SS.912.A.6.1

Examine causes, course, and consequences of World War II on the United States and the world.

Remarks

Examples may include, but are not limited to, rise of dictators, attack on Pearl Harbor, Nazi party, American neutrality, D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, War in the Pacific, internment camps, Holocaust, Yalta.

This benchmark is annually evaluated on the United States History End-of-Course Assessment. For more information on how this benchmark is evaluated view the United States History End-of-Course Assessment Test Item Specifications pages 40-42. Additional resources may be found on the FLDOE End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments webpage and the FLDOE Social Studies webpage.

General Information
Subject Area: Social Studies
Grade: 912
Strand: American History
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
2100320: United States History Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2100390: Visions and Countervisions: Europe, the U.S. and the World from 1848 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018 (course terminated))
2100480: Visions and Countervisions: Europe, U.S. and the World from 1848 Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1800300: Aerospace Science 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1800310: Aerospace Science 2 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1800350: Aerospace Science 4:Transportation (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1801310: Army: Leadership Education and Training 2 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1801330: Army: Leadership Education and Training 4 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2100310: United States History (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7921025: Access United States History (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2100315: United States History for Credit Recovery (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
SS.912.A.6.AP.1: Identify major causes and consequences of World War II on the United States and the world.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Assessment

Quiz: The Second World War:

Test your knowledge of World War II with this 12-question multiple choice quiz provided by Khan Academy. Good luck!

Type: Assessment

Lesson Plans

Causes of WWII Primary Source Timeline:

In this lesson plan, students will be using primary sources to create an annotated timeline on the causes of WWII. The events start with the Treaty of Versailles and end with Hitler’s invasion of Poland. Students are tasked with describing how one event led to another to analyze how the Treaty of Versailles created instability in Europe and a climate for totalitarian dictators to take control. Ultimately, students will reflect on how dictators gained power and how their policies contrasted with democracy.

Type: Lesson Plan

Attack on Pearl Harbor:

Students will learn about the causes and consequences of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This lesson will trace the failures of the Treaty of Versailles, its effect on international relations, the motives behind the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and how the United States responded through legislative action. The lesson includes a guided presentation, guided notes for students, built-in review questions to determine comprehension, and a formative assessment utilizing a primary source text.

Type: Lesson Plan

Democracy and U.S. Foreign Policy During the Cold War:

Students will become familiar with the creation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. This lesson will introduce students to the creation of both the Marshall Plan and Truman Docrtine, and how they were both used as tools to contain the spread of communism.

Type: Lesson Plan

World War II: Propaganda:

In this lesson, students will analyze World War II posters as political communication for use of emotional appeal, bias, factual accuracy, and omission.

Type: Lesson Plan

World War II: On the Home Front:

In this lesson, students will analyze the impact that World War II had on domestic policy and everyday life for Americans by completing a station rotation review.

Type: Lesson Plan

Picturing WWII: Americans at War:

This lesson focuses on helping students analyze propaganda posters from WWII to understand how Americans daily lives were impacted at home and abroad. Students will analyze the images and phrases used in the posters, the intended audience, and purpose for each poster. Through analysis of the posters, students will be introduced to some of the challenges America faced by going to war. For the end of lesson assessment, students will create a digital presentation explaining how Americans daily lives were impacted by WWII.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part Three:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part Three of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read more excerpts from Ickes’ speech, and then you will evaluate the effectiveness of his argument's structure. 

Be sure to complete the first two parts before completing Part Three.

Click HERE for Part One. Click HERE for Part Two. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part Two:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part Two of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read excerpts from Ickes’ speech, and then you will identify his use of rhetorical appeals and analyze the structure of his argument. 

Make sure to complete Part One first. Click HERE for Part One.

Click HERE for Part Three.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part One:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part One of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read excerpts from the opening sections of Ickes’ speech. Then, you will work on determining his purpose, point of view, and important claims in these sections.  

Make sure to complete all three parts! Click HERE to view Part Two. Click HERE to view Part Three.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

The War at Home: World War II Poster Propaganda:

In this interactive tutorial, you'll analyze dozens of World War II propaganda posters in order to understand how Americans on the home front experienced the war years. The U.S. government commissioned propaganda to convince Americans to support the war in a variety of ways. You'll learn how these posters reveal U.S. domestic policy during the 1940s, as well as how the government tried to expand the involvement of different groups of Americans, including women and minorities, during WWII.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Understanding the Holocaust: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about one of the darkest chapters in human history, the Holocaust.  You'll learn how Adolf Hitler rose to power in Nazi Germany and made the murder of 6 million Jews and 5 million others the official policy of the Third Reich during World War II.  You'll learn how the Holocaust ended and contemplate its impact on humanity.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.  

