World War II, 1939 – 1945

Guiding Questions

• What caused World War II?

• Why were many Americans reluctant to become involved in World War II?

• How did President Roosevelt attempt to move the U.S. closer to involvement between 1939 and 1941? What was the tipping point for U.S. involvement?

• How was the U.S. affected by World War II at home? Consider this question from a social, economic and political angle. Focus specifically on mobilization.

• How did the Allies win World War II? What were the major turning points?

• What was the U.S. strategy against Japan and how well did it work?

Note Taking Guidelines

• Create a time line of World War II. Clearly indicate on this time line the events leading to the outbreak of World War II in Europe, the events which triggered U.S. involvement, and the major turning points.

• Create an EFFECT web which illustrates the impact of World War II on the United States at home. Take into your PERSIA categories: political, economic, social (race, class, gender)

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