The birth of homological algebra (Q5916439)

In a recent issue of this journal there appeared side-by-side two excellent articles. The first, by \textit{J. Dieudonné} [ibid. 3, 347-357 (1985; Zbl 0594.55001)] described the early history of algebraic topology, with special reference to the contributions of Poincaré, Brouwer and J. W. Alexander; the second, by \textit{U. Stammbach} [ibid. 3, 359-372 (1985; Zbl 0593.20060)] discussed the development of the (integral) homology theory of groups. Stammbach was especially concerned with the relationship between properties of a group and those of its homology groups, and, although he devoted some attention at the beginning of his article to the history of the subject, he specifically disavowed the intention to go into any detail as to the relationship of the homology theory of groups to algebraic topology. It is very much to be hoped that these two articles become more generally available to anglophone readers - each author has written in his native tongue - but, meanwhile, it seemed that there might be some value in complementing these articles by describing how the homology theory of groups grew out of algebraic topology. Those who require further detail are referred to the definitive work by \textit{S. MacLane} [Enseign. Math., II. Sér. 24, 1-29 (1978; Zbl 0379.18012)].