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Understanding the Holocaust: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about one of the darkest chapters in human history, the Holocaust.  You'll learn how Adolf Hitler rose to power in Nazi Germany and made the murder of 6 million Jews and 5 million others the official policy of the Third Reich during World War II.  You'll learn how the Holocaust ended and contemplate its impact on humanity.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Winning World War II: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how the United States and the Allies defeated the Axis Powers to win World War II. You'll learn about battles and military campaigns, including D-Day, in both the European and Pacific theaters of war. And you'll learn how atomic weapons brought the war to an end but changed the postwar world forever.

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

World War II Begins: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how World War II began in Europe and Asia. You'll learn about the aggression of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan that threatened world peace, and you'll learn how the United States responded with isolationism...until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 caused America to join the Allies.

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Winning World War II: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how the United States and the Allies defeated the Axis Powers to win World War II.  You'll learn about battles and military campaigns, including D-Day, in both the European and Pacific theaters of war.  And you'll learn how atomic weapons brought the war to an end but changed the postwar world forever.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

World War II Begins: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how World War II began in Europe and Asia. You'll learn about the aggression of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan that threatened world peace, and you'll learn how the United States responded with isolationism...until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 caused America to join the Allies.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

From World War to Cold War: Part 2:

Explore the beginnings of the Cold War from 1945 to 1953. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn why this rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union was a unique conflict in our nation's history and how the U.S. assumed the role of world leader after World War II.  Finally, you'll learn how the Korean War was a proxy war in the larger context of the Cold War.  

This is part 2 in a two-part series. CLICK HERE to open Part 1. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

From World War to Cold War: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, explore the beginnings of the Cold War from 1945 to 1953.  You'll learn why this rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union was a unique conflict in our nation's history, and how the U.S. assumed the role of world leader after World War II.  Finally, you'll learn how the Korean War was a proxy war in the larger context of the Cold War.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Presentation/Slideshow

America on the Sidelines: The U.S. and World Affairs 1931-1941:

In this resource, you'll get the chance to navigate the decade leading up to World War II on an interactive timeline. As the timeline progresses, read the descriptions of events that took place in Europe and Asia, and select a possible course of action that the United States government took on these foreign affairs. Good luck!

Type: Presentation/Slideshow

Resource Collection

American Experience: Franklin D. Roosevelt:

This full-length video is a complete biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States. Topics touched on include the Great Depression, the New Deal, and World War II. Teachers should find the video an excellent resource to review or learn more about this time period.

The webpage also includes numerous shorter videos, articles, and primary sources about FDR, as well as a teacher's guide for using the film in class.

Type: Resource Collection

Tutorials

1941: Axis Momentum Accelerates in WWII:

Learn about the ways in which the Axis gained momentum in 1941 during World War II in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. The last few minutes of the video also begin to examine the entrance of the United States into the war.

Type: Tutorial

World War II: American Progress in the Pacific in 1944:

Learn about American progress in 1944 to get within bombing range of Japan in this tutorial video about World War II provided by Khan Academy.

Type: Tutorial

World War II: Allies Advance Further in Europe - 1944:

Learn about Allied advancement in 1944 in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. The video describes the liberation of Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; and Paris, France, as well as the Allied invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

Type: Tutorial

U.S. History Overview: WWII to Vietnam:

Learn about key events in American history from World War II to the Vietnam War in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. In this brief historical overview, topics include the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Korean War, and the Space Race.

Type: Tutorial

60-Second Presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt:

View a brief, funny video about the 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man who ushered the U.S. out of the Great Depression and into World War II. Enjoy this quick trip through American history!

Type: Tutorial

Remembering Pearl Harbor: Attack Map:

In this tutorial, you'll interact with a chronological map of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Trace the timeline of events as you listen to, read, and explore the devastating sneak attack that brought the U.S. into World War II on December 7, 1941.

Type: Tutorial

World War II: Theaters of War:

In this tutorial, you'll use maps to explore the various theaters of war during World War II. Pick a region to learn how the Axis first dominated--and then fell to--the Allies. The resource contains other activities that will help you learn about WWII.

