Curriculum Focus
art, civics
Duration
1 week
Objectives
- To recognize that, despite America's eventual involvement in World War II, not everyone initially agreed that intervention was the answer.
- To conduct research about the political, economic, sociological, and historical factors in the United States prior to World War II.
- To interpret and evaluate a position, then present it visually on a poster.
Materials
Gallery, information sources including Internet sites, magazines and books, electronic encyclopedias and databases; posterboard, construction paper, markers, Hyperstudio or some other presentation software (optional).
Procedure
World War II was an event requiring participation by every citizen. The propaganda posters promoted citizen involvement in production, finance, attitude, efficiency, and teamwork, in addition to support for and participation in the military. However, in 1940 not everyone agreed that going to war was the best decision. Some believed that isolation, not intervention, was the answer.
- Setting the Stage
Read aloud the following premise to the class:
It is December 6, 1941. The United States is beginning to emerge from the Great Depression and war is raging in Europe. Every day you hear the reports of how it is spreading to other parts of the world. You have heard of the Nazi atrocities but it all seams so far away. Is war the best thing for the nation? Should the United States get involved with such a costly effort?
- Looking Back
To develop a real sense of how Americans in 1941 might have answered this question, students should conduct research to develop a background about the United States and the world between the end of World War I and 1940. What were the issues for people who were vacillating between intervention and isolation in World War II. The research should be centered around the following discussion questions:
What was the economic status of the United States in 1940? To what extent were World War I and the Great Depression still a factor?
What were the political conditions in Europe in 1940? What countries were at war?
What was happening in Asia at this time? Which Asian countries were engaged in war?
What factors supported United States entry into World War II?
What factors cautioned against U.S. involvement in World War II?
- The Gallery
Have students visit the poster gallery to investigate how the U.S. government used this medium to rally support for war efforts.
For more examples of World War II poster art, direct students to the following Website. Be sure to bookmark this page for convenience.
Propaganda Poster's World War II
- A Closer Look
After seeing several examples, students should select one and answer the following questions about it:
Does the poster contain a hidden/implied message? What is the desired effect?
What emotions do the images convey? What words are chosen for impact?
In what ways does the poster glamorize or villainize war or the people involved?
What effect would this poster have had on people of different ages and backgrounds in the 40's? For example, how would a teenager react to it? A veteran of World War I? A mother? A doctor? A bus driver?
- Isolation v. Intervention
Have students discuss and decide whether or not they would support U.S. involvement in World War II if they had lived during that time. In what ways would they have participated to support their position on isolation or intervention?
- Creating a Poster
Have students use the poster criteria below to design and display artwork which convey their messages of isolation or intervention successfully:
How does the picture deliver the message in and of itself?
What actions or ideas do the words ask the observer to take or share?
How do the words and pictures together convey a stronger message?
What role does color play in creating the message?
How does the placement of the words and pictures add to the impact of the message?
What feelings does the poster engender in the observers?
Closure
When the posters are complete, have students pair up to present each other's posters. Create a poster gallery in your classroom and invite students to select the most persuasive student poster art in each category.
Extensions
Choose other eras from which to examine posters, commercials, or other propaganda. Select from 20th century conflicts including the Cold War and struggles in Yugoslavia and Ireland.
Resource
Access this resource at:
Wartime Posters
Content Provider
Discovery Education
Discovery Education offers a breadth and depth of digital media content that is immersive, engaging and brings the world into the classroom to give every student a chance to experience fascinating people, places, and events. All content is aligned to state standards, can be aligned to custom curriculum, and supports classroom instruction regardless of the technology platform.
Whether looking for a digital media library service, an implementation to help you transition your classroom to a 21st century environment or to move completely to replace textbooks with digital resources, Discovery Education offers a continuum of solutions to meet your district's specific needs. In addition, we offer real-time assessment services and a variety of professional development to ensure effective implementation in the classroom. You know your needs. We know our services. Together we can create an effective solution.
And, add the vast number of additional classroom instruction opportunities available such as virtual experiences, compelling Discovery talent, free lesson plans and materials, and a variety of contests and challenges and with Discovery Education teachers are truly able to give students opportunities to soar beyond the traditional textbook for endless possibilities.
Credits: Our thanks to Tish Raff, a social studies teacher and administrator at Sequoyah Elementary School in Derwood, Maryland, for her consultation.
