Online Class: World War II

Name: World War II
Price: 95.00 USD

The cataclysmic impact of World War II, driven by unparalleled military and ideological struggles, reshaped nations and ideologies. This course analyzes the war's causes, key battles, figures, and consequential global shifts.

Self-Paced, Online Class

Phoenix Public Library

23

Lessons
39

Exams &
Assignments
16

Hours
average time
1.6

CEUs

Course Description

A Profound Exploration of the Conflict that Redefined Humanity

World War II was not merely a chapter in history; it was an era that redefined geopolitical landscapes, human rights ideologies, and the limits of human resilience. While the First World War had indeed set precedents in terms of scale and devastation, World War II transcended those boundaries. With a participation of over 100 countries, and directly involving more than 100 million personnel, it was, and remains, the most extensive war in history.

Advancements in technology during this period were staggering. We moved from horses and bayonets to tanks and jet fighters, from rudimentary grenades to nuclear weapons. The sheer firepower available meant not only larger battlefields but also deadlier consequences.

The juxtaposition of good versus evil, as portrayed by the Allies against the Axis Powers, had an almost cinematic feel. Germany, Japan, and Italy, with their aggressive ideologies and expansionist agendas, posed a tangible threat to the world's equilibrium. And resisting them was no small feat. The Allies, which included major powers like the USA, USSR, and the UK, were pushed to the brink of their resources and resolve.

Why did this war erupt, though? The signing of the Treaty of Versailles, post World War I, aimed to bring about long-standing peace. However, its reparations and territorial changes brewed resentment in Germany. Coupled with the global repercussions of the Great Depression, particularly its severe ramifications in Germany, the situation was ripe for extremist ideologies to take root. This provided fertile ground for Adolf Hitler's rise, subsequently leading to the formation of the Axis.

Germany's blitzkrieg tactics saw them annex significant portions of Europe, catching many nations off guard. Concurrently, Italy made moves in North Africa, and Japan was annexing islands in the Pacific, seeking to establish its dominance.

Yet, the significance of World War II extends beyond the battles and treaties. The war's aftermath brought about tectonic shifts in global politics and strategies:

Nuclear Age: The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ushered the world into the atomic age, highlighting the potential of human-led devastation.
Israel's Birth: The post-war scenario facilitated the establishment of Israel, a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics.
Communism's Spread: Many regions in Asia and Europe witnessed the rapid proliferation of communist ideologies.
Germany's Division: Post-war Germany was split, symbolizing the broader Cold War tensions.
America's Ascendancy: The US, having played a crucial role in the war, emerged as a dominant global power.

Our course offers an in-depth analysis of these events and more. A breakdown of our curriculum:

Lessons 1 & 2: Introduce key terminologies and course structures, setting the foundation for upcoming modules.
Lesson 3 to 5: Delve into the root causes, tracing back to the fall of the Weimar Republic and discussing the major Axis powers.
Lessons 6 to 13: An exhaustive study of the major battles, from the opening salvos, through Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific, to the ultimate victories.
Lesson 14: Unmask the harrowing truths of the Third Reich's horrors.
Lesson 15: Investigate the profound global implications post World War II.
Lessons 16 & 17: Learn about the pivotal figures on both sides of the war, understanding their motivations, strategies, and legacies.

World War II wasn't just a conflict; it was a transformative period that has shaped the contours of our contemporary world. Dive deep into the intricate web of events, decisions, and consequences with our comprehensive course, understanding the human stories interwoven with grand global narratives.

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Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

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(1,895 votes)

Lesson 1. Insights into World War II Through Its Terminology

The Marshall Plan and the Munich Pact exemplify pivotal post-war and pre-war diplomatic efforts that shaped Europe's political landscape. These initiatives demonstrate the lasting implications of wartime decisions and the endeavors to build a more peaceful future. 20 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-Activity-11088.pdf
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Decoding WWII: Phrases and Frameworks

World War II reshaped global politics and societies, with critical terminology like 'Nazis' and 'Neutrality Acts' framing the ideological and strategic dimensions of the conflict. Understanding these terms enhances our grasp of the war's complexities, from the Holocaust atrocities to American isolationism shifts. 21 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-Activity-11089.pdf
Complete: Lesson 2 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Weimar's Fall, Hitler's Rise

