AboutBest OfWesternEasternPacificNavyMarinesG.I. SeriesCombatPropagandaHome FrontWomen

greatest generation

When freedom and democracy were in peril, an entire generation answered the call. Our grandfathers and grandmothers put aside their hopes and dreams to save the world less than a lifetime ago and still refuse to be called heroes. The least you can do is post a photo in their honor!

@AnHistoricEdu

Combat

Contributors

annielaurie
I hollered "lordy, lordy, have mercy on me." driftingfocus
Things of Interest maynrd
Colin M. antiquitea
i understood that reference! historicalawesomeness
Historical Awesomeness iamacow
I am a Cow. oliveandjude
Olive and Jude thedurdydozen
The Ultimate Trollvenger
Ask Questions Submit Content

History On Tumblr

An historic education Though heavens may fall Oh, brother soldiers Have you your pistols Now we lie in flanders fields Greatest generation The forgotten war If you love your uncle sam Volunteer generation A republic if you can keep it

Propaganda

European Theater

Pacific Theater

  • WHY WE DO IT: Less than a lifetime ago, the only thing that mattered to a nation, a generation, and young men and women just like us was war. They lived with its hopes and fears every day. Men and women sacrificed their lives and life ambitions to make it all happen. 

    We hope these images and stories, sometimes composed and produced under fire, give you a sense of what it was like to live in the midst of total war. And here we arrive at the very reason you see old, iconic images on your dashboard every day - If you understand your past, you have a greater chance of influencing your future.

    LEARN MORE: In an attempt to offer more context and historical background to our readers, we have started curating links to stories, articles, books, and other media about WWII. 

    BEST OF: Our most popular posts on Tumblr. Check it out! Let us know your favorites and we will add them to the list. 

    THE G.I. SERIES: A look at the everyday life of the World War II soldier. Find out what it was like to live in a foxhole, take leave in Paris with buddies, write lonely letters home, and experience the terror of battle. See if you can find the common bond between soldiers from different countries, walks of life, and branches of service.

    COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHY: The journalists and cameramen during World War II brought home the war to the world every single day. Total war lived on everyone’s front porch and it influenced public sentiment and support in a way that had never been seen before. However, many of the most intense combat photographs were passed over for publication due to their graphic content or composition. We’ve done our best to give you an overview of all types of combat during WWII.

    THE HOME FRONT: Not everyone could go to war. In fact, most people who lived during the 1940’s didn’t fire a single shot. However, the real Second World War wasn’t just fought by soldiers. The conflict began as a desperate total war and ended in the destruction of millions of lives, economies, old social structures, nations, basic civic works projects, and would forever change how mankind approaches warfare. The first true modern warfare, WWII pitted American families against German families in their rationing efforts and contributions. The war effort also brought societies closer together as entire populations banded together for survival. Here is the story of the home front. 

    Follow us on Twitter at @anhistoricedu

© 2010–2012 greatest generation