Type: Tutorial

Depression and War:

In this webisode brought to you by PBS, you will explore key events that took place leading up to and during the Great Depression and World War II. You can explore primary source documents and photographs, a timeline and a glossary, take a quiz, and investigate additional resources to learn more about these eras. Enjoy this journey into American history!

Type: Tutorial

Crash Course U.S. History: World War II - Part 2:

In this tutorial video, you'll take a whirlwind journey through the changes Americans experienced during World War II. During the war years, the roles of women and African-Americans changed drastically, and the government and economy greatly expanded. America exited the war in its new position as the world's leading superpower. Enjoy this "crash course" in U.S. History!

Type: Tutorial

Crash Course U.S. History: World War II - Part 1:

In this tutorial video, you'll take a whirlwind journey through the events that led the U.S.A. to join and win World War II. You'll learn about the European and Pacific theaters of war and the fateful decision to use the first atomic weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Enjoy this "crash course" in U.S. History!

Type: Tutorial

1940: The Axis Gains Momentum in World War II:

Learn about the ways in which the Axis Powers gained momentum in 1940 during the early stages of World War II in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. You'll learn about the countries that comprised the Axis Powers in 1940 and the countries they invaded throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia during this year.

Type: Tutorial

1945: The End of World War II:

Learn about the end of World War II in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy.

Type: Tutorial

The Beginning of World War II:

Learn about the beginning of World War II in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. This introductory video provides an overview of the beginning of World War II by examining what took place in Asia and Europe in the 1930s.

Type: Tutorial

World War II in the Pacific: 1942:

Learn about the early stages of World War II in the Pacific Theater in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. The video includes information about the famous Doolittle Raid--the first air strike on the Japanese home islands--as well as the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, and the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Type: Tutorial

Video/Audio/Animations

1943: The Axis Losing in Europe - World War II:

Learn about the crucial events of 1943 in World War II in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. The video includes information on the Allies' campaigns in Italy and North Africa, as well as the continued fighting in the Soviet Union and the Nazis' loss at Stalingrad.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

1942: The Tide Turns in Europe:

Learn about the crucial events of 1942 in World War II in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. The video includes information on the Allies' campaign in North Africa, as well as the Axis offense in the Soviet Union and the dramatic Battle of Stalingrad.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

Original Student Tutorials for Language Arts - Grades 6-12

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part One:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part One of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read excerpts from the opening sections of Ickes’ speech. Then, you will work on determining his purpose, point of view, and important claims in these sections.  

Make sure to complete all three parts! Click HERE to view Part Two. Click HERE to view Part Three.

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part Three:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part Three of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read more excerpts from Ickes’ speech, and then you will evaluate the effectiveness of his argument's structure. 

Be sure to complete the first two parts before completing Part Three.

Click HERE for Part One. Click HERE for Part Two. 

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part Two:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part Two of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read excerpts from Ickes’ speech, and then you will identify his use of rhetorical appeals and analyze the structure of his argument. 

Make sure to complete Part One first. Click HERE for Part One.

Click HERE for Part Three.

Original Student Tutorials Social Studies - U.S. History - Grades 9-12

From World War to Cold War: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, explore the beginnings of the Cold War from 1945 to 1953.  You'll learn why this rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union was a unique conflict in our nation's history, and how the U.S. assumed the role of world leader after World War II.  Finally, you'll learn how the Korean War was a proxy war in the larger context of the Cold War.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

From World War to Cold War: Part 2:

Explore the beginnings of the Cold War from 1945 to 1953. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn why this rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union was a unique conflict in our nation's history and how the U.S. assumed the role of world leader after World War II.  Finally, you'll learn how the Korean War was a proxy war in the larger context of the Cold War.  

This is part 2 in a two-part series. CLICK HERE to open Part 1. 

The War at Home: World War II Poster Propaganda:

In this interactive tutorial, you'll analyze dozens of World War II propaganda posters in order to understand how Americans on the home front experienced the war years. The U.S. government commissioned propaganda to convince Americans to support the war in a variety of ways. You'll learn how these posters reveal U.S. domestic policy during the 1940s, as well as how the government tried to expand the involvement of different groups of Americans, including women and minorities, during WWII.

