World War II (1939-1945) was the largest, most destructive and deadliest conflict in history. Nearly every nation was involved and more than 60 million people died. This web site provides some multi-media resources with an emphasis on primary sources including first hand accounts, original documents, and materials produced during the time period. Newsreels, posters, and other primary sources let you experience the period as events unfolded. Remember, there was no television. People got their news from newspapers, radio, and newsreels shown at movie theaters.
Immerse yourself in the time. As an teenager, you may have seen your brothers, fathers and uncles join the service. Wartime communication was difficult. Imagine the worry when you had no letters for months, or the horror if your family got a telegram announcing injury or death. Although there was no fighting on U.S. soil, this conflict challenged and changed the country in many ways. As you explore this website, consider the following questions:
* What were the causes of WWII?
* How and why did the United States enter the war?
* How did war impact daily life in the United States?
* What role did propaganda play in gaining support for the war?
* What led to the decision to use atomic weapons?
* How was Hitler allowed to commit mass genocide without world intervention?
General Secondary (written after the event with the benefit of hindsight) Sources:
Interactive Time Line
Brainpop Causes of World War II --take the quiz and read the Q & A
Brainpop World War II -- take the quiz and read the Q & A
Brainpop Hitler -- take the quiz and read the Q & A
Brainpop Axis and Allies --take the quiz and read the Q & A
WWII History from the National WWII Museum
Price of Freedom Americans at War-- slow to load, but well worth the wait
The War by Ken Burns PBS
Click Here for Works Cited for items included on this page
Immerse yourself in the time. As an teenager, you may have seen your brothers, fathers and uncles join the service. Wartime communication was difficult. Imagine the worry when you had no letters for months, or the horror if your family got a telegram announcing injury or death. Although there was no fighting on U.S. soil, this conflict challenged and changed the country in many ways. As you explore this website, consider the following questions:
* What were the causes of WWII?
* How and why did the United States enter the war?
* How did war impact daily life in the United States?
* What role did propaganda play in gaining support for the war?
* What led to the decision to use atomic weapons?
* How was Hitler allowed to commit mass genocide without world intervention?
General Secondary (written after the event with the benefit of hindsight) Sources:
Interactive Time Line
Brainpop Causes of World War II --take the quiz and read the Q & A
Brainpop World War II -- take the quiz and read the Q & A
Brainpop Hitler -- take the quiz and read the Q & A
Brainpop Axis and Allies --take the quiz and read the Q & A
WWII History from the National WWII Museum
Price of Freedom Americans at War-- slow to load, but well worth the wait
The War by Ken Burns PBS
Click Here for Works Cited for items included on this page