Amid economic despair and political dysfunction in post-WWI Germany, the Weimar Republic struggled under punitive treaties and social upheaval. Hitler, leveraging public discontent and political missteps, manipulated a fractured system to expedite the Nazi Party's rise and the Republic's demise. 20 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-HomeWork-11090.pdf
Complete: Lesson 3 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. The Fall of the Weimar Republic: Prelude to Global Conflict

Key individuals such as Hindenburg and von Papen played crucial roles in the Weimar Republic's downfall by underestimating Hitler and facilitating his ascent. Hitler's charismatic leadership and manipulation of public sentiment were vital in transforming Germany into a totalitarian state. 19 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-WorkSheet-11091.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Understanding Hitler's Impact on 20th Century History

Hitler's early rejection by art institutions and his hardships in Vienna sparked the anti-Semitic and nationalist ideas that would define his political career. His leadership of the Nazi Party mobilized a fractured Germany under his radical agenda, benefiting from the economic turmoil of the Weimar Republic. 20 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-Downloadable-11092.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Forgotten Partners of the Axis: Italy and Japan in WWII

Hirohito's divine status, linked to Japanese nationalism and militarism, facilitated Japan's imperial campaigns and cultivated a culture of loyalty over personal sacrifice, evident in World War II's kamikaze attacks. Despite Japan's defeat, Hirohito's wartime responsibility remains debated, ultimately altering Japan's post-war political landscape. 20 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-HomeWork-11093.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Axis Partners: Italy, Japan, and Their Role in WWII

Fascism, beyond Germany and Italy, influenced Spain, Portugal, and parts of Eastern Europe, driven by economic turmoil and fear of communism. Promising national pride and stability, fascism resonated globally but contributed to authoritarian regimes and conflicts. 20 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WorkSheet-11095.pdf
Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. The Fuse is Lit: Germany's Aggressive Prelude to World War II

Germany's aggressive expansion under Hitler sparked the inevitable onset of World War II, as territories were reclaimed and German-speaking peoples were unified under one Reich. Diplomatic efforts faltered, leading to the annexation of Austria, occupation of the Sudetenland, and invasion of Poland, reshaping Europe dramatically. 21 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-WordSearch-11096.pdf
Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. The Lightning Strikes: Germany's Invasion of France and the Battle of Britain

The Wehrmacht’s blitzkrieg efficiently conquered the Low Countries and France, but the strategic brilliance faltered at Britain, transitioning the war's momentum. The Battles of France and Britain highlighted Germany's initial dominance and the Allies' resilient spirit, setting the stage for a prolonged struggle in WWII. 20 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-HomeWork-11097.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. The Phoney War

During the Phoney War, France's only offensive, the Saar Offensive, fell flat due to a lack of resistance from Germany, as they were occupied in Poland, resulting in a retreat to the Maginot Line. This missed chance allowed Germany to regroup, thereby cementing their advantage and setting the stage for future confrontations. 21 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-Downloadable-11098.pdf
Complete: Lesson 10 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. The German-Soviet Struggle: From Blitzkrieg to Stalingrad

The German Blitzkrieg initially devastated Soviet defenses, exploiting Stalin's unpreparedness and rigid military tactics. However, by diverting focus away from Moscow and neglecting winter preparations, Hitler crippled his campaign, allowing Soviet forces time to regroup and launch effective counterattacks. 171 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-WorkSheet-11099.pdf
Complete: Lesson 11 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 10: The Eastern Front
Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. France's Fall, Britain's Stand

The rapid fall of France due to Germany's surprise blitzkrieg strategies showcased the vulnerability of traditional military defenses. Meanwhile, the indomitable British spirit in the Battle of Britain illustrated how resolve and innovation can counter overwhelming odds. 20 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-Activity-11100.pdf
Complete: Lesson 12 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. Desert Warfare and the Turning Tide of World War II

