A multimedia resource on WW2 history brought to you by the award winning historian and filmmaker Laurence Rees. More about us

THE FASCINATION OF WW2

WHY IS WW2 IMPORTANT?
Read an interview with Laurence Rees about why it is so necessary we know this history.
Laurence Rees' Blog

Hitler and Stalin
A selection of the previews of Laurence Rees' new book on Hitler and Stalin.
Expert interviews

World class historians
Many of the greatest WW2 experts in the world are interviewed at length, exclusively for WW2History.com.
Video

PLAY
6:11

Eastern
1945

Defeat of the Nazis
The surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945 was an occasion for great celebration for the Allies. But which of them had been most responsible for Germany's defeat?
Testimony

LISTEN
8:17

Pacific
1940

Japanese soldier in China
He was sent, in 1940, to take part in the Japanese war against the Chinese. As a former soldier of the Imperial Army he gives a graphic description of the horrendous atrocities he saw committed by the Japanese.
Key Moment

READ

Holocaust
1939

Einsatzgruppen operate in Poland
Around 3,000 Einsatzgruppen (special task forces) entered Poland in the wake of the German Army. These troops – drawn from the German Security forces – were ordered to destroy ‘anti-German’ elements in occupied Poland.

More information on Laurence Rees

Laurence Rees is an acclaimed historian and filmmaker who has specialised in writing books and making TV documentary series about the Second World War for thirty years. In 2006 he won the British Book Award for history book of the year for 'Auschwitz: the Nazis and the 'Final Solution''. His many television awards include a BAFTA, a Grierson Award, a Broadcasting Press Guild Award, a BANFF festival award, an International Documentary Award, a Broadcast Award and a George Foster Peabody Award.
Read Laurence Rees’ full biography
"Rees knows a vast amount about the Second World War and his judgments can seldom be faulted."
Sir Max Hastings, Sunday Times.

"Scholars across the world owe a considerable debt of gratitude to Laurence Rees for his immense and unique contribution to historical understanding."
From the citation awarding Laurence Rees an Honorary Doctorate, University of Sheffield

Lesson Plans for Teachers
- Specialist educators have devised Lesson Plans and accompanying resources for teachers to make the most of WW2History.com.
  
  Lesson Plans cover topics on the Eastern Front, Western Front, Pacific Front and Holocaust
  
  View all lesson plans
Links
- Holocaust Educational Trust
  Committed to ensuring that the memory of the greatest crime in history never dies.
  
  Browse WW2 links
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