WWII Curriculum – Day 7

WORLD WAR II CURRICULUM:

Lesson Plan – Day Seven

Subject:

1945 – Post War:

The period of history in Europe and the world as the ashes of Germany, Japan and Italy were sifted to bring some sort of organization to Europe and the world and to set a new world order among the victorious allies.

Educational Goals:

The Student will learn facts and comprehend the events pertaining to:

  • The aftermath of the final surrender of the Germans in Europe
  • The aftermath of the final surrender of the Japanese in the Pacific
  • The facts and circumstances surrounding the Allied occupation of Germany, Austria and Japan
  • The initial development of the “Cold War”
  • The procedures and conduct of war crimes trials in Europe and Asia
  • The demobilization of the Allied and Axis military forces
  • The final results of the war in terms of destruction and loss of life

Duration of instruction time required:

  • 45 – 50 minutes

Required materials:

  • World or American History Textbook
  • Map of Europe
  • Map of Asia

Supplemental materials (included):

  • American Military Government Travel Authorization, May 1, 1945
  • American Military Government Identity document, 10 August, 1945
  • Letter from American soldier describing his visit to the Buchenwald Concentration Camp shortly after its liberation by American forces
  • Personal Identification document from the British Occupation Zone in Germany
  • Shoe ration card for Germans living in the French Occupation Zone in Germany
  • Four Power Travel Permit for the Occupation Zones of Austria

Instruction evaluation (included):

  • Ten question multiple choice quiz
  • Answer sheet

Topics to be covered:

1. Europe

  • Occupational Zones
    • Germany — Berlin
    • Austria — Vienna
  • Policies
    • Reparations
    • Reconstruction
  • Marshall Plan
  • Cold War Face-off
  • Reductions of US Troop Strength
    • U.S. Constabulary

2. Asia

  • Occupation
    • Japan
  • Division
    • Korea

3. The War Crimes Trials

  • Crimes against humanity vs. military crimes
    • Germany — Nuremburg
    • Japan — Tokyo

Lesson Plan – Day One (Supplemental)

Subject:

American Leadership:

Those men who provided the military leadership to the American forces that were engaged in this epic struggle. Their unique and yet ordinary background and experiences that catapulted them onto the world stage.

Educational Goals:

The Student will learn facts and comprehend the events pertaining to:

The American Political Leadership during World War II

The American Military Leadership during World War II

Duration of instruction time required:

  • 45 – 50 minutes

Required materials:

  • World or American History Textbook
  • Map of Europe
  • Map of Asia

Supplemental materials (included):

  • Photograph of General George Marshall (US Army Center for Military History)
  • Photograph of General Dwight Eisenhower (US Army Center for Military History)
  • Photograph of Generals Omar Bradley and George Patton (US Army Center for Military History)

Instruction evaluation (included):

  • Ten question multiple choice quiz
  • Answer sheet

Topics to be covered:

  • Army
    • General George C. Marshall, 1880 – 1959
    • General Douglas MacArthur, 1880 – 1964
    • General Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1890 – 1969
    • General George S. Patton, Jr., 1885 – 1945
    • General Omar N. Bradley, 1893 – 1981
  • Navy
    • Admiral William D. Leahy, 1875 – 1959
    • Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., 1882 – 1959
    • Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, 1885 – 1966
  • Army Air Corps
    • General Henry H. (“Hap”) Arnold, 1886 – 1956
    • General Curtis E. LeMay, 1906 – 1990
    • General James H. (“Jimmy”) Doolittle, 1896 – 1993
  • Marines
    • General Holland M. Smith, 1882 – 1967
    • Lt. General Lewis B. (“Chesty”) Puller, 1898 – 1971