Free Online Military History Courses and Certifications 2024
Military history is the study of warfare, conflicts, and their effects on societies, cultures, economies, and political systems. It encompasses the study of the causes of war, the social and cultural aspects of war, and the effects of war on societies, cultures, economies, and political systems.
Popular Courses
This free online course offers an in-depth exploration of the First World War and its lasting legacy. You will learn about the physical and mental trauma suffered by combatants, the traumatic experiences of civilians in wartime, and the contested origins of the war. Through this course, you will gain the skills to conduct your own research into First World War casualty statistics and explore different sources to evaluate their accuracy. Suitable for anyone with an interest in the subject, this course is a great opportunity to learn more about the effects of the First World War.
Learn More This XSeries, Civil War and Reconstruction, examines the pivotal but misunderstood era of Reconstruction that followed the Civil War. It is the first effort in American history to construct an interracial democracy and raises questions that remain central to their understanding of ourselves as a people and a nation. This course will explore the rewriting of the laws and Constitution to incorporate the principle of equality regardless of race, the accomplishments and failings of Reconstruction governments in the South, and the consolidation of a new system of white supremacy. Join this course to gain a deeper understanding of the Civil War and Reconstruction and the implications it has for their society today.
Learn More This course, Irish Lives in War and Revolution: Exploring Ireland's History 1912-1923, offers an exploration of how the events that shaped modern Ireland - the Great War, the Easter Rising, the Irish War of Independence and Civil War - were experienced by the people who lived through them. With no prior knowledge or expertise required, join this course to gain an understanding of how conflict shapes civil society and how political change, violence, and total war affect life in its most basic ways. Ciarán Wallace’s post for the FutureLearn blog, “Do you know what’s going to happen tomorrow?”, provides an insight into what to expect from this course. No software or tools are required.
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This course offers an in-depth look at the War for the Greater Middle East, from the era of Jimmy Carter to the age of Barack Obama. Learn how the war unfolded from one phase to the next, and discover the costly errors of judgment and implementation made along the way. Explore alternative approaches to policy that might have better served the interests of the United States and the people living in countries invaded, occupied, bombed and otherwise subjected to American punishment. Uncover the truth behind the failed war and gain a better understanding of the factors that inspired the United States to launch the conflict.
Learn More This free online course offers an in-depth exploration of World War I, focusing on the Western Front and the Allied armies' 'learning curve'. Led by John Connor, one of Australia's leading military historians, and a team of international historians, you will uncover the mechanics and memory of the Great War. You will learn about the development of trench warfare, the integration of new training, techniques and technologies, and the experiences of soldiers in the British, French, German and American armies. You will also explore how the social and political landscape has shaped and changed the memory of the War over the last century. No prior knowledge is required, so join us and discover the lessons and legacy of the Great War.
Learn More This course, The Civil War and Reconstruction - 1850-1861: A House Divided, is part of the XSeries, Civil War and Reconstruction. It examines the causes of the Civil War, the road to secession, the conduct of the war, the coming of emancipation, and the struggle after the war to breathe meaning into the promise of freedom for four million emancipated slaves. It also looks at how generations of historians have explained the crisis of the Union, the institution of slavery, and the political and social history of the 1850s. This course is an excellent opportunity to explore the most pivotal era in American history and gain a deeper understanding of the balance of power between local and national authority, the boundaries of citizenship, and the meanings of freedom and equality.
Learn More Explore the untold story of Kurdistan, a stateless nation with a rich culture and language. From historical injustices to modern-day struggles, witness the Kurds' resilient pursuit of their dream in the face of adversity. Join Biographics on this eye-opening journey and learn about the military history of Kurdistan. Subscribe for new videos at least twice a week and don't miss out!
Learn More Discover how the US military spends its $800 billion annual budget on war machines with Business Insider's True Cost series. Learn about the aircraft carrier and F-35 programs, and how America continues to innovate its next-generation weapons for the battlefields of Ukraine. Get the full story and more with Business Insider's top stories of the day. Visit the homepage and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok.
Learn More Explore the momentous decisions made at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 that redrew the map of the world and ushered in a new era of international relations. This three-week course, produced in collaboration with the BBC, will let you retrace the steps of those who took those decisions and assess how world organisations have become a forum for international cooperation. You'll also be encouraged to debate many of the issues that have vexed international politics since then. Join this course to gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.
