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The Road to World War II
Symbolism can be a very powerful force, for good or for bad. What does the above symbol mean to
you? What do you feel when you see this symbol? Explain your answer.
The symbol in the photo is a Nazi swastika, which was the emblem of the Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler.
This symbol holds a deeply negative historical context, representing the ideologies and actions of a
regime responsible for widespread atrocities during World War II, including the Holocaust. When I see
this symbol, it evokes strong negative emotions due to its association with hate, genocide, and the
suffering of millions of people. The impact of the Nazi swastika extends beyond its use as a political
emblem, as it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and intolerance in
history.
Is there ever a good enough reason to justify going to war? (You may write, draw, or create a mind
map.)
In my opinion, there is never a good enough reason to justify going to war. While historical events have
shown instances where nations felt compelled to defend themselves or protect human rights, the
devastating consequences of war, both in terms of human lives lost and societal destruction, outweigh
any potential justifications.
Why do you think countries desire empires? Explain your answer.
Countries often desire empires for a combination of economic, political, and strategic reasons. Acquiring
vast territories can secure valuable resources, enhance economic strength, and open up new trade
routes. The geopolitical advantage of controlling key regions may offer strategic leverage, ensuring
national security and influence over neighboring states. Additionally, the desire for imperial power can
stem from a sense of national pride, the pursuit of cultural hegemony, or a belief in the inherent
superiority of one’s own civilization.
1. What was the Rape of Nanking?
The Rape of Nanking refers to a series of atrocities committed by the Imperial Japanese Army during the
Sino-Japanese War, specifically during the invasion and occupation of the Chinese city of Nanking (now
Nanjing) from December 1937 to March 1938. The Japanese troops engaged in mass killings, widespread
rape, looting, and other brutal acts against the Chinese civilian population.
2. Define the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939
The Hitler-Stalin Pact, signed on August 23, 1939, was a non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany
and the Soviet Union shortly before the outbreak of World War II. This pact, officially known as the
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, included a commitment to refrain from attacking each other and a secret
protocol dividing Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence. The agreement allowed
Hitler to avoid a two-front war, securing his western flank, while Stalin sought to buy time for Soviet
military preparations. The pact was eventually violated by Hitler in 1941 when German forces invaded
the Soviet Union, marking a pivotal moment in the course of World War II.
3. What similar goals did Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito share?
Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Emperor Hirohito shared common goals in the prelude to World War
II, driven by a desire for territorial expansion, military strength, and authoritarian rule. Hitler aimed to
reclaim lost German territories and extend influence in Eastern Europe, while Mussolini sought to revive
a “New Roman Empire” in Africa and the Mediterranean. Hirohito aimed to expand Japanese influence
in Asia. All three leaders prioritized rebuilding and strengthening their respective military forces,
fostering nationalistic pride, and were united in their opposition to communism. These shared
aspirations formed the foundation for the Axis powers during World War II, reflecting a collective
pursuit of territorial dominance and authoritarian ideologies.
4. Why was it important to Hitler for the youth of Nazi Germany to join the Hitler Youth or the League
of German Girls? Explain your answer.
It was crucial for Hitler that the youth of Nazi Germany joined the Hitler Youth or the League of German
Girls as part of his broader strategy to indoctrinate and shape the future generation in line with Nazi
ideology. Hitler aimed to instill unquestioning loyalty to the Nazi regime and its principles from an early
age, molding young minds into fervent supporters of the Nazi cause. By integrating Nazi ideology into
the education and activities of the Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls, Hitler sought to ensure
a long-lasting influence on the political and social beliefs of the younger generation. This indoctrination
was a key component of Hitler’s plan to create a homogeneous and ideologically aligned society, where
the youth would be loyal supporters of the Nazi state.
Lesson 2: The United States and Europe Before World War II
Which country is represented in this cartoon?
What is the cartoon saying about how this country was treated before the start of World War II?
Frayer Model: Appeasement
Definition
Your definition of appeasement in your own
words.
Characteristics
Key ideas or features that makes up
appeasement.
