The American Journey © 2007

Chapter 26: World War II

Web Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students learned about challenges Americans faced in the twentieth century, including World War II, the most destructive war in history. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Americans rallied to the nation's defense and hundreds of young men rushed to enlist in the armed services. As the war continued the government used books, movies, music, and art to encourage citizens to continue giving their best to the war effort.

Lesson Description
Students will visit a site maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration. Here they will read about the propaganda war and study posters used during World War II to encourage Americans to continue supporting the war effort. After answering several analytical questions students will create an influential poster of their own.

1. The learner will be able to describe the use of propaganda during war.
2. The learner will be able to analyze the themes of sets of propaganda posters.
3. The learner will be able to create a propaganda poster and be able to discuss its theme.

1. It was a battle for the hearts and minds of American citizens. The propaganda war was to gather public support for the war.
2. masculine strength
3. to convince women to enter the workforce and fill jobs created by the wartime labor shortage
4. In a time of segregation and prejudice, these posters portrayed African Americans and whites working together and African Americans working at important war related jobs.
5. Students' posters will vary.