Introduction
On December 7, 1941, the United States was thrust into World War II after a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. In this WebQuest, you will investigate the attack's causes, events, and consequences, analyzing primary and secondary sources to develop a deeper understanding of its impact. You will create a multimedia presentation to showcase your findings by the end.
Your mission is to answer these key questions:
- Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?
- What happened on December 7, 1941?
- How did the attack change America and the world, especially when considering Japanese Americans?
Task
You will complete this WebQuest over three days. Each day, you will explore different aspects of the event:
- Day 1: Lead-up to the Attack- Research the causes and tensions leading to Pearl Harbor.
- Day 2- The Attack- Examine the December 7, 1941 events through eyewitness accounts, photos, and media reports.
- Day 3- Consequences- Analyze the impact of the attack, including the U.S. entry into WWII and Japanese American internment.
Process
Day 1- Read about U.S.-Japan relations before 1941, examine political speeches and economic policies, fill out a cause and effect timeline, and answer the following questions in your notes-
- What were the main reasons behind U.S.-Japan tensions before 1941?
- How did U.S. economic sanctions impact Japan's decision-making?
- What role did diplomacy play in the lead-up to the attack?
- Analyze a speech by President Roosevelt before December 7, 1941, what message was he conveying?
- How did Japan justify its decision to attack Pearl Harbor?
Use the following resources to complete Day 1
https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/remembering-pearl-harbor
https://tapestry.cyark.org/content/uss-utah
Day 2- Watch newsreel footage and read eyewitness accounts, examine maps and military strategies, compare U.S. and Japanese perspectives with jigsaw activity, and answer the following questions-
- What were the key events of the attack on December 7, 1941?
- What were the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the attack?
- How did the U.S. military respond?
- How did the media portray the attack immediately after it happened?
- What were some early reactions from political leaders?
Use the following resources to complete Day 2
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/topics/pearl-harbor-december-7-1941
https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/december-07/
Day 3- Read about U.S. war mobilization and interment policies, including Executive Order 9066, compare Pearl Harbor to other historical events (ex. 9/11), and answer the following questions among classmates-
- How did the U.S. government respond to the attack?
- What were the political and emotional reactions among the American public?
- How did Pearl Harbor influence U.S. war strategy?
- What were the effects of Executive Order 9066 on Japanese Americans?
- How does Pearl Harbor compare to modern-day events that have shaped national security policies?
Use the following resource to complete Day 3
https://storycorps.org/stories/?s=pearl+harbor
Evaluation
Day 1- Fill out the graphic organizer cause-and-effect chart and answer the exit ticket: "Summarize in one paragraph why Japan saw war as inevitable."
Day 2- Complete the jigsaw activity in groups and do a think-pair-share discussion with a peer on how different people perceived the attack differently.
Day 3- Engage in classroom discussions and fill out the exit ticket: "What was the most significant consequence of the attack and why?"
To conclude this WebQuest, students will create a multimedia presentation (slideshow, video, podcast, etc.) addressing one of the following prompts to show their understanding of the Attack on Pearl Harbor:
- How did the attack on Pearl Harbor change U.S. foreign policy?
- Compare the U.S. reaction to Pearl Harbor with its response to another historical event (ex. 9/11)
- How were the different groups of people affected by the attack and its aftermath?
Students will be evaluated on research and evidence, critical thinking, presentation, and organization skills.
Conclusion
Through this WebQuest, you have explored the complexities of Pearl Harbor, from its causes to its lasting consequences. History is never just about dates-- it's about understanding how decisions and events shape the world.
Credits
Riann Rose