World War II (1939–1945)

World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The war involved the many of the world's countries. Two opposing military alliances were formed: the Allies and the Axis.

While Japan was already at war with China in 1937,  the Second World War began on September 1, 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Germany conquered much of Europe, eventually forming the Axis alliance with Italy and Japan. Approximately six million European Jews were killed by Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany and this event would become known as the Holocaust.

 

Within this Collection

Desegration in SC | Conversations on SC History
Episode 20

Video

Noted South Carolina historian Dr. Walter Edgar discusses the key issues in SC History. Desegregation and other social change in South Carolina is discussed: World War II – Catalyst for Change...
Overview VII: Remembering and Forgetting | Holocaust
Overview VII: Remembering and Forgetting | Holocaust
Episode 7

Document

"When I tell the story of my life, it takes me quite a while to get back to normal. I get nightmares. I don't mind having nightmares in order that future generations can benefit from it." —Ben Stern...
Overview IV: The Holocaust
Overview IV: The Holocaust
Episode 4

Document

"One day we heard someting that was very disturbing to all of us. We heard for the first time about Auschwitz in Poland. That's where the killing was done. That we would be sent there, and that we...
Buford Mabry Photos | Digital Traditions
Buford Mabry Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Born and raised on a farm in the Stateburg area of Sumter County, Buford Mabry always told people there were two circumstances that mainly helped him become the storyteller he was. First was having a...