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Inquiries Filed Under:

World War II

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About the inquiry

The goal of this inquiry is to help students understand the various factors that caused the United States to be on the winning side in World War II. The compelling question “Why was the US on the winning side of World War II?” engages students with both the economic and military factors that contributed to a successful war effort. Students start with an examination of the home front before looking at military factors in the wars in Europe and the Pacific. Students should be able to articulate a variety of factors that caused the Allied victory.

Compelling Question

Why Was the U.S. on the Winning Side of World War II?

Staging Question

Watch a brief documentary on the dedication of the National World War II Memorial and discuss how the war affected veterans’ families.

1
Supporting Question

Why was the home front so important to the war front?

Formative Tasks

Participate in a silent conversation on big paper on the supporting question.

Sources

Source A: “Wartown: War Production in America”
Source B: Image bank: Propaganda posters
Source C: “By the Numbers: Wartime Production”

2
Supporting Question

What did the United States contribute to the Allies’ victory in Europe?

Formative Tasks

Create a “found poem” using words and phrases from the featured sources.

Sources

Source A: "Why Hitler's Grand Plan during the Second World War Collapsed”
Source B: “World War II Deaths by Countries”
Source C: “D-Day”

3
Supporting Question

How did the United States win the war against Japan?

Formative Tasks

Participate in a fishbowl conversation on the supporting question.

Sources

Source A: Excerpt from Every War Must End
Source B: Images of World War II: The Pacific Islands
Source C: Transcript of President Truman announcing the bombing of Hiroshima, August 6, 1945

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Why was the US on the winning side of World War II? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Investigate the impact of World War II on particular groups in the United States (e.g., women, African Americans, Mexican braceros).

Taking Informed Action

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