Download a copy of the lesson worksheet here before you begin!
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Warm-up for the brain: Do you remember learning about the events of 9/11? Click here for a brief overview and write a brief summary of the events and emotions of the American people on that day and on the days immediately following.
For Greatest Generation Americans (those who grew up during the Great Depression and lived/fought through WW2), Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was an event that unified them, similar to how the 9/11 attacks unified Americans in 2001. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States moved from a semi-isolationist stance into a state of total war against the Axis Powers. Class Discussion! Using Padlet, respond to the following prompt: "Under what pretenses should a nation go to war? What are the possible benefits of going to war? What are the possible consequences?" Think not only in the context of a nation, but as an individual as well. Be sure to address economic, political, and social aspects." |
Familiarization. Investigate the following issues and answer the corresponding questions on the module worksheet.
Issue #1: The Lend-Lease Act
Click here to find out what the Lend-Lease Act did and how the "Arsenal of Democracy" played a role in breaking America's neutrality. You may also watch this video to enhance your learning. Answer the corresponding questions on the module worksheet.
Issue #1: The Lend-Lease Act
Click here to find out what the Lend-Lease Act did and how the "Arsenal of Democracy" played a role in breaking America's neutrality. You may also watch this video to enhance your learning. Answer the corresponding questions on the module worksheet.
Issue #2: German attacks on U.S. shipping.
German U-boats harassed Allied shipping lanes after the Lend-Lease was put into action. The U.S.S. Greer was attacked by a U-boat in Sept, 1941. In Oct 1941, The U.S.S. Kearney attacked German U-boats near Iceland after the U-boats had attacked a British-Canadian convoy nearby. The Kearney also took a torpedo hit but survived to fight another day. The U.S.S. Reuben James was attacked and sunk by a U-boat in Oct 1941. With these attacks on U.S. ships, U.S. sentiment turned against Germany and Congress enabled merchant ships to be armed and able to carry munitions for the British.
German U-boats harassed Allied shipping lanes after the Lend-Lease was put into action. The U.S.S. Greer was attacked by a U-boat in Sept, 1941. In Oct 1941, The U.S.S. Kearney attacked German U-boats near Iceland after the U-boats had attacked a British-Canadian convoy nearby. The Kearney also took a torpedo hit but survived to fight another day. The U.S.S. Reuben James was attacked and sunk by a U-boat in Oct 1941. With these attacks on U.S. ships, U.S. sentiment turned against Germany and Congress enabled merchant ships to be armed and able to carry munitions for the British.
Issue #3: Deterioration of U.S. Relations with Japan, culminating in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Watch the video and check out the slideshow below for a good summary of Pearl Harbor and the events that preceded the attack. Then answer the corresponding questions on your module worksheet.
Watch the video and check out the slideshow below for a good summary of Pearl Harbor and the events that preceded the attack. Then answer the corresponding questions on your module worksheet.
From Isolationism to War: Pearl Harbor
THE U.S.S. ARIZONA (ACTUAL FOOTAGE)
Click here for a timeline on the Pacific Theater in WW2 from National Geographic! Navigate through it at least to the Pearl Harbor attack.
Activity: You are a news reporter in Oahu on Dec 7th, 1941. You have your choice of creating a Newspaper Frontpage (need at least 3 supporting articles with images!), a Radio Broadcast (+25 XC), or a video (2-5 mins in length +25 XC) covering the Pearl Harbor attack so your fellow Americans are accurately informed as to this "day of infamy." Be sure to include specific details of the event. Some eyewitness accounts are linked below to help you. (Do not cut/paste entire paragraphs from the eyewitness accounts for your articles).
**Upload your file or link for your broadcast or video into Google Classroom using the "Add" button if you choose either of those methods.**
Pearl Harbor eyewitness account #1
Pearl Harbor eyewitness account #2
Pearl Harbor eyewitness account #3
(for these and more eyewitness accounts access: http://pearlharbor.military.com/nps_history_oral.html)
**Upload your file or link for your broadcast or video into Google Classroom using the "Add" button if you choose either of those methods.**
Pearl Harbor eyewitness account #1
Pearl Harbor eyewitness account #2
Pearl Harbor eyewitness account #3
(for these and more eyewitness accounts access: http://pearlharbor.military.com/nps_history_oral.html)
Extras! Pearl Harbor Art & Poster
The increase in anti-German sentiment due to submarine attacks on shipping in the Atlantic, coupled with Japanese imperialism culminating in the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into WWII. After the Pearl Harbor attack, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto (who had actually graduated from Harvard and knew American culture) reportedly stated, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." After Pearl Harbor, the people of the United States were no longer divided by isolationism/interventionism but galvanized together in an effort to bring about victory over totalitarian aggression in WWII.