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U.S. Leadership in World War II
Young scholars examine the political and military leadership of the United States during World War II. Once they have assessed the qualities of leadership, they compose essays identifying specific qualities of these leaders . Using...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Examining an Important Battle in WWII
In this military history assignment, research provides a foundation for a report on the United States' strategy for a specific battle during World War II. This resource does not include recommended sources of information or a rubric....
Curated OER
Turning the Tide in Europe, 1942-1944
High schoolers explore the overall strategies pursued by the Americans and their British allies in the initial months of World War II in Europe. By examining military documents, students examine the decision to invade North Africa...
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Rescuers Who Made a Difference
Pupils explore the many ways that people helped Jews during the Holocaust. In this World War II instructional activity, students read and discuss The Yellow Star by Carmen Agra Deedy. Pupils journal about times when they were bystanders...
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Victory in the Pacific, 1943-1945
Students examine the military campaigns of the Pacific theater, tracing the path of the Allied offensives. The lesson presents what the Allies were trying to accomplish and why.
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The Great War: Evaluating the Treaty of Versailles
Young scholars examine and evaluate the Treaty of Versailles. They read and discuss primary source documents, explore various websites, develop a list of postwar goals for France, Germany, and the U.S., and evaluate whether the treaty...
Curated OER
Turning the Tide in the Pacific, 1941-1943
Students analyze the Japanese strategy for the Pacific and compare it to the Allied strategy. They identify on a map the sites that were important the early war in the Pacific, and identify key military engagements.
Curated OER
Victory in the Pacific
Students explore the overall Allied strategy in the Pacific from 1943-1945 and assess its effectiveness. They explore the reasons why the atomic bomb was used and why use of that weapon was controversial.
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Turning the Tide in Europe, 1942-1944
Learners identify the reasons why the U.S. government decided to focus on the defeat of Germany and Japan and assess the wisdom of this decision. They analyze the magnitude of the U-Boat threat in the Atlantic.
Curated OER
D-Day: June 6, 1944
Students examine the preparations for the invasion of France on June 6, 1944. After viewing a clip from "The War", they identify the demands and concerns of all military leaders for this invasion. They use maps to examine the...
National WWII Museum
“My Dear Little Boys…” Interpreting a letter home from the war
Letters have long been prized by historians as primary sources for what they reveal not only about events but also about the emotional responses of the writers to these events. "My Dear Little Boys," a letter written by Leonard Isacks on...
Curated OER
Propaganda
Students discuss wartime propaganda after viewing the World War II film "Christmas Under Fire." They answer discussion questions, identify passages of propaganda from a transcript of the film, and write a brief from the Ministry of...
Curated OER
Never To Forget
Tenth graders discuss the events leading up to antisemitic behavior in Europe during World War II. Through various activities, 10th graders acquaint themselves with the political ideology of Nazism and assess responsibility for the...
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D-day Message from General Eisenhower to General Marshall
Students analyze a "top secret" document written by Eisenhower. They identify and chart cliches for those about to go into battle and read related poetry. They invite a veteran to describe the D-Day invasion.
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D-Day: A Call to Courage
Students examine the events surrounding the D-Day invasion. They watch and discuss a documentary, answer discussion questions, conduct Internet research, simulate war correspondents going ashore, and create a multimedia presentation.
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Terminating the War between the Allies and Japan
Ninth graders examine the arms race that took place in the period leading up to and during World War II that produced the atomic bomb. They analyze differing perspectives on terminating the war between the Allies and Japan. They ...
Curated OER
Working Women of WWII: Primary Documents: The Editorial Cartoon
Students examine the role of women in the workplace during World War II. They identify social conflicts, view and analyze editorial cartoons, participate in a group discussion, and answer discussion questions.
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The German Occupation of the Rhineland
Learners discover the history of WWII by investigating the Nazis. In this World History instructional activity, students identify the Rhineland, the Treaty of Versailles, and how Nazis broke the agreement. Learners read transcripts...
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Women Air Force Service Pilots
Tenth graders evaluate the contributions of female services pilots during World War II. They discuss the service of the women as well as the conditions they confronted. Students compare and contrast the treatment of male and female...
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From the Four Corners 2
Students view a propaganda film made by the British government during World War II and examine the links between "British values" and British history. They view and discuss the film, and as a class identify and list "British values"...
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Post-War Japan
Students research the conditions of post-war Japan. In groups, they examine the plans that were put into place for the country and identify the attitude of the Allies. To end the lesson, they discuss the changes that came about in their...
Curated OER
Introduction To The European Union
A lot happened to European economics, policy, and social systems after WWII. This 24 page social studies packet provides images, reading passages, comprehension questions, and critical thinking questions regarding all things Europe from...
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The Man Who Made the Normandy Invasion Possible, Andrew Higgins
Learners examine the contribution of Andrew Higgins to WWII. They watch a video about Andrew Higgins and the Normandy invasion, answer questions about the video, and write an obituary for Andrew Higgins.
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WWII German Submarine Warfare: U505
Students research how the capture of a German submarine by the Allies affected the outcome of WWII. In this WWII instructional activity, students complete a KWL chart. Students research primary source documents online and answer...