Preparing+for+Washington+DC

= Mini-Lesson on World War II & The Holocaust =

In the 1930s, dictators in Germany, Italy, and Japan tried to conquer neighboring nations, sparking a new world war. The United States entered the war after Japanese airplanes bombed the American fleet at Pearl Harbor. As the United States organized for war, those on the home front supported the troops. Women took jobs in factories and offices and some joined special branches of the armed forces. Food was rationed to conserve resources and people grew victory gardens and purchased war bonds. However, Japanese Americans faced harsh restrictions as most were sent to internment camps. African Americans and Mexican Americans faced discrimination in the armed forces and at home. On the war front, the Allied forces fought the Axis forces in the Pacific, Africa, and in Europe. In 1942, the Allies began to turn the tide. The D-Day invasion of France in 1944 was the first step to final victory in Europe. On August 1945, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, bringing the war in the Pacific to an end.

__**Enduring Understanding:**__

 * World War II was the most important event of the 20th century and its effects are still felt today.

__**Essential Questions:**__

 * What were the causes and effects of World War II?

__ Procedure: __

1. Students will read and discuss the Causes and effects of World War II & The Holocaust and complete Chapter Vocabulary & Questions. 2. Students will watch "In Auschwitz: If You Cried, You Died" to connect the horrors of the Holocaust with the effects of bullying today.

__ 3. Project: [Timeline] __

Using The Holocaust Museum in Washington DC Information Cards and the internet, students will create a timeline showing the life of one victim of The Holocaust and the political events transpiring in that country at that time.

4. Students will read and discuss Japan & World War II and The Atomic Bomb. They will learn about Sadako Sasaki and make paper cranes as a symbol of peace.

5. Students will be shown a powerpoint on the memorials of Washington DC.