20th Century Wars

Seventy years since the Battle of Stalingrad – How the Soviet Union defeated the Nazis

Details: Wednesday, 06 February 2013; Written by Alan Woods

Saturday 2nd February marked the 70^th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Stalingrad, with the surrender of German troops, a key turning point in the Second World War and a shattering blow to Hitler. Alan Woods analyses this historic event and the way in which it shows the superiority of the planned economy.

The Blitz: Seventy years on

Details: Thursday, 09 September 2010; Written by Socialist Appeal

Seventy years ago this week, the mass bombing of London and other keys cities by the Nazi Luftwaffe begun. The Blitz, as it was to become known as, cost the lives of thousands of workers as the nightly bombing raids from Germany laid waste to both houses and industry.

The Forgotten Mutiny

Details: Wednesday, 17 March 2010; Written by Cain O'Mahony

Seventy years on, World War II is remembered. What is forgotten was the largest mutiny amongst the British armed forces that heralded its end.

September 1939: Let Slip The Dogs Of War

Details: Thursday, 03 September 2009; Written by Ted Grant

September 3rd: 70 years ago today the United Kingdom declared war on fascist Germany, so marking the start of World War Two. In an article written at the time, Ted Grant summarised what was now in store for the masses of Europe and beyond: 'Millions, tens of millions, will be killed in the insane slaughter, whole cities and countries will be devastated,... Famine and disease will sweep over all Europe. The flower of European manhood will be exterminating one another. And for what?' To mark this anniversary we are reproducing Ted's article from 1939 in full.

The Stalin-Hitler Pact

Details: Monday, 24 August 2009; Written by Ben Peck

Seventy years ago this month, the world was shocked by the Stalin-Hitler pact. Ben Peck looks back at what happened and explains why such an incredible event could take place - and the price that was paid.

Winston Churchill: A Modern Myth - part 4

Details: Thursday, 30 October 2008; Written by Harry Whittaker

When Germany invaded Holland and Belgium on 10th May 1939 and put an end to the ‘Phoney War’ the French and British had more men on the ground and more (and better quality) tanks. But this did not deter the Germans: they were more militarily competent, efficient, and co-ordinated in their execution of modern warfare and they proceeded to wipe the floor with the Allies.

Winston Churchill: A Modern Myth - part 3

Details: Tuesday, 28 October 2008; Written by Harry Whittaker

In 1922 Churchill lost his seat in Dundee, probably because of his attitude to Russia. Then in 1924, with the Liberal Party sinking, he jumped ship once more and rejoined the Conservatives: self interest and high office always took precedence over political principles. Baldwin made him chancellor, a position he held until the 1929 General Election.