In this course, we will discuss five different military disasters that led to defeat in their respective wars. During each class we will focus on a particular aspect of warfare that made the difference between victory and defeat. In so doing, we will try to answer questions like what went wrong, could it have been avoided, and did anyone see it coming? We’ll use a combination of primary and secondary source material like letters, maps, and age-appropriate video to answer these questions, in tandem with class discussion.

     Although the content of this course will include the discussion of warfare, we will be focused on the academic understanding of the conflict. We won’t be showing any graphic images, descriptions, or depictions of violence, or focusing on the morality of these conflicts in general. Naturally, parents should use their judgement and understanding of their individual learner to decide if the course is right for them! Students do not need to be experts in military history to take and enjoy this class, and regardless of whether students are new to the field or budding experts they will have the opportunity to learn and think critically!

-       Day 1: World War II on the Eastern Front - We’ll consider the German Army’s war in the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1943, focusing on the impact that supply and logistics planning had on their eventual defeat after what looked like a quick victory. 

-       Day 2: World War I & the Gallipoli campaign - We’ll investigate the allied landings at Gallipoli with an emphasis on the tactical choices made that set the ANZAC forces up for failure.

-       Day 3: the U.S. in Vietnam - We’ll examine American involvement in Vietnam, and explain how American misreading of the political situation in Southeast Asia & at home doomed their efforts to defeat Ho Chi Minh.

-       Day 4: the 6-day war - We’ll analyze the strategic choices made by the Arabs and Israelis in the 6-day war of 1967 to understand how a war several years in the making could be lost so quickly.

-       Day 5: the Gettysburg Campaign in the American Civil War: We’ll discuss the movement of armies in and around Gettysburg, focusing on the impact of terrain and roads on the battle.

One last note: for the safety of all of our students, and to ensure that I can work with each student effectively, I do require students have their cameras turned on and be visible at all times. Students who cannot comply will be moved to the waiting room.