Collapse: The Second World War from 1931 to 1941 with Jonathan Fennell
Location:
National Army Museum
Date & time:
Friday 2 Oct 2026, 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Price:
£15.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)
Join Jonathan Fennell as he discusses the first part of his landmark global history of the Second World War with his new volume: Collapse: A Global History of the Second World War, 1931-1941
About the event
Collapse is the first volume of an authoritative trilogy that tells the story of the Second World War through an international lens, covering theatres of war in multiple continents and analysing the worldwide trends that descended into chaos.
Combining military, political, social and economic history, Professor Jonathan Fennell explores the first part of this “long war”, from 1931-1942, through exciting new sources that explore what it really meant to live through this violent time.
Festival planning
Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at the National Army Museum. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.
Estimated walking times from this venue: 3 minutes to Royal Hospital Chelsea, 4 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 5 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 10 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 12 minutes to Cadogan Hall, 14 minutes to Chelsea Old Church and 23 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.
Additional information
This event is eligible for our 20% ticket bundle discount.
Book tickets to three or more different events across the festival and you can save 20%. Tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and the discount will automatically be applied within the basket.
About the speaker
Professor Jonathan Fennell is Professor of the History of War and Society at King’s College London. His research focuses on the history of Britain and the Commonwealth and the transnational history of the Second World War. Having previously written two books, Collapse is the first of a trilogy of global history exploring explores the causes, conduct and consequences of the Second World War.
FAQs
Is the National Army Museum accessible?Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Summer in Chelsea: Mould Your Own Medal
- 21 - 24 July 2026
- National Army Museum
- Free
Summer in Chelsea: Marching Orders – Admirable Artwork Family Tour
- 28 - 29 July 2026
- National Army Museum
- Free
Join a family-friendly gallery tour exploring Victorian military art and the stories hidden inside each painting.
More infoSummer in Chelsea: Heroic Headwear Workshop
- 30 - 31 July 2026
- National Army Museum
- Free
Create your own Army-inspired headwear in this free family craft workshop at the National Army Museum.
More infoCHQ Highlights Walking Tour
- 31 July 2026, 2.00pm
- Chelsea Physic Garden
- £20.00
Explore the stories, streets and hidden corners of Chelsea Heritage Quarter on a guided walking tour with Emily Laurence Baker.
More info