Learn More As tensions with China rise, the US Army is training soldiers for jungle warfare at the 25th Infantry Division's Lightning Academy on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Graham Flanagan spent 12 days inside the Army's Jungle Operations Training Course, where soldiers of various ranks and experience levels learn to fight, move, and survive in the jungle. Only 51 of the 80 students will make it to graduation, as the rest are dropped from the course by failing one of five critical tests. Those who graduate receive the Army’s coveted jungle tab. Join Insider Business to learn more about the US Army's Jungle Operations Training Course and the intense training that soldiers go through to prepare for a possible war with China.
Learn More Retired US Army drill sergeant Lamont Christian rates US military boot-camp scenes in movies and TV shows for realism. Follow him as he breaks down the early stages of boot camp in films like "Full Metal Jacket" (1987), "Cherry" (2021), "Forrest Gump" (1994), "Jarhead" (2005), and more. Learn the plausibility of boot-camp scenarios in "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011), "Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous" (2008), and "Tribes" (1970). Plus, get an inside look at the drill sergeants and drill instructors in "An Officer and a Gentleman" (1982) and "Stripes" (1981). Join Insider and Lamont Christian to find out how real military boot camps in movies and TV shows really are.
Learn More War Stories brings you the gripping story of how US forces adapted to fight a suicidal enemy in WWII in the Pacific. Through exclusive documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts, you'll learn how the Japanese forces fought fanatically to the last man and never surrendered. Join renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Matt Lewis and more as they uncover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code WARSTORIES.
Learn More This course, The Civil War and Reconstruction - 1861 - 1865: A New Birth of Freedom, is part of the XSeries, Civil War and Reconstruction, which examines the most pivotal era in American history. It explores the causes of the war, the road to secession, the conduct of the war, the coming of emancipation, and the struggle after the war to breathe meaning into the promise of freedom. It also looks at the political, social, and economic changes in the Union and the Confederacy, the role of black soldiers, Abraham Lincoln’s wartime leadership, and the war’s long-term economic and intellectual impact. This course is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the Civil War and its lasting legacy.
Learn More Explore the fascinating history of aviation during World War 1 with this free online course from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for War Studies. Led by Dr Peter Gray, a former commander of 101 Squadron and Director of Defence Studies for the RAF, you will learn about the innovations that turned the aeroplane into a machine of war and how British factories developed to supply the Western Front with aircraft and ammunition. You will also discover how the aeroplane became commercially viable, with passenger and mail routes starting to appear, and how the government tried - and failed - to regulate the aviation industry. Produced in collaboration with the BBC and filmed at the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon, this course draws on an array of first-hand interviews and archive material. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the early days of aviation and its impact on the world.
Learn More Explore the changing faces of heroism during World War 1 with the University of Leeds and the BBC. This course will help you to discuss and challenge the ways in which World War 1 heroism has been remembered. their experts will take you through the British, French and German views of heroism and discuss important similarities and differences. Through art, literature, film and television, you will explore the portrayals of heroism before, during and after the war. You will also curate a mini exhibition, explore a war memorial and write a review of a representation of war. Join us in a fascinating reflection on the place of heroism in the centenary commemorations of World War 1.
Learn More This free online course from Monash University is part of the 100 Stories Project, commemorating the Anzac centenary and exploring the cost of war. Through a critical examination of the conflict, you will go on a journey across the battlefields of Gallipoli and the Western Front and into the homes of the ordinary people who suffered it. Hear from leading historians in the field and learn how to research your own stories. By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of one of the greatest catastrophes of the 20th Century and the skills to embark on independent research of your own. Join us to explore the themes of grief and suffering, hope, anguish and loss, and discover the stories of the 'other Anzac' - indigenous soldiers too often ignored in their history.
Learn More Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q1: What is the value of studying military history?
Thus, military history provides one of the only avenues for individuals to understand past, current, and present conflicts in context. This understanding significantly impacts their ability to prevent, initiate, engage in, and conclude wars. Ultimately, this comprehension holds the potential to shape the future of the world.
Q2: What Military History courses can I find on AZ Class?
On this page, we have collected free or certified 89 Military History online courses from various platforms. The list currently only displays up to 50 items. If you have other needs, please contact us.
Q3: Can I learn Military History for free?
Yes, If you don’t know Military History, we recommend that you try free online courses, some of which offer certification (please refer to the latest list on the webpage as the standard). Wish you a good online learning experience!