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World War II

A guide to the international conflict (1939-1945).

Kean University History Department

Visit the History Department's web page for excellent "Research Paper" resources:

Subject-Focused Encyclopedias

Need to select a research topic or find background information?  

The Reference Collection includes a variety of different sources, such as: subject-focused encyclopedias, handbooks, almanacs, maps/atlases, statistical compendiums, dictionaries, and more. Look here to find introductory articles on subject-related topics. The broad perspective offered by such articles often proves helpful for narrowing research topics before pursuing more in-depth information. 

This guide provides some recommendations for encyclopedias and other reference resources that might provide helpful information relating to your topic.

Recommended Subject-Focused Books

Glory in Their Spirit

Electronic Resource

Citizen Internees

Electronic Resource

Tragedy and Triumph

Electronic Resource

The Sailor

Electronic Resource

War at the Margins

Electronic Resource

Rethinking World War Two

Electronic Resource

Innocent Witnesses

Electronic Resource

Recommended Online Reference Databases

The following databases provide access to online encyclopedias covering multidisciplinary topics. Remember, these subject encyclopedias are great sources of background information on countless topics.

Working from off campus? If so, you will need to log in with your Kean Google username and password.

Recommended Multimedia Databases

Working from off campus? If so, you will need to log in with your Kean Google username and password.

Recommended Statistics Databases

The following databases provide access to statistics and other kinds of data.

Working from off campus? If so, you will need to log in with your Kean Google username and password.