American Battle Monuments Commission
World War II: A Visual History
Explore the enormity of World War II, including its causes, prominent battles, and historical figures, with an interactive map and timeline. Divided into each year from 1939 to 1945, as well as sections pre- and post-war, the resource...
National History Day
Why Did the United States Enter World War I in 1917?
World War I was the first major conflict on a global scale. Using primary documents, learners determine why the United States chose to enter World War I when it did. After analytical writing and group research, the causes of America's...
Curated OER
World War II
Offering a comprehensive overview of the beginning of World War II, this resource could be a useful addition to a unit on this topic. It could be used as a way to lead a discussion on the war, or as a review tool before a test. Either...
National History Day
Propaganda Posters of World War I: Analyzing the Methods Behind the Images
The power of a picture. During the events surrounding World War I, propaganda posters were widely distributed in American society to sway the emotions of its citizens. By analyzing World War I propaganda posters in the first installment...
Curated OER
World War I
Using maps, diagrams, and lists, this resource is a wonderful way to review the main concepts involving WWI. There are charts with a comparison of imperialism and nationalism, and other key ideas that explain how Europe plunged into this...
Curated OER
Countries Involved in World War II
Students create their own floor map of Europe, Northern Africa, and the Pacific. They locate, identify, and speak for one of the countries involved. In addition, they classify the country they represent as an Axis Power or as an Allied...
Curated OER
The Brief American Pageant: American in World War II
From the home front to the middle of Europe, America's presence in World War II was forever transitioning with the strain of war. The variety of maps and charts offered in this presentation helps to contextualize the 1940's. The amount...
American Battle Monuments Commission
The Great War: A Visual History
Immerse yourself in the military operatives of the Great War with an interactive timeline and map. As high schoolers click on each year of World War I, they can select individual battles, campaigns, troop movements, and notable victories...
Curated OER
Lesson 3: Japan's "Southern Advance" and the March toward War, 1940-1941
High school historians interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources to decide if the southern advance was a reckless step toward war, or if it was reasonable. They research the Japanese southern advance tactics during the...
Curated OER
The Brief American Pageant: The War to End Wars
While World War I was more of a link of the chain of events in the early 20th century, its historical reputation as "the war to end all wars" has carried through the decades since. This series of slides, though short, shows the major...
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
Chamberlain and Hitler, 1938--What Was Chamberlain Trying To Do?
Explore events prior to World War II. Learners view replicas of authentic photographs and hand written documents representing the viewpoints of Adolf Hitler and Neville Chamberlain. They discuss alternate viewpoints, consider historical...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The New Order for "Greater East Asia"
Sometimes the New Order becomes synonymous with its implications for European countries, but what about its consequences for East Asia? The final instructional activity in a four-part series teaches scholars about World War II. High...
American Battle Monuments Commission
The Strategic Bombing Campaign
An extensive look at World War II details the strategic bombing campaign of the Allied forces. Beginning in September 1939 and ending in May 1945, the interactive map follows British and American forces throughout the bombing campaigns...
American Battle Monuments Commission
The Battle of the Atlantic
World War II is known for its land and air battles in Europe, but the waters of the Atlantic saw its share of skirmishes from 1939 to 1945. Learn more about the roles of the Allied powers in establishing ocean territory during World War...
Curated OER
Identifying, Mapping, and Personifying Countries Involved in WWII
Get artsy with this WWII group activity, starting with a whole-class assignment. Create a map of Europe, Northern Africa, and the Pacific using geometric shapes cut from construction paper and placed on the floor. Consider splitting the...
Curated OER
Where in the World War? Mapping WWII in the Pacific
Learners explore the Pacific Theatre of War. In this World War II lesson, students use reference material to access information about significant locations in the Pacific Theatre of War. Learners identify the locations of the listed...
Curated OER
Mapping World War II: During and After
In this World War II activity, students follow the provided instructions to mark 2 maps according to events and outcomes of the war.
Curated OER
Introduction to World War II
Eleventh graders recognize why wars are started and identify and color 3 countries involved with World War II.
Curated OER
World War II Geography
Students explore the geography of Europe. In this World War II lesson plan, students study and represent countries involved in the war as they participate in a simulation that requires them to discuss war events and how their countries...
Curated OER
Causes of World War One Question Overview
In this causes of World War I worksheet, students respond to 14 fill in the blank questions and complete a graphic organizer. A word bank and glossary are provided.
Curated OER
Causes of World War II
In this World War II activity, students view a PowerPoint presentation on the war and then respond to 82 short answer questions about the content of the presentation. The PowerPoint presentation is not included with this activity.
National Endowment for the Humanities
How "Grand" and "Allied" Was the Grand Alliance?
Learn more about the Grand Alliance with a scaffolded lesson plan that includes four activities. Class members use primary sources to complete a map exercise, understand the goals and objectives of each individual nation, and participate...
American Battle Monuments Commission
Americans in Great Britain: 1942-1945
Watch the pivotal moments of America's presence in embattled Britain during World War II with an exceptional interactive tool. From personal stories about life on the front lines to a map that tracks every group and division throughout...