Understanding the Holocaust: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about one of the darkest chapters in human history, the Holocaust.  You'll learn how Adolf Hitler rose to power in Nazi Germany and made the murder of 6 million Jews and 5 million others the official policy of the Third Reich during World War II.  You'll learn how the Holocaust ended and contemplate its impact on humanity.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

Understanding the Holocaust: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about one of the darkest chapters in human history, the Holocaust.  You'll learn how Adolf Hitler rose to power in Nazi Germany and made the murder of 6 million Jews and 5 million others the official policy of the Third Reich during World War II.  You'll learn how the Holocaust ended and contemplate its impact on humanity.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.  

Winning World War II: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how the United States and the Allies defeated the Axis Powers to win World War II.  You'll learn about battles and military campaigns, including D-Day, in both the European and Pacific theaters of war.  And you'll learn how atomic weapons brought the war to an end but changed the postwar world forever.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

 

Winning World War II: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how the United States and the Allies defeated the Axis Powers to win World War II. You'll learn about battles and military campaigns, including D-Day, in both the European and Pacific theaters of war. And you'll learn how atomic weapons brought the war to an end but changed the postwar world forever.

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.

World War II Begins: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how World War II began in Europe and Asia. You'll learn about the aggression of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan that threatened world peace, and you'll learn how the United States responded with isolationism...until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 caused America to join the Allies.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

World War II Begins: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how World War II began in Europe and Asia. You'll learn about the aggression of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan that threatened world peace, and you'll learn how the United States responded with isolationism...until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 caused America to join the Allies.

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorials

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part Three:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part Three of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read more excerpts from Ickes’ speech, and then you will evaluate the effectiveness of his argument's structure. 

Be sure to complete the first two parts before completing Part Three.

Click HERE for Part One. Click HERE for Part Two. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part Two:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part Two of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read excerpts from Ickes’ speech, and then you will identify his use of rhetorical appeals and analyze the structure of his argument. 

Make sure to complete Part One first. Click HERE for Part One.

Click HERE for Part Three.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

What Is an American? Evaluating the Structure of an Argument – Part One:

Examine what it means to be an American by analyzing a speech delivered by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, in 1941. This tutorial is Part One of a three-part series. In this tutorial, you will read excerpts from the opening sections of Ickes’ speech. Then, you will work on determining his purpose, point of view, and important claims in these sections.  

Make sure to complete all three parts! Click HERE to view Part Two. Click HERE to view Part Three.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

The War at Home: World War II Poster Propaganda:

In this interactive tutorial, you'll analyze dozens of World War II propaganda posters in order to understand how Americans on the home front experienced the war years. The U.S. government commissioned propaganda to convince Americans to support the war in a variety of ways. You'll learn how these posters reveal U.S. domestic policy during the 1940s, as well as how the government tried to expand the involvement of different groups of Americans, including women and minorities, during WWII.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Understanding the Holocaust: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about one of the darkest chapters in human history, the Holocaust.  You'll learn how Adolf Hitler rose to power in Nazi Germany and made the murder of 6 million Jews and 5 million others the official policy of the Third Reich during World War II.  You'll learn how the Holocaust ended and contemplate its impact on humanity.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.  

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Understanding the Holocaust: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about one of the darkest chapters in human history, the Holocaust.  You'll learn how Adolf Hitler rose to power in Nazi Germany and made the murder of 6 million Jews and 5 million others the official policy of the Third Reich during World War II.  You'll learn how the Holocaust ended and contemplate its impact on humanity.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Winning World War II: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how the United States and the Allies defeated the Axis Powers to win World War II. You'll learn about battles and military campaigns, including D-Day, in both the European and Pacific theaters of war. And you'll learn how atomic weapons brought the war to an end but changed the postwar world forever.

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

World War II Begins: Part 2 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how World War II began in Europe and Asia. You'll learn about the aggression of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan that threatened world peace, and you'll learn how the United States responded with isolationism...until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 caused America to join the Allies.

CLICK HERE to open Part 1.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Winning World War II: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how the United States and the Allies defeated the Axis Powers to win World War II.  You'll learn about battles and military campaigns, including D-Day, in both the European and Pacific theaters of war.  And you'll learn how atomic weapons brought the war to an end but changed the postwar world forever.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

World War II Begins: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn how World War II began in Europe and Asia. You'll learn about the aggression of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan that threatened world peace, and you'll learn how the United States responded with isolationism...until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 caused America to join the Allies.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

From World War to Cold War: Part 2:

Explore the beginnings of the Cold War from 1945 to 1953. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn why this rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union was a unique conflict in our nation's history and how the U.S. assumed the role of world leader after World War II.  Finally, you'll learn how the Korean War was a proxy war in the larger context of the Cold War.  

