Propaganda, Resistance and Underground Operations

Course Title: Propaganda, Resistance and Underground Operations in the Second World War

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 20

Session Titles

1. The early establishment of MI5, undercover operations in the inter-war period, relations with the Soviet Union and the recruitment of spies such as the Cambridge Five.

2. Propaganda to and from Germany prior to World War II, the establishment of the Ministry of Information. The Nazi cultural ‘charm offensive’, effective in France in the 1930s. Nazi support in Britain among the aristocracy and press.

3. The work of decoding German communications at Bletchley Park and its impact on the course of the war. The reduction of U-boat attacks in the Atlantic. Operations such as ‘The man who never was’ and support of resistance movements. The eventual infiltration at Bletchley by John Cairncross, of the Cambridge Five.

4. The establishment of the SOE and the daring exploits of its agents across Europe, particularly France, Greece and the Balkans.

5. Co-ordinating with and training American Secret Service agents. Sharing information and working together in North Africa and Germany. Relations with the USSR.

6. The growth of resistance movements in Poland, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia etc; their support for the SOE and their sometimes problematic relations.

7. Double-agents, betrayals and undercover operations such as the Norwegian success in destroying the Nazi ‘Heavy water’ plant, in the race for the early construction of nuclear weapons.

8. The Italian Armistice and failure to co-ordinate resistance in the Adriatic. The intensification of propaganda and resistance in anticipation of the Allied liberation of Europe.

9. The importance of undercover operations in co-ordinating D-Day and the final push to invade Germany.

10. Mopping up after the war. Attempts at de-Nazification in Germany and to boost morale in austerity Britain. Relations with USSR and Stalin.

Course Overview

On this course we will explore the history of resistance fighters, propagandists and spies during the Second World War, not only from Britain, but those working for other countries involved in the hostilities. This included the American Office of Strategic Services, the Soviet Union's GRU and, of course, the German Abwehr.

Our understanding of these terms owes a great deal to the Second World War, and in particular the attempts by the Allies to support the work of local resistance fighters in various parts of occupied Europe.

Pre-eminent amongst these was Britain's Special Operations Executive, or SOE. By the end of the Second World War in 1945, the SOE was employing and supporting over 13,000 people across Europe, many of them women agents.

Along with the Military Intelligence branches of the British Government, the most famous of which are the two surviving branches MI5 and MI6, the guile, courage and ingenuity of agents working in propaganda, resistance and special operations against the Nazis and Japanese during the Second World War remains breathtaking.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of key resistance movements, intelligence agencies and propaganda efforts during the Second World War, including British, American, Soviet and German operations.
• Analyse the role of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and other intelligence branches in supporting resistance fighters and conducting covert operations across occupied Europe.
• Reflect critically on the motivations, risks and achievements of individuals involved in espionage, resistance and propaganda, and understand their enduring impact on how we conceptualise intelligence and special operations today.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.