8.6 - World War II

From EngageNY

The aggression of the Axis powers threatened United States security and led to its entry into World War II. The nature and consequences of warfare during World War II transformed the United States and the global community. The damage from total warfare and atrocities such as the Holocaust led to a call for international efforts to protect human rights and prevent future wars.

8.6a Worldwide economic depression, militant nationalism, the rise of totalitarian rule, and the unsuccessful efforts of the League of Nations to preserve peace contributed to the outbreak of war in Europe and Asia.
  • Students will examine how the worldwide economic depression and militant nationalism resulted in the rise of totalitarian rule.
8.6b From 1939 to 1941, the United States government tried to maintain neutrality while providing aid to Britain but was drawn into the war by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States fought a war on multiple fronts. At home, the economy was converted to war production, and essential resources were rationed to ensure adequate supplies for military use.
  • Students will examine American involvement in World War II, including the American strategy in the Pacific and the invasion of Normandy on D-Day.
  • Students will examine the role of the Tuskegee Airmen within the segregated military during World War II.
  • Students will investigate the effects of the war on the American economy and day-to-day life.
  • Students will examine the decision in Korematsu v. United States (1944) to intern Japanese Americans in light of perceived national security concerns versus constitutional rights.
  • Student will examine the role of New Yorkers in World War II, focusing on local institutions, such as the Fort Ontario Refugee Center or the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
8.6c The nature and consequences of warfare during World War II transformed the United States and the global community. The damage from total warfare and human atrocities, including the Holocaust, led to a call for an international organization to prevent future wars and the protection of human rights.
  • Students will examine the role of air power by the allies, including the use of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
  • Students will investigate the Holocaust and explain the historical significance of the Nuremberg trials.
  • Students will examine the structure and work of the United Nations.

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