WWII - World War II Module Overview

 

World War II

Introduction

World War II  was the deadliest conflict in history and forever changed the face of Europe. For the first time, civilians became military targets as improved technology allowed for bigger and more destructive bombs. Both sides hoped that by destroying the homefront, they could force the other into surrender. Russia lost over 20 million of its citizens in the conflict, increasing their desire to create a buffer zone between themselves and the rest of Europe. This desire leads directly to the standoff between East and West in the Cold War as the Russians liberate eastern European nations from Nazi control, only to have them become Soviet satellite states. The effects of the Holocaust can also be sharply felt as entire races of people are eliminated from some territories. Colonies later gain independence (sometimes through brutal conflict) after World War II as the European nations are too battered and broken to continue to hold their imperial empires. Europe and the world, as we know it now, was very much shaped by the events from this time.

Map Of Nation Alliances

Essential Questions

  • What were the events that led to World War II?
  • What role did the Soviet Union and Joseph Stalin play in the events leading to war?
  • What were the major stages of the war in Europe?
  • What was the Battle of Britain and why was it important?
  • What was the significance of the German invasion of the Soviet Union?
  • What role did Japan play in the events which unfolded in the European theater?
  • Who were the Allied Powers?  Axis Powers?
  • What role did the United States play in the outcome of World War II?
  • Who were the major personalities of World War II?
  • What was the relationship among the Big Three?  (Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin)
  • What was the significance of the Holocaust?
  • How did World War II affect the major European powers?

 

Textbook Assignment and Unit Review Form

As you work through this module, be certain to read the World War II chapter in your textbook. As you are reading, you may wish to jot down notes in the unit review form. This is for your notes, not to submit.

Click here to download a copy of the unit review form. Links to an external site.

 

Key Terms and People

There are several people and items you need to look over for this module. Be sure to download the ID list (linked below) - EVEN if you do not plan on defining them for your notes. This is for your notes, not to submit. You need to look over the list of terms to see what you will need to pay particular attention to in this module.

Click here to download a copy of the ID List for this module. Links to an external site.

The presentation below is helpful in seeing some of the more important people and terms, but is by no means a definitive list.

 

 

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