As part of the ‘WWII 80 Years After’ campaign, the month of September is dedicated to exploring the pivotal moments leading to the outbreak of the Second World War. This month also marks the 85th anniversary of the start of the war, a time to reflect on the complex causes, geopolitical tensions, and the catastrophic consequences that reshaped the world.
Throughout September, we will delve into the reasons behind the conflict, examining the decisions and circumstances that led to one of the deadliest global events in human history. From the Treaty of Versailles' aftermath to the rise of totalitarian regimes, the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of a war that would span continents and redefine borders, politics, and societies.
Through this month’s focus, we aim not only to recount the events but to interrogate the deeper questions: How did Europe drift into another catastrophic war so soon after the "war to end all wars"? What were the ideological, political, and socio-economic forces that set the stage for global conflict? And how have the lessons from this period shaped modern approaches to diplomacy, conflict prevention, and international governance?
As we focus on the theme of September – the outbreak of the Second World War – we invite you to explore the following curated materials that provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes, initial events, and early impacts of the conflict. These resources will help you delve deeper into the factors that led to war and how its early stages shaped the rest of the global conflict:
• The Causes and Circumstances of WWII's Outbreak by prof. Jan Rydel: Analyze the strategic failures, political ambitions, and ideologies that ignited the war. Read the full article• Outbreak of WWII: 1 September 1939 by Anita Świątkowska: A reflective overview of the German invasion of Poland, marking the start of the war. Learn more
• 17 September 1939: Soviet Invasion of Poland by Andrzej Włusek: This often-overlooked event escalated the conflict and shaped the war’s early course. Read the article
• WWII: A Comprehensive Overview: Follow the key milestones and transformative events that shaped the course of WWII. Discover the timeline
• Europe During the War: Explore the multi-faceted impacts of the war as it unfolded across the continent, disrupting societies, economies, and governments. Read more
• WWII Memory on Wikipedia by Mykola Makhortykh: A modern exploration of how the violence and legacy of WWII are negotiated and remediated in digital spaces. Find out more
• Cultural Remembrance Across Europe by Keith Lowe: Discover how different nations remember and interpret the war’s impact in diverse and sometimes conflicting ways. Explore the cultural perspectives of remembrance
• Art and Conflict: Painting in the Face of War: Examine how artists responded to the emotional and psychological toll of the war, capturing its horrors and humanity. Lear more
• Change and Continuity in Post-War Europe : Though the war's end lies beyond the scope of this month’s focus, this article provides insight into how WWII ultimately reshaped Europe’s political landscape. Explore here
Each month, as part of the ‘WWII 80 Years After’ campaign, we will publish a curated selection of materials that delve into the key events and themes of the war. From the outbreak of WWII in September to the establishment of ghettos, the Winter War, and the Nuremberg Trials in subsequent months, these resources will explore the pivotal moments that shaped the course of the conflict. Each month's focus will provide insights into different aspects of the war, inviting readers to engage with historical documents, scholarly articles, and educational content designed to deepen understanding and foster reflection on this transformative period in history, on our Hi-Story Lessons educational platform. Stay tuned for new materials that will be shared throughout the year, offering a comprehensive view of WWII’s legacy.
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