Introduction
World War II, also called Second World War, was a global and total war that that involved virtually every part of the world during the years 1939–45. The war took place in two arenas, or theaters, the Pacific and Europe. The primary fighters were the Axis powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan, and the Allies: France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and in part China. The war was in many ways a continuation of World War I after what was basically a 20-year break from the disputes which were left unsettled by World War I. The 40,000,000–50,000,000 deaths suffered in World War II make it the bloodiest conflict, as well as the largest war, in history!
This WebQuest seeks to reveal some of the primary causes, aspects, and results of the war. It does contain some readings and pictures that can be disturbing. If they bother you, just answer the question and move on. The point is that this was a war where millions of people were injured or killed. There is not a way to really soften the realities of war. As you navigate through the content, keep in mind war is very devastating and effects people even if they are not participating in the battles.
Task
As you explore each picture, answer the questions that follow. This WebQuest is meant to act as a summary to the war and will help us as we discuss this vital time in world history over the next week.
Process
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- What affect did the Treaty of Versailles have on the outbreak of WWII?
Causes of World War 2 | World War 2 Facts
- What year and with what action did the war effectively start in Asia (the Pacific)?
- What year and with what action did the war effectively start in Europe?
- What event caused the U.S. to enter the war? What year was it?
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- Why were posters and images so important to the war effort (on both sides)?
- Using the interactive world map located here: Map work with a partner and select one battle in the Pacific and one in Europe. List the name of the battle and no less than four sentences that explain the battle and its significance on the war. You will present this information to the class next week.
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- What was the Holocaust and why was it so important to the Nazis?
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- What was D-Day and what was the result?
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- What was VE Day, when was it, and how did it happen?
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- How/why was victory ultimately won in the Pacific theater?
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- What date did the war officially end in the Pacific? What was the date nicknamed?
Evaluation
Write a short essay explaining WWII from beginning to end and how you believe it affected the world then and now. Consider the following when answering: What were the causes? Who was involved? How long was the war? What brought the war to an end?
Conclusion
This lesson allowed you to read, see, and hear about the causes and lasting impacts WWII had on our world. Now that you have an overall understanding, we will dive into the war with a bit more focus and discuss key events which effectively changed the course of the war, all wars thereafter, and the way the world seeks to remedy conflicts to this day.