Known as the day that will live in infamy, the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was a shock to all. But why was the United States unprepared on that December morning? Study a series of primary sources in a document-based question that prompts high schoolers to analyze America's vulnerability during World War II.

Concepts

pearl harbor, document-based questions, world war ii

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Send the DBQ home for learners to practice at home
• Use the resource to review for an upcoming AP US History test
• Have learners use their essays in a class debate to discuss their different arguments

Classroom Considerations

• Font is a little small

Pros

• Repeats the writing prompt and criteria at the end of the documents for reference
• Includes different types of documents for learners to analyze
• Writing prompt is intriguing and applicable to your World War II unit

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.9-10.1 RI.9-10.2 RI.11-12.1 RI.11-12.2 W.9-10.1.a W.11-12.1.a