After the end of the Second World War in 1945, a long and difficult process of gradual return to normality began in Europe.
Societies had to deal with the reconstruction of ruined cities, the restoration of basic public services, and the reintegration of millions of soldiers and refugees. At the same time, political structures and social life were rebuilt, welfare systems developed, and trust and a sense of security slowly restored after the traumatic experiences of war.
Discover the first presentation from our series “The First Year After the War”, dedicated to the everyday reality of cities, towns, and countries in the direct aftermath of the Second World War. In this introductory module, we focus on Warsaw in 1945 — a city rebuilding itself from wartime destruction.
This educational resource features six archival photographs with detailed descriptions that showcase key aspects of the city’s return to normal life after WWII. The material also includes a set of classroom activities designed for students aged 13 to 18, supporting the development of historical thinking, observation skills, and critical analysis.
Explore how Warsaw emerged from the ruins and help students understand the challenges and resilience of post-war societies.