This is part 2 in a two-part series. CLICK HERE to open Part 1. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

From World War to Cold War: Part 1 (of 2):

In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, explore the beginnings of the Cold War from 1945 to 1953.  You'll learn why this rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union was a unique conflict in our nation's history, and how the U.S. assumed the role of world leader after World War II.  Finally, you'll learn how the Korean War was a proxy war in the larger context of the Cold War.  

CLICK HERE to open Part 2.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Assessment

Quiz: The Second World War:

Test your knowledge of World War II with this 12-question multiple choice quiz provided by Khan Academy. Good luck!

Type: Assessment

Tutorials

1941: Axis Momentum Accelerates in WWII:

Learn about the ways in which the Axis gained momentum in 1941 during World War II in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. The last few minutes of the video also begin to examine the entrance of the United States into the war.

Type: Tutorial

World War II: American Progress in the Pacific in 1944:

Learn about American progress in 1944 to get within bombing range of Japan in this tutorial video about World War II provided by Khan Academy.

Type: Tutorial

World War II: Allies Advance Further in Europe - 1944:

Learn about Allied advancement in 1944 in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. The video describes the liberation of Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; and Paris, France, as well as the Allied invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

Type: Tutorial

U.S. History Overview: WWII to Vietnam:

Learn about key events in American history from World War II to the Vietnam War in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy. In this brief historical overview, topics include the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Korean War, and the Space Race.

Type: Tutorial

60-Second Presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt:

View a brief, funny video about the 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man who ushered the U.S. out of the Great Depression and into World War II. Enjoy this quick trip through American history!

Type: Tutorial

Remembering Pearl Harbor: Attack Map:

In this tutorial, you'll interact with a chronological map of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Trace the timeline of events as you listen to, read, and explore the devastating sneak attack that brought the U.S. into World War II on December 7, 1941.

Type: Tutorial

World War II: Theaters of War:

In this tutorial, you'll use maps to explore the various theaters of war during World War II. Pick a region to learn how the Axis first dominated--and then fell to--the Allies. The resource contains other activities that will help you learn about WWII.

Type: Tutorial

Depression and War:

In this webisode brought to you by PBS, you will explore key events that took place leading up to and during the Great Depression and World War II. You can explore primary source documents and photographs, a timeline and a glossary, take a quiz, and investigate additional resources to learn more about these eras. Enjoy this journey into American history!

Type: Tutorial

Crash Course U.S. History: World War II - Part 2:

In this tutorial video, you'll take a whirlwind journey through the changes Americans experienced during World War II. During the war years, the roles of women and African-Americans changed drastically, and the government and economy greatly expanded. America exited the war in its new position as the world's leading superpower. Enjoy this "crash course" in U.S. History!

Type: Tutorial

Crash Course U.S. History: World War II - Part 1:

In this tutorial video, you'll take a whirlwind journey through the events that led the U.S.A. to join and win World War II. You'll learn about the European and Pacific theaters of war and the fateful decision to use the first atomic weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Enjoy this "crash course" in U.S. History!

Type: Tutorial

1940: The Axis Gains Momentum in World War II:

Learn about the ways in which the Axis Powers gained momentum in 1940 during the early stages of World War II in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. You'll learn about the countries that comprised the Axis Powers in 1940 and the countries they invaded throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia during this year.

Type: Tutorial

1945: The End of World War II:

Learn about the end of World War II in this tutorial video provided by Khan Academy.

Type: Tutorial

The Beginning of World War II:

Learn about the beginning of World War II in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. This introductory video provides an overview of the beginning of World War II by examining what took place in Asia and Europe in the 1930s.

Type: Tutorial

World War II in the Pacific: 1942:

Learn about the early stages of World War II in the Pacific Theater in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. The video includes information about the famous Doolittle Raid--the first air strike on the Japanese home islands--as well as the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, and the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Type: Tutorial

Video/Audio/Animations

1943: The Axis Losing in Europe - World War II:

Learn about the crucial events of 1943 in World War II in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. The video includes information on the Allies' campaigns in Italy and North Africa, as well as the continued fighting in the Soviet Union and the Nazis' loss at Stalingrad.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

1942: The Tide Turns in Europe:

Learn about the crucial events of 1942 in World War II in this tutorial video by Khan Academy. The video includes information on the Allies' campaign in North Africa, as well as the Axis offense in the Soviet Union and the dramatic Battle of Stalingrad.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.