World War II Articles

Modern history has been indelibly shaped by World War II, and its importance cannot be overstated. Involving the vast majority of the globe’s nations, it was the deadliest conflict in human history, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

While World War II remains one of the most studied and talked-about historical fields, there’s so much to unpack that it seems like a truly endless subject. We’re here to break down every angle of the conflict. 

Want to learn more about the Holocaust? Discover the courageous acts of Jewish resistance fighters, or the best nonfiction books, ranging from eyewitness accounts to sweeping historical studies of the genocide. Curious about the experience of soldiers? Dive into our military history coverage, including everything from the attack on Pearl Harbor and torpedo-fueled conflicts in the Pacific to the bravery of the Purple Heart Battalion, a segregated regiment of Japanese-Americans. Then there’s the question of women’s involvement in the war, from daring female spies to battlefield nurses to those who entered the workforce for the first time and held the economy together on the homefront.

Wherever your WWII interest lies, we have a story for you—and many more to come.

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Before the BFG: Roald Dahl, Air Menace To Axis Forces

The children's author's macabre sense of humor and appreciation of darkness were likely sharpened by his combat history.

The Larger of Two Evils: Colonized Asia’s Encounter with the Japanese in World War Two

Much of mainland Asia in the 1930s faced an unappealing choice: Western imperialism or Japanese imperialism.

The Extraordinary Life of Eugene Bullard, the First African American Military Pilot

After facing racism in America, Bullard made a home in France, where he became the first African American military pilot during World War I.

33 Unbelievable Photos from the Battle of Okinawa

Operation Iceberg was a hugely costly battle for America during WWII. Explore the scene through these historical photos.

Meet the Japanese Diplomat Who Saved 6,000 Jewish People from the Holocaust

Chiune Sugihara is believed to have saved five times as many lives as his more famous counterpart, Oskar Schindler.

Life Aboard WWII Submarines Was Brutal

The size of the submarines, a lack of ventilation, and the novelty of submarine warfare led to some uncomfortable situations.

Joseph Tachovsky Unearths His Father's Startling Military History

We sat down for a special Father's Day-themed interview with the author of 40 Thieves on Saipan.

8 Gripping Audiobooks That Offer an Escape from the News

These glimpses into the past will help you cope with the present.

The Real Terry and the Pirates: How the Sino-Japanese Struggle Became America’s War

A seminal cartoon presaged the American entrance into the Pacific Theater.

One War Ends, Another Soldiers On: V-E Day 75 Years Later

Continents continued to shift and war went on even as people around the world celebrated.

Roger Moorhouse Reveals Secrets of Everyday Objects in Nazi Germany

We sat down for an interview with the author of The History of the Third Reich in 100 Objects.

Colditz Castle: The World War II POW Camp the Nazis Considered Inescapable

Meet the many men who proved the Nazis wrong and learn about the fascinating ways in which they pulled off the impossible.

The Courageous Acts of Resistance That Led to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

In January of 1943, Warsaw Ghetto inmates began defying their German enemies—and sparked a widespread hunger for resistance.

22 Eye-Opening War Movies to Stream Tonight

The shores of Dunkirk and the Korean countryside await...

10 Essential Historical Nonfiction Books

Take your mind off the current world with riveting true accounts of history's most poignant moments.

Iwo Jima: The True Details of an Iconic Photograph in the Midst of Battle

Discover the essential account of the men who raised the flags during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

TRAILER: The Next Great WWII Movie is Coming

Greyhound, written by and starring Tom Hanks, is coming this June.