Designed with the more visual needs of today's student in mind, this landmark encyclopedia covers the entire scope of the Second World War, from its earliest roots to its continuing impact on global politics and human society. Over 1,000 illustrations, maps, and primary source materials enhance the text and make history come alive for students and faculty alike.

ABC-CLIO's World War II: A Student Encyclopedia captures the monumental sweep of the “Big One” with accessible scholarship, a student-friendly, image-rich design, and a variety of tools specifically crafted for the novice researcher. For teachers and curriculum specialists, it is a thoroughly contemporary and authoritative work with everything they need to enrich their syllabi and meet state and national standards.



Ranging from the conflict's historic origins to VJ Day and beyond, it brings all aspects of the war vividly to life—its origins in the rubble of World War I, its inevitable outbreak, its succession of tumultuous battles and unforgettable personalities. Students will understand what the war meant to the leaders, the soldiers, and everyday families on home fronts around the world. Featured essays look at Pearl Harbor, the Holocaust, the atomic bomb, and other crucial events, as well as fascinating topics such as signals intelligence and the role of women in war. A separate primary source volume provides essential source material for homework, test preparation or special projects. With a wealth of new information and new ideas about the war's causes, course, and consequences, World War II will be the first place students turn for the who, what, when, where, and—more importantly—the why, behind this historic conflict.









950 A–Z entries, including lengthy biographies of individuals, studies of battles, details of weapons systems, and analyses of wartime conferences—all of the topics students look for, and teachers and educators need to have for their classes



Over 270 contributors, including an unprecedented number of non-U.S. authorities, many from Japan and China, giving students a truly global understanding of the war



An inviting design incorporating 600 photographs, including contemporaneous images of individuals, scenes from the front lines, posters, and weapon technologies



A separate primary source volume offering a wide array of materials ranging from official documents to personal correspondence



An early section of 70 detailed geopolitical and military maps, show students the basic sweep of the war