In this Very Short Introduction, the eminent scholar Gerhard L. Weinberg explores one of the most important events in history. Examining the origins, course, and impact of the World War II — through both the soldiers and the ordinary citizens who lived through it — he considers the long-lasting impact it continues to have around the world. Written by an internationally recognized authority on Nazi Germany and World War II Explores the origins of the war and the course of events that followed Considers the place of the Holocaust within World War II Looks at the impact of the war on the home fronts and around the world Includes the most up-to-date research Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over six million copies sold worldwide