Discover the gripping story of World War II in Europe by joining Dr. Ian Drake's engaging talk, where you'll unravel the dramatic rise and fall of Nazi Germany. Dive deep into the ambitions and strategies of Germany and its allies, exploring not just military tactics but the powerful ideological and cultural forces driving the Nazi regime. Experience the breathtaking moments that shaped history—from the shocking fall of France to the relentless advance into the Soviet Union, and the game-changing entry of the United States. Relive the suspenseful lead-up to D-Day and the heroic Normandy Invasions of 1944. Through vivid storytelling and expert analysis, this session illuminates the pivotal mistakes and strategic blunders that ultimately led to Germany's defeat. Perfect for anyone fascinated by history, warfare, or the complex interplay of ideas and events that changed the world forever—reserve your seat now and see history come alive!

In this talk we will analyze how the end of WWII affected the main belligerents and the long-term effects of the war on the global order. This will include a review of the shared and conflicting goals of the Allies, and an assessment of how the war shaped the Cold War between the USSR and United States.

Explore the dramatic origins and turning points of World War II in Asia in this immersive session with Dr. Ian Drake - discover how the conflict began long before Pearl Harbor, as Japanese ambitions set the stage for a struggle that would shape the entire region. Uncover Japan’s war aims and the underlying motivations driving its expansion across Asia, starting with the invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and the pivotal Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, which many historians regard as the true beginning of the war in Asia. Journey through key events including the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the fierce Battle of Midway, and the relentless island-hopping campaign. Witness how the war culminated in the devastating use of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which finally brought hostilities to an end. Through vivid storytelling and expert insights, this talk illuminates the critical mistakes, strategic choices, and complex cultural dynamics that shaped both Japan’s rise and its ultimate defeat. Ideal for anyone passionate about history, global conflict, or the forces that transformed the modern world—reserve your seat and experience history come alive!

In this talk we will review the end of WWI and how the settlements of that war led to WWII. The Peace of Paris in 1919 led to the conditions that helped the Nazis rise to power in Germany and the economic conditions that aided the Nazi cause. We will also explore the rise of Imperial Japan at its efforts to dominate the Pacific and Asia. Finally, we will address the question of whether a different settlement to WWI might have avoided the next war and whether there were any opportunities to avoid WWII in the last months before the war.