World War II
World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, transforming borders, societies, and global responsibility. These classroom-ready lessons give you the tools to allow your students to examine total war, genocide, civilian experiences, and the war’s aftermath. Through primary sources and inquiry-based activities, students analyze how the conflict reshaped the modern world.
How to Teach World War II
PD: World War II’s Legacy
Learn from National WWII Museum educators about how World War II changed the world, and how you can bring this complex history to the classroom.
Teaching WWII Battles
Bogged down in the battles? Check out teachers’ ideas about the balance between teaching specific battles and zooming out to turning points in the war.
Blog: Almost a Century of Global Conflict
Track conflict from WWI to the Cold War and ask students to investigate the causes and consequences of twentieth-century global conflicts.
Maps Index
Discover our full collection of World History Maps. Check out our maps for 1939, 1942, and 1945 to see the impacts, alliances, and casualties of the Second World War.
Teach Tomorrow: Lessons on World War II
Lesson 8.6
The Second World War
No war has matched the scale and impact of World War II. Explore its complex causes, how it unfolded, and the far-reaching consequences it left behind.
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Lesson 7.5
Causes of the Second World War
Why did another world war break out just two decades after the first? Unpack the complex causes behind the most destructive war in history.
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World War II Activities and Resources
The Second World War
Article
The Second World War
World War II was an epic conflict between two great alliances. It was a grueling war with no predictable outcome. For those involved, it was also a very personal experience.
The Fallen
Video
The Fallen
World War II was devastating on a scale never seen before. This video uses data visualization to reveal the staggering human cost of the war.
Second World War (November, 1942) Thematic Map
Visual Aid
Second World War (November, 1942) Thematic Map
A full-color thematic world map of the alliances and casualties of the Second World War.
Appeasement
Activity
Appeasement
How was Hitler able to take over so much territory before other countries declared war? Avoid the trap of presentism by thinking critically about this difficult question.
Sophie Scholl
Graphic Biographies
Sophie Scholl
Sophie Scholl grew up in Nazi Germany. She joined a resistance movement called the White Rose, distributing leaflets calling for acts of resistance.
What is Fascism?
Video
What is Fascism?
What is fascism, really? This video breaks down the core ideas and strategies behind fascist movements, revealing how they rose to power and helped ignite World War II.
Writing Assessments for Teaching World War II
Pre-Writing: Rise of the Nazi Party
Assessment
Pre-Writing: Rise of the Nazi Party
Create an outline to order and connect your ideas about the rise of the Nazi party and the justifications for later atrocities.
DBQ Sources: Rise of the Nazi Party
Assessment
DBQ Sources: Rise of the Nazi Party
Analyze these sources and gather evidence to support your argument about the rise of the Nazi party.
Writing: Rise of the Nazi Party
Assessment
Writing: Rise of the Nazi Party
Use your outline and sourcing skills to demonstrate your understanding of the rise of the Nazi party and the causes of the Holocaust.
