79-257 Germany and the Second World War

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course, taught in Somerset prison, covers many aspects of the war unleashed by the Third Reich its origins Hitlers ideology and war plans the course of the war major military operations the Holocaust Nazi occupation of Europe resistance to Nazism and life inside Germany. It concentrates on the Wehrmachts strategies, decisions, and its relationship with Hitler and Nazi organizations. The Wehrmacht was the Third Reichs defensearmed forces but the term is generally used to refer to its army. We will investigate the role of the Wehrmacht in NaziSS crimes against humanity, including genocide, fighting partisans, killing civilians, and the treatment of Soviet POWs. We aim to understand how, where, why, and when the Wehrmacht came to have dirty hands. Course readings chapters from Ben H. Shepherd, Hitlers Soldiers The German Army in the Third Reich chapters from Nicholas Stargardt, The German War A Nation under Arms, 19391945 primary documents. Past assessments have included written assignments 10 in total weekly 500600 word responses to questions based on course readings. The course combines lecture, discussion, inclass group exercises, and a debate.

Prerequisites: none listed

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