Online Class: World War ll
no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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17Lessons
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42Exams &
Assignments -
1,842Students
have taken this course -
16Hours
average time -
1.6CEUs
Course Description
World War II: 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:
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Nuclear Age: The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ushered the world into the atomic age, highlighting the potential of human-led devastation.
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Israel's Birth: The post-war scenario facilitated the establishment of Israel, a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics.
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Communism's Spread: Many regions in Asia and Europe witnessed the rapid proliferation of communist ideologies.
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Germany's Division: Post-war Germany was split, symbolizing the broader Cold War tensions.
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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:
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Lessons 1 & 2: Introduce key terminologies and course structures, setting the foundation for upcoming modules.
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Lesson 3 to 5: Delve into the root causes, tracing back to the fall of the Weimar Republic and discussing the major Axis powers.
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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.
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Lesson 14: Unmask the harrowing truths of the Third Reich's horrors.
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Lesson 15: Investigate the profound global implications post World War II.
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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.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs
Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Terminology, Part I
Lesson 1 Video A
- Lesson 1 Video B
: WWII Introduction Discussion
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Assignment 1: What to gain?- Complete Assignment: Auschwitz
- Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam: Terminology, Part I
Lesson 2: Terminology, Part II and Course Structure
- Lesson 2 Video
- Complete: Assignment 2: Personal Interests
- Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam: Terminology, Part II and Course Structure
Lesson 3: Setting the Stage: The Fall of the Weimar Republic
- Lesson 3 Video A
- Lesson 3 Video B
: Lesson 3 Discussion
- Lesson discussions: Understanding History
- Complete: Assignment 3: Nazi Party Rise
- Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam: Setting the Stage: The Fall of the Weimar Republic
Lesson 4: Adolf Hitler's Life & Career
- Lesson 4 Video A
- Lesson 4 Video B
: Lesson 4 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 4: Who was Hitler?
- Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam: Adolph Hitler’s Life & Career
Lesson 5: The Other Axis Powers: Italy and Japan
- Lesson 5 Video A
- Lesson 5 Video B
: Lesson 5 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 5: Key Axis People
- Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam: The Other Axis Powers: Italy and Japan
Lesson 6: Opening Salvos & Germany Starts the War
- Lesson 6 Video A
- Lesson 6 Video B
: Lesson 6 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 6: The Maginot Line
- Complete Assignment: The Maginot Line as a Metaphor
- Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam: Opening Salvos – Germany Starts the War
Lesson 7: The Phoney War
- Lesson 7 Video A
- Lesson 7 Video B
: Lesson 7 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 7: The Phoney War
- Complete Assignment: Stopping the Phoney War?
- Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam: The Phoney War
Lesson 8: The Battles of France and Britain
- Lesson 8 Video A
- Lesson 8 Video B
: Lesson 8 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 8: Time Line
- Complete Assignment: The Battle of Britain
- Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam: The Battles of France and Britain
Lesson 9: The North African Campaign
- Lesson 9 Video A
- Lesson 9 Video B
: Lesson 9 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 9: Why Africa?
- Assessment: Lesson 9: The North African Campaign
Lesson 10: The Eastern Front
- Lesson 10 Video A
- Lesson 10 Video B
: Lesson 10 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 10: Stalin and Cold Weather
- Complete Assignment: Hitler's Blunder -- A two front War!
- Assessment: Lesson 10: The Eastern Front
Lesson 11: The Italian Campaign
- Lesson 11 Video A
- Lesson 11 Video B
: Lesson 7 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 11: Italian Campaign Timeline
- Assessment: Lesson 11: The Italian Campaign
Lesson 12: The Pacific Theatre
- Lesson 12 Video A
- Lesson 12 Video B
: Lecture on The Pacific Theatre
- Lesson 12 Video C
: Lecture on The Pacific Theatre: The Doolittle Raid
- Lesson 12 Video D
: Discussion on Leyte Gulf
- Lesson 12 Video E
: Coral Sea and Midway Discussion
- Lesson 12 Video F
: Discussion on Leyte Gulf
- Lesson 12 Video G
: Tarawa Discussion for the WWII Pacific Theater
- Lesson 12 Video H
: Discussion of Iwo Jima discussion
- Lesson 12 Video I
: Battle of Okinawa
- Lesson 12 Video J
: Pacific Theater Final Discussion
- Lesson discussions: American Involvment
- Complete: Assignment 12: United States Involvement
- Complete Assignment: Lend Lease Act
- Assessment: Lesson 12: The Pacific Theatre
Lesson 13: The End of the War: Victories in Europe and Japan
- Lesson 13 Video A
- Lesson 13 Video B
: Lesson 13 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 13: War Ends
- Complete Assignment: Why didn't the U.S. drop an Atomic Bomb on Germany?
- Assessment: Lesson 13: The End of the War: Victories in Europe and Japan
Lesson 14: The Horrors of the Third Reich
- Lesson 14 Video A
- Lesson 14 Video B
: Lesson 14 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 14: The Holocaust
- Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam: The Horrors of the Third Reich
Lesson 15: The Aftermath of World War II
- Lesson 15 Video A
- Lesson 15 Video B
: Lesson 15 Discussion
- Lesson discussions: Another One
- Complete: Assignment 15: Israel
- Complete Assignment: The Marshall Plan: Preventative Maintenance?
- Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam: The Aftermath of World War II
Lesson 16: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Axis
- Lesson 16 Video A
- Lesson 16 Video B
: Lesson 16 Discussion
- Complete: Assignment 16: Hollywood
- Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Axis
Lesson 17: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Allies
- Lesson 17 Video A
- Lesson 17 Video B
: Lesson 17 Discussion
- Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
- Complete: Assignment 17: American Involvement
- Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Allies
Learning Outcomes
- Define World War II terminology.
- Summarize setting the stage for war: The Fall of the Weimar Republic.
- Summarize Adolph Hitler's Life and career.
- Summarize the other Axis powers.
- Describe the Phoney War.
- Summarize the battles of France and Britain.
- Describe the North African Campaign.
- Summarize the Eastern Front, Italian Campaign, and the Pacific Theatre.
- Summarize the end of the War.
- Summarize the horrors of the Third Reich.
- Summarize the aftermath of World War II.
- Summarize prominent figures of World War II.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information
- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Choose Your Subscription Plan
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This course only
| Includes certificate | X |
| Includes CEUs | X |
| Self-paced |
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| Instructor support |
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| Time to complete | 6 months |
| No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
| Includes certificate |
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| Includes CEUs |
|
| Self-paced |
|
| Instructor support |
|
| Time to complete | 6 months |
| No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
| Includes certificate |
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| Includes CEUs |
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| Self-paced |
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| Instructor support |
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| Time to complete | 12 Months |
| No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
| Includes certificate |
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| Includes CEUs |
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| Self-paced |
|
| Instructor support |
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| Time to complete | 24 Months |
| No. of courses | 600+ |
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.
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