The Decision to drop the Atomic Bomb

The decision to use the atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaski in August 1945 is one of the most controversial and emotive issues in modern history. Truman's decision to use the weapons has been a matter of fierce debate ever since the Second World War. Did it save hundreds of thousands of Allied and Japanese lives by bringing the war to a rapid conclusion or was it a cynical demonstration of American power designed to intimidate the Soviet Union with an eye on the post war world?

Take a look at some of the original documents in the Harry S. Truman Library and an excellent series of film clips from the History Channel on the debate before reaching your own conclusions.
Here is one side of the argument from Professor Richard Overy:


And here is the other side from Dr Duncan Anderson:

The End of the Cold War

The Cold War finally came to an end at the end of the 1980s with the collapse of the Soviet Empire in Eastern Europe and the subsequent disintegration of the USSR. Mikhail Gorbachev played a key role in events, but although he was the catalyst to many of the changes, there were many other contributory elements. The long term problems of economic inefficiency and corruption were compounded by the pressures of the arms race and the intervention in Afghanistan, while the bankruptcy of the system was highlighted by events such as the Chernobyl nuclear accident and the environmental crises in places like Lake Baikal and the Aral Sea.

Take a look at this video on Gorbachev and the websites below.


The Cold War Files
How 1989 brought and end to the Cold War.

You can see how quickly things changed when you look at this video featuring the former Soviet leader made in 1997.

World War Two

Although most exam courses focus on the causes of the Second World War and then its aftermath, an understanding of what happened during the waris vital if you are to make sense of the post war world. The National Archives has an excellent interactive overview of the different theatres in the war, while the BBC has a comprehensive site dedicated to the war. The British Pathé news site has a host of preview videos from the wartime newsreels which are also well worth looking at.

The Reformation

The Reformation was to have momentous consequences for the History of Europe, dividing the Christian church into two rival camps made up of Catholics and Protestants. In England, the Reformation received its first major boost when Henry VIII broke with Rome but its roots went much deeper. Have a look at these two Timelines TV videos: The first on Henry VIII's split from Rome and the second on some of the background to the Reformation. The BBC also gives a valuable outline of this relgious revolution.

The Holocaust

Holocaust memorial day is next month on January 27th. It is a time to reflect on the horrific events that led to the deaths of over 6 million Jews and other minorities as a result of the Nazi extermination campaign during the Second World War. Unfortunately similar atrocities have continued to occur. This hard-hitting video looks at the issue and provides us with plenty of food for thought.



For more information on the Holocaust take a look at this series of animated maps by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Domesday Book

The Domesday Book is the name given to the Great Survey carried out on the orders of William the Conqueror after he became King of England. The survey contained a vast array of information on who owned what throughout the country and helped him raise money through taxation of his new subjects. The Domesday Book is one of the earliest public records in English history.

Take a look at the national archive site for extra information, games and videos on the Domesday Book. Look at the section on Interpreting the Domesday Book to understand how to decipher the language.

The Congress of Vienna

Europe's leading statesmen assembled at Vienna between 1814-1815 to decide upon the fate of the continent after over 20 years of conflict caused by the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Settlement aimed to maintain peace and security for Europe.

Take a look at this excellent animated map for an overview of the changes that took place during this period.

Remembrance Day

The First World War came to an end 92 years ago. Traditionally the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of each year is the time we remember all those who died in wars. Have a look at this video in memory of the soldiers who died in the conflict. it is accompanied by the Last Post. You'll also find a link explaining why the poppy is used as a symbol of remembrance and some poetry from the First World War.



Why the poppy?

For more information look at these links to previous posts on the Blog and an article on the BBC.
Harry Patch
Special Remembrance Day Service

Also worth looking at is the dramatised BBC clip on Wilfred Owen's famous war poem Dulce et Decorum est and John McCrae's In Flanders Fields.

20th Anniversary of German Reunification

October 3rd, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of German reunification with the merging of the capitalist West and the Communist East. It is also the day on which Germany made her final reparations payment imposed after the First World War.

Take a look at the following articles from the BBC which examine the story in more depth:
Anniversary of Reunification
Reparations payments

While this video takes a brief look at the events from the Fall of the Wall to Reunification.

The Blitz

On the 70th anniversary of The Blitz, it is worth taking a look at the marvellous American propaganda film "London Can Take It" designed to garner support for Britain in the USA.