Appeasement, in my own words, refers to a
diplomatic or political strategy where concessions
and compromises are made to satisfy the
demands of a potentially aggressive or hostile
nation or entity.
Concessions and Compromises: Appeasement
involves making diplomatic concessions and
compromises to avert conflict or satisfy the
demands of a potentially aggressive nation or
entity.
Avoidance of Conflict: The primary goal of
appeasement is to prevent the escalation of
tensions into open conflict. This may involve
accommodating the demands of an aggressor to
maintain peace in the short term.
Examples/Models
Examples of appeasement from around the
world.
Non-Examples
Non-Examples of appeasement from around the
world.
Appeasement of Nazi Germany (1930s): One of
the most notable examples of appeasement
occurred in the 1930s when European powers,
particularly Britain and France, pursued a policy
of appeasement towards Nazi Germany.
Containment Policy (Cold War): During the Cold
War, the United States and its allies pursued a
policy of containment rather than appeasement
towards the expansionist ambitions of the Soviet
Union.
Lesson 2 Evaluation
1. How would World War II have been different if Britain and France decided not to appease Hitler
and Germany?
If Britain and France had chosen not to appease Hitler and Germany in the lead-up to World War II, the
course of the conflict might have been substantially different. The policy of appeasement allowed Hitler
to annex the Sudetenland and later invade Czechoslovakia without facing immediate military
intervention. Had Britain and France taken a more assertive stance earlier, potentially refusing to
concede to Hitler’s territorial demands or responding with military force, it might have dissuaded further
aggression.
2. What are some of the benefits of a country taking an isolationist policy? What could be some of the
negatives?
Benefits:
1. Avoidance of Foreign Conflicts: Isolationism can help a country avoid entanglement in foreign
conflicts, reducing the risk of war and the associated human and economic costs.
2. Preservation of Resources: By limiting involvement in international affairs, a country may
preserve its resources and direct them toward domestic development and welfare.
3. Sovereignty and Independence: Isolationism can help maintain a sense of national sovereignty
and independence, allowing a country to make decisions based on its own priorities without
external influence.
Negatives:
1. Economic Disadvantages: Isolationism can hinder economic growth by limiting trade
opportunities and access to global markets. It may result in missed economic partnerships and
technological advancements.
2. Security Risks: Isolationism may leave a country vulnerable to security threats if it neglects
alliances and cooperation with other nations. Shared security measures are often essential in an
interconnected world.
3. International Influence: Isolationism can diminish a country’s influence on the global stage,
making it less able to shape international norms, policies, and responses to global challenges.
3. Why do you think the Czechoslovakian government was not invited to the Munich Conference?
What does this tell you about how the leaders who attended the Munich Conference felt about the
Czech people?
The Czechoslovakian government was not invited to the Munich Conference in 1938 because the
conference was primarily convened to address the territorial demands of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.
The leaders who attended the conference, including British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and
French Prime Minister Édouard Daladier, were focused on appeasing Hitler to avoid the outbreak of war.
The absence of Czechoslovakia from the negotiations underscored the disregard for its sovereignty and
the decisions about its fate were made without its direct involvement.
Lesson 3: The Course of World War II
1. Which turning point above do you feel had the biggest change to World War II? Explain your
answer.
the D-Day invasion of Normandy had the most significant change to the course of the war. The invasion,
which took place on June 6, 1944, marked a major Allied offensive in Western Europe. D-Day allowed
the Allies to establish a crucial foothold on the continent and initiate a large-scale offensive against
German-occupied territories. This operation effectively opened up a new front, relieving pressure on the
Eastern Front where the Soviets were already engaged in fierce battles with German forces. The success
of the Normandy invasion paved the way for the liberation of Western Europe, leading to the eventual
defeat of Nazi Germany. While the other turning points were pivotal, D-Day had a transformative effect
on the overall direction and outcome of the war.
Lesson 3 Evaluation
1. Which countries joined the Allied Powers?
The Allied Powers included Great Britain, the Soviet Union, the United States, and other nations that
came together to fight the Axis powers during World War II.
