World War II
World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
It was the most widespread war in history, and directly involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries. It resulted in an estimated 50 million to 85 million fatalities which made World War II the deadliest conflict in human history. In this unit we will look at the beginning of the war, the fall of France, Battle of Britain, invasion of Russia, Holocaust, Pearl Harbor, D-Day, the Atomic Bomb and the end of the war. |
Start of WWIIWorld War II started in Europe in 1939 and ended in 1945.
1. Watch this video on WWII deaths 2. Study map of Europe and test 3. Nazi''s foreign policy JacPlus 2.4. If this were some of their ideas, what do you think their intentions were? Copy down the five foreign policies. 4. Who were the Axis Powers and who were the Allied Nations? 5. Which nations did Hitler annex/take over before WWII started? Why? 6. Timeline - WWII started with the invasion of Poland on September 1st 1939. Create a timeline starting on this date and finishing in 1946. HW. Watch this informative and accurate documentary on World War II called 'Apocalypse Now'. Watch from 0-19 and 31-35 minute marks. Take notes throughout - there will be a quiz! |
invasion of franceAfter a winter of quiet on the Western Front the German Wehrmacht finally invaded France on May 10th 1940.
1. 5 question quiz from 'Apocalypse Now' 2. France had two million men guarding the Maginot Line plus 350,000 British Expedition Force defending the Belgium border. 3. Follow this interactive map to see the invasion of France. 4. May 15 and 18th 1940, Holland and Belgium surrender. 5. Add the underlined dates to your timeline. |
fall of france Despite the extensive Maginot Line, a numerical superior army and support from the Commonwealth, France surrendered in just 6 weeks on June 22nd 1940.
1. Look at these images. What is happening here? How are these images connected? 2. Watch Apocalypse Now: Episode 2 from 14.15 to 16.40 and 18.02 to 18.54 minutes. 3. Notes - The evacuation of Dunkirk occurred from May 28th to June 3rd 1940. 350,000 Allied soldiers were saved from the beaches of Dunkirk by 800 boats, with the majority being small fishing boats coming from all over Britain. The fall of France happened so quickly that it caught Europe and the world off guard. Britain now stood alone in Europe. 4. Complete the questions from the 'Dunkirk Newspaper Activity' in your books. 5. Read the PowerPoint 'France Surrenders'
Notes - The Dunkirk Spirit
"A determination to succeed despite being in a difficult or impossible situation, which many people think is a typical British quality. The expression comes from the attitude shown by British people who went to Dunkirk in France in small boats to help to bring back British soldiers in World War II". |
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was the Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1940-1945 and 1951-1955. He was also the Secretary of State for War during World War I with many other positions within the Government throughout his illustrious career. Notably, Churchill is remembered for his powerful and inspirational speeches to the English people during World War II. Churchill lead by example and never expressed the idea of surrender to Germany even in the darkest hours. His two finger solute for victory, top hat and cigar make him an easily recognisable figure even today. His most famous speeches are 'we shall fight them on the beaches' and 'the few' 1. Read and follow the below 'We shall fight them on the beaches’ speech whilst watching this clip |
battle of britain The Battle of Britain begun after the French surrendered in June 1940. Hitler turned his sights on an invasion of Britain, starting with gaining control of the skies.
1. Go through the PP - Battle of Britain 2. Timeline - Add July 10th 1940 until May 1941 - Bombing of Britain. |
invasion of russiaThe German invasion of Russia started on July 22nd 1941. Using Blitzkrieg strategies, the German army invaded deep into Russia leaving nothing behind them.
1. Go through the PP - Invasion of Russia. 2. Timeline - Add July 22nd 1941 - Invasion of Russia. 3. Watch Enemy At The Gates |
Pearl HarborDecember 1941. The United States of America were attacked by the Japanese Empire in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. America finally joined the war in full force.
1. Go through the PP - Pearl Harbor 2. Timeline - Add December 7th 1941 - Attack on Pearl Harbor. 3. Watch Pearl Harbor |
THe Holocaust
From 1933 to 1945 anti-semitsm was wide spread across Europe and the world. In 1933 there were 11 million Jews in Europe. By 1945, 6 million had been murdered by the Nazi's implementing the most brutal and destructive policy known in the 20th century. Both military and civilian personnel were involved in the mass murder. Millions collaborated.
1. Go through the PP - Holocaust 2. Watch Schindler's List 3. Complete the last two slides on the PP - Holocaust |
D DayGermany's Fortress Europe was finally invaded by the Allies in June 1944. Five years after being beaten out of Europe, the Allies were back to stay.
1. Go through the PP - D Day 2. Timeline - Add June 6th 1944 - D Day 3. Watch Saving Private Ryan |
end of the warGermany was being pushed back and back from 1943 until 1945. The end of the war is remembered by many atrocities from both the Allies and Axis Powers.
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atomic bomb, Geneva conventions & UN |
Revision
Revision for the Europe at War Common Assessment Task
1. Complete cue cards for all the definitions. Download the word document by clicking on the cue cards red button below
2. Create a short story about WWII. Download the instructions in the word document by clicking on the short story red button below.
1. Complete cue cards for all the definitions. Download the word document by clicking on the cue cards red button below
2. Create a short story about WWII. Download the instructions in the word document by clicking on the short story red button below.