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Introduction to World War II

Lesson Plans by Matt Campbell

When beginning a unit on World War II, it can be helpful for students to first understand the origins and major themes of the war before they dive into the events that would forever change the course of history. The activities in this lesson plain aim to examine how the aftermath of World War I planted the seeds of conflict that brought about World War II. Students will also gain a better understanding of the leaders in power at the time, the innovations made to warfare and weaponry, and the global influence of the war.

Student Activities for Introduction to World War II

5 Ws of a Cause of WWII

Introduction to World War II - 5 Ws: Who What Where When Why

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Significant Leaders

Introduction to World War II - Leaders of World War II

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Innovations

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Theatres of War

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Biography Poster

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Essential Questions

What were the causes that lead to World War II?
Who were the major leaders of World War II?
What new technology or innovations were used during the war?
What were the theaters of World War II?

World War II

On November 11th, 1918 World War I or “the war to end all wars” came to an end. Many believed that World War I would be the most catastrophic combat the world would ever see. But in 1939, the world watched Germany invade Poland and once again, humanity witnessed the world spiral into an even more deadly and destructive war. World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945 and over thirty countries took part in a global conflict that resulted between 50,000,000 to 80,000,000 deaths. The most destructive war in human history spanned throughout the globe and forever shaped the geopolitical landscape of the world as we know it.

Before a student of history can understand the magnitude of this global conflict, it is imperative to first answer the question, “How did this war happen?” and hopefully discuss how we can prevent this from ever happening again. Through the examination of the origins of World War II, students will understand the horrific impacts that can occur when the power of leaders go unchecked and hate, along with fear, can quickly spread throughout a planet.

Check out other lesson plans on history and literature during World War II and Holocaust

Image Attributions

2000-158-65 Uniform Patch,Olympics, 1912 • Naval History & Heritage Command • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
2252-George Patton y Erwin Rommel en Coruña • jl.cernadas • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Battle of Midway remembrance poster #7 • Official U.S. Navy Imagery • License United States Government Work (http://www.usa.gov/copyright.shtml)
Château de Versailles • Victoriano Rivero • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Château de Versailles - Galería de los Espejos • Victoriano Rivero • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Conference Table at Versailles • Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
Edward and Julius Koester at Camp Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina • State Library and Archives of Florida • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
General Patton & his dog Willie • mbtrama • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Gresham Encyclopedia - Europe after WW1 • Jon Ingram • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Ike and Patton reviewing Troops Bodmin England • Chris Tingom • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Iwo Jima 7 • ~Ealasaid~ • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Nakajima Aircraft, Ota, Japan 1945 19 of 37 • rich701 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Olympic Logo 2008 • digibard • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Sherman Tank • Thomas's Pics • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Surrender of Japan, 2 September 1945 Navy carrier planes fly in formation over the U.S. and British fleets in Tokyo Bay during surrender ceremonies. • San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
Tank • mrsdkrebs • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
The Committee on Public Information during WW1 • dbking • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Valentine Tanks on the Assembly Line • Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
Wood • palacy • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Wood • palacy • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

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