HST692   Prisoners of War in the Twentieth Century   (15 credits)

Description

The major conflicts of the twentieth century saw millions of servicemen taken prisoner. Many succumbed to ill-treatment and starvation and many others were held in captivity often for many years after hostilities were over. This unit provides a methodological and contextual introduction to the topic by comparing the internal economic, political and social factors that determined the belligerent powers' treatment of prisoners, as well as reflecting on prisoners¿ experiences through memoir material. It will also draw on the cognate discipline of international law in examining the role of international conventions in protecting prisoners, both in Europe and the wider world.

Reading List