Online Class: World War ll

World War II was a conflict like no other in human history. Everything that had made the First World War such a monumental event was soon eclipsed by the colossal scale and impact of the next.

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  • 17
    Lessons
  • 42
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,784
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 16
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.6
    CEUs
 
 

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:

  1. Nuclear Age: The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ushered the world into the atomic age, highlighting the potential of human-led devastation.

  2. Israel's Birth: The post-war scenario facilitated the establishment of Israel, a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics.

  3. Communism's Spread: Many regions in Asia and Europe witnessed the rapid proliferation of communist ideologies.

  4. Germany's Division: Post-war Germany was split, symbolizing the broader Cold War tensions.

  5. 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.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • 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
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
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Lesson 1: Terminology, Part I

Lesson 1: Terminology, Part I Additional lesson topics: Auschwitz Tour; D-Day Survivor Interviews; What Stated World War II?; World War II Movies 135 Total Points
  • 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: Terminology, Part II and Course Structure Additional lesson topics: Nuremberg Trials; Nice video that contains information on Petain 115 Total Points
  • 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: Setting the Stage: The Fall of the Weimar Republic Additional lesson topics: Fall of the Weimar Republic 95 Total Points
  • 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: Adolf Hitler's Life and Career Additional lesson topics: Hitler's Rise to Power; Hitler Practicing to Become A Leader Learning how to Act the Part ; Hitler's FBI Profile 125 Total Points
  • 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

The Other Axis Powers: Italy and Japan Additional lesson topics: Axis Leaders Video; Tour of Auschwitz 100 Total Points
  • 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

Opening Salvos; Germany Starts the War Additional lesson topics: The Maginot Line; More Info on the Maginot Line; Former King Edward and Wallis Simpson visit Hitler; Maginot Line -- A mistake? 115 Total Points
  • 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: The Phoney War Additional lesson topics: The Phoney War; Significance of Phoney War; Wales and the Nazis 45 Total Points
  • 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: The Battles of France and Britain Additional lesson topics: Fall of France to Germany 140 Total Points
  • 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: The North African Campaign Additional lesson topics: North Africa Campaign 135 Total Points
  • 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: The Eastern Front Additional lesson topics: Germany invades Russia; Battle of Stalingrad 205 Total Points
  • 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: The Italian Campaign Additional lesson topics: 442nd Japanese American Regiment in WWII 100 Total Points
  • 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: The Pacific Theatre Additional lesson topics: Doolittle Raid; Island Hopping Campaign; Bataan Death March 195 Total Points
  • 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: The End of the War: Victories in Europe and Japan 150 Total Points
  • 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: The Horrors of the Third Reich Additional lesson topics: Jews Turned Away from America, Britain, and Canada during Holocaust; One Story from One Survivor 135 Total Points
  • 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: The Aftermath of World War II Additional lesson topics: Aftermath of World War II; Russia Rebuilds after WWII 165 Total Points
  • 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: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Axis Additional lesson topics: Hollywood Stars in WWII; Pro Baseball Players in WWII 115 Total Points
  • 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: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Allies 125 Total Points
  • 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
2195
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

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

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Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: World War ll
Course Number: 7550440
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (1,837 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: September 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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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.