Rommel, known as 'The Desert Fox,' was admired for his tactical genius and moral conduct, often at odds with Nazi policies, yet he couldn't sustain his early successes. Montgomery's meticulous strategies and resource-focused warfare eventually outmatched Axis forces, emphasizing the importance of leadership and logistics. 139 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-Activity-11101.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 9: The North African Campaign
Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Midway: The Game-Changing Battle

Facing resource shortages, Japan pursued aggressive conquests in Asia to secure essential supplies, unchecked until punitive sanctions catalyzed their attack on Pearl Harbor. The ensuing war united Allied powers, who, through strategic victories like Midway, reversed Japan's territorial gains. 160 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video A
Lesson 14 Video B : Lecture on The Pacific Theatre
Lesson 14 Video C : Lecture on The Pacific Theatre: The Doolittle Raid
Lesson 14 Video D : Discussion on Leyte Gulf
Lesson 14 Video E : Coral Sea and Midway Discussion
Lesson 14 Video F : Battle of Okinawa
Lesson 14 Video G : Pacific Theater Final Discussion
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-HomeWork-11102.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 12: The Pacific Theatre
Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

Lesson 15. Operation Overlord and Beyond: Triumphs on the Path to Peace

Operation Overlord marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, with the Allies executing one of history's largest amphibious assaults on the beaches of Normandy, France. The intense planning and bravery displayed during D-Day led to the liberation of Western Europe and weakened Hitler's regime significantly. 120 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-WorkSheet-11103.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 13: The End of the War: Victories in Europe and Japan
Assessment: Lesson 15 Review Exam

Lesson 16. Operation Barbarossa: The Massive Nazi Offensive Against Soviet Russia

Suddenly encased in one of history's largest conflicts, Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union turned from swift success to a prolonged struggle. The fierce Soviet defense, aided by the vicious winter, culminated in critical German defeats, most notably the decisive Battle of Stalingrad. 19 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-16-Downloadable-11104.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 16 Review Exam

Lesson 17. Monte Cassino: The Impregnable Fortress Unveiled

Mussolini's overthrow and the Allied advance into mainland Italy initiated a fierce counter-defense by German forces. Strategic defensive lines like the Winter Line stalled the Allies, making each advancement hard-won. 100 Total Points

Lesson 17 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-17-HomeWork-11105.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 11: The Italian Campaign
Assessment: Lesson 17 Review Exam

Lesson 18. Strategic Shifts in the Pacific: From Japanese Expansion to Allied Ascendancy

The Pacific War saw Japan seeking vital resources through invasions, causing global tensions that boiled over with the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Subsequent battles, notably Midway and Leyte Gulf, swung momentum toward the Allies, culminating in island battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa before Japan's surrender. 20 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-18-WorkSheet-11106.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 18 Review Exam

Lesson 19. The End of World War II: A New Era Begins

Facing the prospect of a prolonged and bloody conflict, President Truman chose to deploy atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing Japan to its knees and ending World War II. While the decision was controversial, it averted an anticipated million-casualty invasion and prompted Japan's surrender, inaugurating a new era of peace. 20 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-19-WordSearch-11107.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 19 Review Exam

Lesson 20. The Holocaust: The Systematic Eradication of Innocence

The Holocaust marked the most horrific instance of Nazi inhumanity, with systematic genocide carried out in ghettos and death camps like Auschwitz. Millions, predominantly Jews, faced industrial-scale extermination, underpinning the monstrous efficiency of the Nazi death apparatus. 130 Total Points

Lesson 20 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-20-Activity-11108.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam: The Horrors of the Third Reich
Assessment: Lesson 20 Review Exam

Lesson 21. Rise of Superpowers: Cold War's Beginnings

The Marshall Plan was pivotal in reconstruction efforts across Europe, preventing Communist expansion by stabilizing economies through substantial financial aid. The resultant economic boom in Western Europe contrasted sharply with the stagnation in Communist states that avoided Western assistance. 130 Total Points

Lesson 21 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-21-HomeWork-11109.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam: The Aftermath of World War II
Assessment: Lesson 21 Review Exam

