epitomized on the one side by Petain and de Gaulle on the other – in the light of an heroic Cavalry stand against the German Blitzkrieg.