Ukraine & WWII: Historical Insights

In the wake of Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, people are seeking answers from history. While loss of life is our primary concern, we are also outraged that an attack today inflicted damage on the Babyn Yar Memorial, sacred ground where more than 33,000 Jews were murdered. During the past week, our online Holocaust Encyclopedia has helped the public find answers—here are the most-read articles:

What Is Genocide? A Crime That Targets Groups Discover its origin >>

World War II: History’s Largest and Most Destructive Conflict An in-depth overview >>

Under the Code Name Operation “Barbarossa,” Nazi Germany Invaded the Soviet Union in 1941 Learn more >>

The Axis and the Allies: The Rise and Fall of WWII Alliances Read the history >>

World War I Marked the First Great International Conflict of the 20th Century Its history and aftermath >>

German Troops Invade Poland in 1939, Sparking World War II View film and article >>

Photos: Jewish women and children walk toward the gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau, 1944. USHMM, courtesy of Yad Vashem; German troops parade through Warsaw, Poland, 1939. National Archives; German infantry during the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. USHMM, courtesy of Philipp Merillat; Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini in Munich, Germany, circa 1941. National Archives; Soldier of Company K, 110th Regiment Infantry, receives first aid in France, 1918. National Archives; Polish civilians clear the rubble of a bombed out building in Warsaw, Poland, 1939. USHMM, Julien Bryan Archive