Center for History Education
To What Extent Were Women's Contributions to World War II Industries Valued?
Women rose to the challenge when the nation's war effort called them—but were sent home when the GIs came back from World War II. Young historians consider whether the United States valued women's contributions during the war using a...
National History Day
A Clever War: Scientific and Technological Advances in World War I
Technology—changing lives and transforming war. Your tech-loving historians examine photographs and primary documents to explore how technology changed not only World War I, but also how it moved society forward. They apply their...
Curated OER
World War II
Almost every big city has a war memorial, and many have memorials specific to WWII. This is a preparatory lesson plan for learners going on a trip to visit a local war memorial site. They are introduced to WWII through a simple time line...
A&E Television
The World Wars
Contemporaneously known as The Great War, World War I had never seen its match on the global stage—until World War II. An engaging set of resources designed to extend a viewing of the History Channel's The World Wars features discussion...
Curated OER
Evacuation: The Japanese Americans in World War II
Students examine Japanese internment camps of World War II. In this World War II lesson, students use primary and secondary sources to research the evacuation process and life within the internment camps. Students discuss the racial bias...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
U.S. Immigration Policy and Hitler’s Holocaust
Though the Statue of Liberty welcomes political refugees to her shores, the welcoming sentiment has not always been reflected in the American citizenry. High schoolers read about the regrettable period in United States history when the...
Curated OER
Coming of Age During Japanese Occupation: Richard E. Kim's Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Boyhood
Explore the implications of the Japanese occupation of Korea during World War II. Learners read Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Boyhood, participate in classroom discussions about the novel and keep journals in which they respond to...
Curated OER
World War II: Causes and Consequences
Tenth graders examine Hitler's occupation of Europe and the Allies' efforts to fight it. In this World War II lesson, 10th graders examine how World War II changed American society, especially for women. Students analyze a print ad...
Curated OER
AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT IN WORLD WAR II: THE PACIFIC THEATER 1941-1945
Tenth graders describe roles of key figures in the Pacific Theater of war during World War II. In this American History lesson, 10th graders research key events of the Pacific Theater of War during World War II. Students analyze...
Curated OER
The Unseen Army: Conscientious Objectors During World War II
Learners study World War II and why it was called "the Good War". In this World War II instructional activity students identify the different kinds of conscientious objectors.
Curated OER
World War I
Students justify how alliances lead to war. They compare the conflicts of war that arose because of imperialist interest. Students explain the cause of World War I. They compare and contrast European maps before and after World War I....
Curated OER
Italian Enemy Aliens During World War II: Evacuation from Prohibited Zones
Students read and discuss the Enemy Alien Evacuation Order. They perform research by reading newspaper articles from February 1942 as well as investigating available information on the Internet. Students work in groups to create a...
Curated OER
What Caused WWII?
In this causes of World War II study guide worksheet, learners read a brief overview pertaining to the time period in world history and then respond to a reflection question.
Smithsonian Institution
Changing Gender Roles on the Home Front
Many historians discuss how gender roles changed because of World War II, but how did this come to be? An informative resource challenges scholars to do some digging and research the information for themselves. They research how...
Smithsonian Institution
Battle of the Bulge: America Responds to a German Surprise
World War II and the Battle of the Bulge are the focus of a history resource. Exercises include analyzing images, writing letters in the mindset of a soldier, and even immersing oneself in a cold experience to better empathize with the...
Curated OER
Causes of WWII
In this causes of World War II worksheet, young scholars read key reasons that the war escalated this graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Over the Top: Trench Warfare in the First World War
Young scholars are able to give three reasons men joined up to fight in World War I. They are able to place in order the event leading to the outbreak of war and describe the soldiers arrival in the trenches. Students are able to ...
Curated OER
Social Changes in America Caused by World War II
Students research and examine the social changes that occured in the United States during World War II. In pairs they conduct research using a variety of resources, and organize and compose a "Guide to Life" for veterans returning home...
Curated OER
Atomic Bomb Debate
Students research the decision to end World War II by dropping the atomic bomb. In this world history lesson plan, students explore information on the atomic bomb and the decision of the tactics to use it. They also watch a video and...
Curated OER
The Political Dr. Seuss
Students discuss the role political cartoons have played in U.S. politics and public affairs since the 1700's. They analyze some of the political cartoons Dr. Seuss drew during World War II and discuss how these cartoons conveyed his...
Curated OER
Post-War Suburbanization: Causes and Interpretations
In this teaching American history worksheet, young scholars examine a primary source document regarding post-World War II suburbanization. Students discuss their impressions of the document.
Curated OER
What Did You Do After the War, Grandpa?
Students consider how World War II impacted Europe and European soldiers. For this Victory in Europe lesson, students visit selected websites to discover information about the war, its conditions, and the celebration that ensued at the...
Curated OER
What is to Become of the World After the War?
Students analyze primary sources regarding World War II. For this World War II lesson, students read "The Atlantic Charter," and respond to questions about the document.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan on World War II: Illinois Role-The 33rd Infantry Division
Students complete several creative writing assignments regarding the 33rd Infantry Division of Illinois, which was active during World War II. They discuss how this war brought about changes in the state of Illinois and specifically,...