Lesson 22. Leaders of Destruction: Axis Figures in WWII

World War II's Axis leaders left infamous legacies, with figures like Hitler and Himmler orchestrating immense suffering and terror through their ideologies. Their aggressive expansions and atrocities shaped history and highlighted the extreme dangers of totalitarian power. 119 Total Points

Lesson 22 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-22-WordSearch-11110.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Axis
Assessment: Lesson 22 Review Exam

Lesson 23. WWII Allied Leaders

General Dwight D. Eisenhower's orchestration of D-Day was pivotal in the liberation push through Europe, managing powerful allies and leading to Nazi Germany's defeat. Post-war, he emerged as NATO's first Supreme Commander and shaped U.S. policy as President during early Cold War years. 120 Total Points

Lesson 23 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-23-Downloadable-11111.pdf
Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Allies
Assessment: Lesson 23 Review Exam

1470

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define key World War II terms such as 'Axis Powers,' 'Allied Powers,' and 'Blitzkrieg' to demonstrate foundational understanding of the conflict's terminology.
Recognize the significance of the Afrika Korps and their impact on North African military strategies by summarizing their operations and strategic role in WWII.
Describe the ideological and military strategies used during World War II through the examination of terminologies like Nazism, Neutrality Acts, and Operation Overlord.
Identify key terms and concepts from World War II, including their origins and significance, to explain their impact on the war's progression and outcome.
Analyze the role of individual leaders, including Paul von Hindenburg and Adolf Hitler, in the transition from the Weimar Republic to Nazi control, highlighting specific decisions and their impacts on Germany's political landscape.
Define the key economic and political factors that contributed to the fall of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Adolf Hitler by examining historical events and conditions from 1919 to 1933.
Analyze the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany's economy and society, and its role in facilitating the rise of extremist parties during the Weimar Republic.
Define the key factors contributing to the collapse of the Weimar Republic, including economic instability, flawed institutions, and individual actions.
Analyze Hitler's ideologies and their role in the instigation of World War II and the Holocaust.
Demonstrate an understanding of the key events in Adolf Hitler's rise to power and their impact on Nazi Germany's formation.
Define the expansionist ambitions of Italy and Japan during World War II, including key military campaigns and their outcomes.
Describe the military and ideological contributions of Italy and Japan to the Axis Powers' efforts in World War II, highlighting key campaigns and alliances.
Recognize the expansionist ambitions and fascist ideologies of Italy under Mussolini and Japan under Hirohito during World War II.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

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Course Title: World War II

Course Number: 7550440

Lessons Rating: 4.59 / 5 Stars (1,895 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.

Last Updated: February 2024

CEU Value: 1.6 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher for successful completion.

Course Type: Self-Paced

Assessment Method: Lesson review exams

Instructional Team: Dana Kristan

Student Testimonials

"The range of topics discussed in this course was very helpful in understanding the 3 main theaters of World War II." -- Gabrielle M.
"I was blown away by the amount of information given in 17 lessons! I would love to take a class just on the Holocaust. Thank you for putting this together. Very well done ! :)." -- Christianne M.
"I have loved this course. Mac is so helpful and fun to learn from. He has made learning history fun for the first time in my life. He gives great feedback to my assignments which I haven't really experienced on here before. By far the best teacher in the forum! Thanks so much!" -- Nicola P.
"This class was extremely educational, organized and very detailed. The assignments were thorough and thought-provoking, and encouraged critical thinking." -- Leigh T.
"This course is excellent. Mac is a great proctor of the class. His feedback on multiple emails has been really interesting and enjoyable. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning more about World War II." -- Brian M.
"I found this class to be very helpful. The structure was effective and did a good job ensuring that I learned, despite being an online course. The structure seemed very effective." -- Chris M.
"The instructor was very helpful!!!" -- Lisa M.
"Great course! The video was most help. Also, the professor graded and commented on my tests quickly." -- John L.
"I felt like I was able to connect easily with this instructor. The feedback from the instructor was very helpful. I enjoyed hearing from him and reading his comments on the written assignments. He was extremely well versed on the subject matter and enthusiastic on all topics included. Thanks for everything! " -- Stacey M.
"Good instructor." -- Robert P.