These linked modules evaluate British policies towards the European Dictators 1933-1939 and the contribution these played towards the outbreak of war in 1939. Students will use original documents and secondary literature plus the schools of historiographical debate to explore the field. The module will be divided into two halves: thematic, and the other examining the diplomatic countdown to war. General issues, such as rearmament, intelligence and propaganda will be considered alongside the specific international crisis in the last years of peace.