Chapter 34- Unit 8 Origins of World War II

Essential Question: Could World War II have been prevented?

Duration of Chapter: 8 days
Duration of Unit: 25 days

-Lesson 2German Aggression: Pre-1941

Objectives/Learning Targets
I will identify the key motives in Hitlers past, and his success towards his rise to power.
I will distinguish Hitlers motives for the world, and how anti-Semitism played a role into his
philosophy.
I will connect Hitlers vision to his plan as he rapidly conquers Western Europe.
I will identify Americas neutrality throughout Germanys aggressive campaign.
I will investigate the Essential Question: Could World War II have been prevented?
I will experience examples of aggression and appeasement and compare them with important
events leading up to World War II.
I will state and support a position on whether the war could have been prevented.
Tuesday:
1. Finish/Review Action-Reaction Chart. *Use Lesson Guide in folder to review*
a. DRILL THIS HOME: Appeasement only made Hitler more eager to conquer new
territory.
b. Hitler planned to attack Poland. Knew itd start war. The geography of that war
concerned him. The Soviet Union lay to the east. Britain and France lay to the
west. Hitler could not afford to fight a war on two fronts, east and west, at the
same time. For that reason, Soviet neutrality was vital. The pact helped Stalin,
too. The Soviet dictator wanted more power and secure borders. As part of the
pact, Hitler secretly promised to give Stalin part of Poland and grant him a sphere
of influence in Eastern Europe.
c. But Hitler already had plans to attack the Soviet Union, which had vast, fertile
farmlands that were a key to fulfilling the quest for Lebensraum.
2. Listen to Churchill Speech Excerpt (10:30 to end)
a. Respond to question before viewing: Think of a time in your life where a leader
stepped up in a time of trouble. What did they do/say to help ease your fears?
What was their words of advice to help guide his/hers citizens through this time
of trouble?
i. Ex.) Personal life, 9/11, Shootings in France, Ferguson, etc.
b. What is the vibe you get after viewing this clip? Do you think he calms the fears
of the British people? Will Germany prevail?
3. Operation Barbossa YouTube clip: (3:05 to 11:00)
a. Main points to make:
i. Germany is racing across Russian countryside for Moscow
ii. War won and lost with what happens to German Army

1. Fall Rains
2. Harsh Winter
3. Similar to World History and Napoleon
4. Focus turns East Operation Barbossa
a. Oliver Stone Clip (23:58 to 30:54)
b. Complete supplemented worksheet: Appendix C
5. Exit Slip: Why was Hitler so aggressive in obtaining Britain? By not getting Britain, Hitler
revealed one crucial reality about his forces. What is it?

View/Listen to Churchill Speech

Respond to question before viewing: Think of a time in your life where a leader
stepped up in a time of trouble. What did they do/say to help ease your fears?
What was their words of advice to help guide his/hers citizens through this time
of trouble?
o Ex.) Personal life, 9/11, Shootings in France, Ferguson, etc.
Apply to Journal Unit assignment: As an American in 1940, how do you feel
about Churchills speech knowing Hitlers recent conquests in Western Europe?
Rationale: Apply a moment in the students life where they have
experienced similar experiences that many during WWII felt. Pushes for
student understanding of the material by applying their own experiences to
their learning. Also, begins the students thought process of what will be
happening during the Battle of Britain.