Modern Era

c. 1931–1941 CE

When Did the Second World War Begin? Europe, China and a Global Conflict

Manchuria in 1931, China in 1937, Poland in 1939 and Pearl Harbor in 1941 mark different stages in the growth of a global war. What does each starting…

5 min readLibradia Editorial

c. 1942–1947 CE

Ration Books and Shopping Baskets: Food in Wartime America

Ration books brought wartime supply pressures to the grocery counter. Photographs, point systems and victory gardens reveal the work behind feeding American households.

5 min readLibradia Editorial

What Are the Balkans—and Where Do They Begin?

Explore the Balkans through their geography, changing definitions and connected communities, from the Danube’s Iron Gates to Thessaloniki.

6 min readLibradia Editorial

c. 1914–1918 CE

Life in the Trenches: How Soldiers Lived on the Western Front

Look beyond attacks to the work, shelter, correspondence and strain of trench service, drawing mainly on Canadian experience in the First World War.

5 min readLibradia Editorial

AI-generated illustration

c. 1914 CE

How Did the July Crisis Lead to World War I?

Follow the decisions between Sarajevo and the outbreak of wider war through diplomatic reports, an ultimatum and competing military commitments.

5 min readLibradia Editorial