Wars that Shaped the World
A read-watch-listen guide for WW2, WW1, and the making of the Middle East
A friend recently asked me what I’d recommend for learning more about World War II, World War I, and the Israel/Palestine conflict, what I’ve watched, read, or listened to that helped me make sense of it all. I started putting together a list and figured it might be useful to share more broadly in case others are on a similar journey.
This isn’t a scholarly guide or a complete syllabus (still a work in progress!)
It’s just what’s helped me (layer by layer) to understand some of the biggest, most complex events of the last hundred years. I’ve tried to pull from a mix of sources, even ones that don’t always agree. That’s been part of the value for me: seeing history from different angles.
If you’re just getting into one of these topics, I usually recommend starting with a video or documentary to get your bearings and visualize the bigger picture. Then, if you’re up for more, podcasts are a great next step—they go deeper without feeling like a textbook. And from there, if you’re curious, I’ve included some books that stood out to me, organized by conflict and by type.
I hope it’s helpful and if you end up reading or listening to any of these, I’d love to hear what you think!
WORLD WAR II – EUROPE
1. VIDEO RESOURCES
The War – Ken Burns (PBS Documentary) A comprehensive, human-focused telling of WWII through American eyes.
2. PODCASTS
Jocko Podcast: Band of Brothers —An in-depth discussion of the legendary WWII unit, Easy Company.
Unraveling #26: The Doomsday Machine – Darryl Cooper & Jocko Willink
Explores how WWII's end gave rise to a new kind of warfare one based on fear, secrecy, and mutually assured destruction. Great context for understanding the postwar order.
3. BOOKS
GREAT:
George Marshall: A Biography– David Roll A compelling portrait of one of America’s greatest military leaders and statesmen. Roll highlights Marshall’s quiet authority, moral strength, and indispensable role in orchestrating Allied victory and postwar recovery.
