Conflicts: World Wars

Essential Questions:
What is the proper role of the US in international politics?
Is there such thing as a “just” war?
Is the U.S. still an imperial nation today?
--
​Was WWI an imperial war?
Is it anti-patriotic to criticize the nations war effort?
Why did the US join WWII?
Why did the US intern Japanese-Americans?
In what ways did WWII advance American culture?
Was the atomic bomb necessary?
Conflicts Organizer.pdf
File Size: 39 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
LESSON: Causes of World War I
Take notes on Ms. Eckert's presentation.  With a partner, color in the first page of the WWI Map Packet, considering the question, "What did pre-WWI Europe look like?"  Then after you understand the Alliances, complete the second page of the WWI Map Packet.

Independently, complete the Cause of WWI activity.  Read and analyze documents A,B, and C and respond to the corresponding questions.
LESSON: Sedition Act
Take notes on Ms. Eckert's presentation. Complete the first part of the Sedition Activity. Discuss then complete the rest of the Sedition Activity.
Questions for the documentary:
  1. Why does the narrator blame Germany for WWI?
  2. What parallels does he draw between Wilhelm and Hitler?
  3. Are you convinced that the war was necessary? Why or why not?
LESSON: The League of Nations
Take notes on Ms. Eckert's presentation. Complete the League of Nations activity by reading documents A and B and completing the graphic organizer.
The following online readings and texts may help you extend your learning.

Readings Questions:
Respond to the following questions: 
  • What causes the war to start in Europe and why does the US get involved?
  • What were some things that US citizens did to support the war at home?
  • In what ways did WWI bring the US onto the world stage?

Reading: Zinn
Read Chapter 14.
LESSON: Rise of Fascism
Watch the video below of notes for today's class. Then watch the documentary on the 1936 Berlin Olympics. There are two key terms for today's lesson. Please use the links below for extra help.
LESSON: US Involvement in WWII
Take notes on Ms. Eckert's presentation. Watch the film on Pearl Harbor and then respond to the question, "Was military retaliation necessary after Pearl Harbor?"  For extra Primary Source evidence, watch Llyod Childers describe his experience at Pearl Harbor. What really caused US involvement in the war? Complete the causes of US Involvement in WWII activity.
 LESSON: Fireside Chats and Propaganda
Listen to one of FDR's "Fireside Chats." Then make your own radio show using a 20 second (or less) clip from FDR's speech and any music from the era. 
  • Tell the American people what happened.
  • What you think we should do.
  • What the president said and what you think that means.
  • You and your partner(s) should discuss the various sides. 
LESSON: Japanese Internment
Examine the Timeline of Japanese Internment.
Complete a Graphic Organizer and consider these questions as you watch the following WWII governmental newsreel circa 1943:
  • What were some of the reasons for internment offered in the newsreel?
  • How does the newsreel portray internment? Is it positive or negative?
  • Who do you think the audience was for this newsreel?

Then read the documents and respond to the question "Why did the US intern Japanese-Americans?"
LESSON: Nature of War
Take notes on Ms. Eckert's presentation and watch the video below.
LESSON: The Atomic Bomb
Was it necessary to drop the bomb? Take notes on Ms. Eckert's presentation. Read documents and complete the Graphic Organizer.  Decide, were the bombs a victory or a triumph for the US?  After deciding, watch the video "White Light & Black Rain" by clicking on the link provided. The video posted below does not have English subtitles.