World War II in Europe

Despite increasing distance in time and the passing of last witnesses and veterans, World War II still defines how Americans see themselves, how they view their own military, and how they think of their role in the world.  The war in Europe, though only part of this worldwide inferno, is at the core of those American understandings.  The popularity of series like Band of Brothers and movies such as Saving Private Ryan are testaments to this reality.  The picture Americans first conjure when the European war comes up, however, is incomplete.  This lecture will examine a fuller view that is even more interesting and lastingly important in the social and political world of today.