World War II Begins
Write On
Grade 5
Learner Expectation
History
Content Standard: 5.0 History
History involves people, events, and issues. Students will
evaluate evidence to develop comparative and casual
analyses, and to interpret primary sources. They will
construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on
which informed decisions in contemporary life can be
based.
Era 8 - The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
5.08 Understand society in America during the Great
Depression.
5.09 Understand America’s role during World War II.
In this activity you will:
Learn how and why the World War II
began.
Famous leaders that contributed to
the start of the war
When the United States entered the
war
How it effected the people
Then you will complete a Four
Square writing activity.
The Rise of Dictators
• Five countries were still led by
dictators after WWI.
• 1. Germany-Adolf Hitler
• 2. Italy-Benito Mussolini
• 3. Japan
• 4. Soviet Union-Joseph Stalin
• 5. Spain-General Francisco Franco
Why does the war begin?
When did the World War II begin?
September 3, 1939
Why?
Three countries: Japan, Italy, and
Germany started taking over other
countries.
Britain and France were tired of the
takeovers and declared war on
Germany.
Why does the United States get
involved?
The United States was hesitant to
get involved at first.
They believed that Europe should
handle its own problems.
December 7, 1941 the Japanese
attacked Pearl Harbor. * This harbor
was a base used by the Navy.
Americans at War
The war led to the production of:
* Airplanes
* tanks
* other war supplies
• If the men were off fighting who took
over the men’s jobs?
• Women
Women and the War
Women carried out many of the same
duties they had during World War I.
This time they took on even more
responsibilities such as:
– Serving in the armed forces
– Making maps
– Flying more planes to airfields in Europe
and the Pacific
The Federal Government
Gained more power over the people
Took control of businesses
– Setting prices
– Wages
Due to a great need for supplies
overseas many supplies had to be
rationed in the U.S.
Fear of another attack from Japan
The United States feared that the Japanese
Americans would help Japan attack the U.S.
again
President Roosevelt ordered about 110,000
Japanese Americans be put in relocation
camps.
Even though most Japanese American were
loyal to the United States and some even
serving in the armed forces, their families
were forced into the relocation camps.
Writing Activity
Pretend you are a reporter for
the War Times.
Explain what caused the World
War II and the effects it had on
Americans.