2. Which countries joined the Axis Powers?
The Axis Powers consisted of Germany, Italy, Japan, and other minor nations that aligned themselves in
opposition to the Allied Powers.
3. How did Hitler’s breaking of the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939 change the war in Europe?
Hitler’s breaking of the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939 changed the war in Europe by leading to Germany’s
invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. This decision meant that Germany was now fighting World
War II on two fronts, facing significant challenges due to the vast territory, harsh weather, and distance
from Germany. The Eastern Front became a major theater of war, with the conflict ultimately
contributing to Germany’s surrender in February 1943.
4. Why was Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor so important to the course of World War II?
Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was crucial to the course of World War II as it
prompted the United States to enter the war. The surprise attack caused over 3,500 casualties and led
President Franklin Roosevelt to sign a declaration of war against Japan on December 8, 1941. This event
galvanized American public opinion and commitment to the war effort, significantly influencing the
global balance of power.
5. How did the Yalta Conference affect Germany and Europe after World War II?
The Yalta Conference, held in 1945, affected Germany and Europe after World War II by outlining the
post-war division of Germany into two halves—west and east—to weaken it. The rest of Europe was left
divided into generally democratic western nations and communist eastern nations, with the boundary of
this divide known as the Iron Curtain. The decisions made at Yalta played a significant role in shaping the
geopolitical landscape of post-war Europe and contributed to the beginning of the Cold War.
Lesson 4: The Holocaust
What does the word “Holocaust” mean to you? Explain your answer.
The word “Holocaust” refers to a period during World War II when the Nazi regime, led by Adolf Hitler,
systematically perpetrated genocide against six million European Jews, along with millions of other
targeted groups, including Romani people, disabled individuals, Poles, Slavs, and others. The Holocaust,
also known as the Shoah, involved mass extermination through methods such as mass shootings, forced
labor, starvation, and most notably, the use of extermination camps with gas chambers. The Holocaust
represents one of the darkest chapters in human history, symbolizing the extreme consequences of
hatred, prejudice, and unchecked power.
Lesson 4 Evaluation
1. Explain the Nazi Ideology of “racial purity.”
Nazi Ideology of “racial purity” was based on the belief that certain races, particularly the Aryan race,
were superior, while others, especially Jews, were considered inferior. The Nazis sought to maintain the
“purity” of the Aryan race by implementing discriminatory laws and policies against those they deemed
racially undesirable.
2. What was Hitler’s “Final Solution?”
Hitler’s “Final Solution” referred to the systematic plan to annihilate the Jewish population of Europe. It
involved the establishment of extermination camps, mass shootings, and other methods to achieve the
genocide of millions of Jews.
3. What impact did the Holocaust have on the Jewish population of Europe?
The Holocaust had a devastating impact on the Jewish population of Europe. Six million Jews were killed
during the Holocaust, representing a significant portion of European Jewry. Families were torn apart,
communities were destroyed, and the trauma endured by survivors had profound and lasting effects.
4. How did the persecution of the Jewish people turn into genocide?
The persecution of the Jewish people escalated into genocide as the Nazis implemented the “Final
Solution.” This transition involved the mass extermination of Jews in concentration and extermination
camps, where they were systematically murdered through gas chambers, mass shootings, forced labor,
starvation, and other atrocities.
5. Why do you think the German people went along with the Nazi policy of persecution and murder of
the Jews?
The German people’s compliance with the Nazi policy of persecution and murder of the Jews can be
attributed to a combination of factors, including propaganda, fear, indoctrination, and the authoritarian
nature of the Nazi regime. Propaganda portrayed Jews as enemies and scapegoats, fostering a climate of
hatred and dehumanization. Many Germans were afraid to resist due to the consequences of opposition
under a totalitarian regime, and the pervasive influence of Nazi ideology contributed to widespread
complicity.
