[Dave Musgrove]

70 years on from the start of the Second World War, how much more do we need to know about the conflict?
http://www.bbchistorymagazine.com/blog/ ... -enough-ed
What do you think?

[Reginald Dalton]

I'd say that one can never hear enough about such a pivotal part of global history, there are still so many lessons to be learnt from it, and so many unanswered questions.

Especially considering the fact that most of those who were actually involved have already passed away, and only a few who may be able to provide us some of the answers remain. And of course there is the ongoing concern with making sure that the next generation are made aware of the horrors and sadness of WWII...

Reg

[Andrew.McTernan]

I'd say that one can never hear enough about such a pivotal part of global history, there are still so many lessons to be learnt from it, and so many unanswered questions.

Especially considering the fact that most of those who were actually involved have already passed away, and only a few who may be able to provide us some of the answers remain. And of course there is the ongoing concern with making sure that the next generation are made aware of the horrors and sadness of WWII...

Reg

I agreed 100% with Reginald Dalton.

The next generation needs to understand why and how WWII has shaped the world, and in particular Europe, since it ended in 1945. Lessons can always been learned so this kind war never happens again.

On a lighter (correct word?) note there are thousands, if not millions, of people who are fascinated with this period in history and who can't get enough information to read, listen or watch on the subject, so for me it is important for historians and organisations like the BBC to keep doing research and making programs on the subject.

[KrisL]

While I agree with the sentiments above, (WWII does need to be remembered as a warning) I do feel that there has been too much coverage of the World Wars.

Firstly, the Pacific War only ever receives cursory treatment and history on WWII is European centred.

Secondly, (and this follows for WWI too) more should be done on the countries and situations that led to the environment for war. I believe Weimar Germany should be examined more as a historical period of its own instead of just looking at the year 1929- January 30th 1933 and dismissing it as a tool for Hitler's rise. Similarly, with WWI, the German Unification of 1871 should be examined to show how Germany rose to a power capable of challenging France and Britain.

Thirdly, I think there are equally as important events that shaped the modern world other than WWII. Such as 1789, 1848, 1871 revolutions as well as Russia's and Germany's in 1917 and 1918 respectively. Subjects such as these an numerous others do not get anywhere near the same level of representation. I do agree it is what a large portion of history lovers love, but is that because casual interest in other subjects is harder? The ubiquitous presence of WWII is probably creating as much interest in WWII as much as catering to those who are already interested.


However, I by no means mean to say we should stop researching the WWII.