Introduction

In this unit, we will learn about how the United States moved from a policy of isolationism to becoming a dominant world power. We will learn how dictators came to power and how the United States eventually became involved in World War II. We will also learn about how World War II changed the outlook of world-wide economics, military, and overall world power. Lastly, we will learn about the horrific event of the holocaust which led to the death of thousands of people.

Focus Questions:

Why did the United States not want to become involved in World War II?

What led to the United States becoming involved in World War II?

What were the effects of World War II?

The Who's & What's of WWII

Welcome Back, Students!

Today we will begin the much anticipated unit that revolves around the events of World War II.

In your journal: To begin, please draw the following table in your social studies journal. Then, I want you to consider each person or event and record what you know, have heard, or predict about each one. As you learn about the terms, you will come back to this chart and complete the bottom portion.

Pearl Harbor, D-Day, Holocaust, VE Day, Iwo Jima, Hiroshima

Nagasaki, VJ Day, Allies, Axis, Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill

Harry S Truman, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Emperor Hirohito, Rationing, Rosie the Riveter

Tuskegee Airmen, Eleanor Roosevelt, United Nations

Don’t forget to come back to this chart throughout the unit to add information to the “What is it?” section of each person, event, or term.

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