Lesson 5: The Human Costs of World War II
Lesson 5 Evaluation
1. How did technology change the way World War II was fought?
Technology significantly changed the way World War II was fought, introducing advancements such as
tanks, aircraft, submarines, and improved weaponry. The use of radar, code-breaking machines, and the
development of nuclear weapons also had a profound impact on the strategies and outcomes of the
war.
2. Explain the difference in the totals of military deaths between Russia and the United States
The difference in the totals of military deaths between Russia and the United States during World War II
can be attributed to various factors, including the size of their respective populations, the intensity and
duration of the conflict in each region, and the strategies employed by each country. Russia’s higher
military losses may be linked to the Eastern Front’s brutal battles and the large-scale warfare fought on
Soviet territory.
3. What factors do you think a country’s leader consider when deciding whether to surrender or fight?
When deciding whether to surrender or fight, a country’s leader considers factors such as the military
strength of their own forces and those of the enemy, the geopolitical situation, public sentiment,
economic resources, diplomatic alliances, and the potential consequences of surrender. The decision is
complex and involves weighing various strategic, political, and humanitarian considerations.
4. What were the Nuremburg Trials?
The Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals held after World War II to prosecute prominent
leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The trials took place in the city of
Nuremberg, Germany, between 1945 and 1946, and they aimed to bring key figures of the Nazi regime
to justice for their involvement in atrocities and aggressive war-making.
Performance Task Check In
Approximately 70 million individuals lost their lives over the course of World War II. Do you feel that
the costs of the war, both in human lives and financially, was worth fighting the war? Explain your
answer.
The assessment of whether the costs of World War II, both in human lives and financially, were worth
fighting the war is subjective and depends on individual perspectives. Some may argue that the war was
necessary to defeat tyranny and aggression, while others may question the immense human suffering
and destruction that occurred. Ultimately, opinions on the worthiness of the war’s costs vary based on
historical, ethical, and personal considerations.
Performance Task—World War II Technology and Casualties
Directions: Using the Internet or a textbook from your teacher, complete the graphic organizer below.
This graphic organizer will help you look at various different items of technology and tactics and will
help show you how they changed between World War I and World War II. If you have a textbook as a
resource, you can find information on pages 413 and 414 for World War I and on pages 491, 512, and
520-525 for World War II.
Weapon
Description of WWI Technology
Tank
Very slow, moving about 4 mph
and only could go for about 22
miles. Armor was about 6-12
mm thick.
Early airplanes were relatively
slow, with speeds ranging from
70 to 110 mph. They were
mainly used for reconnaissance
and occasional dogfights. The
aircraft were made of wood and
fabric, and armament was
limited.
Airplane
Infantry Weapons (machine
guns, flame throwers, side
arms)
Machine guns, while effective,
were heavy and cumbersome.
Flame throwers had limited
range, and side arms (pistols)
were standard issue.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
(poison gas, atomic bombs)
Poison gas was used, including
chlorine and mustard gas,
causing widespread casualties.
However, these were not as
destructive as later weapons of
mass destruction.
Trench warfare was a dominant
strategy, characterized by static
front lines and extensive trench
systems.
Strategic Tactic (Blitzkrieg,
Scorched Earth, Trench
Warfare)
Description of WWII
Technology
Much faster, moving at 24 mph
and could travel for 100 miles.
Armor much thicker, at 62 mm.
Advanced significantly with
faster speeds, ranging from 300
to over 400 mph. There was a
shift towards monoplane
designs with more powerful
engines. Bombers played a
crucial role, and fighter planes
were heavily armed with
machine guns and cannons.
Machine guns became lighter
and more portable. Submachine
guns, like the Thompson,
became prominent. Flame
throwers saw improvements in
range and efficiency. Side arms
remained standard but with
some advancements in design.
The development and use of
atomic bombs marked a new
era of devastating weaponry.
The bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki had profound and
long-lasting effects.
Blitzkrieg (lightning warfare)
emerged as a strategic tactic,
emphasizing speed, surprise,
and coordinated use of infantry,
tanks, and air support. Scorched
Earth tactics involved
destroying resources to impede
the enemy’s advance, as seen in
the Eastern Front.
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