When:

Where:

Guthrie Theater

818 South 2^nd St.

Livingston Conference Room

What:

Much of the popular commentary today on the Second World War concerns military history. But what about the larger causes, consequences, and outcomes of the war? Take a look at the social history of the World War II in Europeand learn why the social conditions of Europefollowing World War I coupled with other realities during the 1930s allowed demagogic leaders to whip up a war fever. The war itself was shaped by the ways in which societies mobilized their resources to meet an unprecedented challenge, and by decisions made by key figures in the war—leaders such as Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and Hitler. The outcome of the war was in no way certain, and a key issue for discussion will be examining why the Allies won. These and related topics will be explored at a level suitable for anyone with a keen interest in history and others with a personal connection to the war. By the end of the session you will have gained a deeper comprehension of why this war is described as “the war without mercy” and the consequences of this unprecedented global conflict.

John Kim Munholland, Ph.D., history, PrincetonUniversity, is professor emeritus of history at the Universityof Minnesota, where he taught a variety of courses on 20^th-century European history, including “Europein the Era of World War II.” His research interests include U.S.–French cultural conflicts during World War II. He is author of a book on the war in the Pacific, Rock of Contention: Free French and Americans at War in New Caledonia, 1940-1945 (New Yorkand Oxford: Berghahn Books, 2005).

Space will be limited.

Cost:  Individual Classes (MCC Members): $40

            Individual Classes (MCC Guests): $45