Nazi policies shifted from deportation and imprisonment to extermination of the Jewish people in death camps in the "Final Solution." Learners examine photos of artifacts, read poetry written by survivors, analyze testimony from...

The end was just the beginning. The period immediately after the end of World War II and the Holocaust is often called "The Return to Life" as survivors looked to reunite and recreate broken families and shattered lives. A two-lesson...

The Holocaust was an evolution of anti-Semitism, scapegoating, and targeted violence against Jews with Nazi policies. A resource unpacks the escalation in violence, along with the erosion of democratic institutions, during the 1930s....

Using video testimony, primary source documents that detail international agreements, and structured discussions, learners consider the precarious position of children during the Holocaust and other international conflicts, and how to...

What does it mean to be a rescuer during the time of the Holocaust? Learners consider the role of those who resisted the Nazi invasions, including hiding Jewish people, throughout Europe. Activities include listening to the testimony of...

Young historians examine primary sources, including diaries, poems, and photographs, to consider the conditions in the ghettos and how they fit into the escalation of the Third Reich's plot against the Jewish people. 

While many young scholars are familiar with the Holocaust, they may not understand the specific history that led to the unprecedented atrocity. The first lesson in the unit helps teachers gauge their pupils' background knowledge. A...

Contemporaneously known as The Great War, World War I had never seen its match on the global stage—until World War II. An engaging set of resources designed to extend a viewing of the History Channel's The World Wars features discussion...

A close reading of an excerpt from The Book Thief provides high school readers with an opportunity to examine how Markus Zusak uses syntax, repetition, and figurative language to contribute to the power of the novel, and to help develop...

Young historians learn about the dehumanization process of stripping German Jews of basic, fundamental rights prior to the genocide of European Jews in the 1940s. Learners watch video clips of survivors who recount such events as the...

This WWII footage is in full color, a rarity for documentary images from this time period. The images are described in relation to what war is, how Germany fell to Hitler's control, and the new world order. Primary source documents such...

It's the Royal Air Force against the Luftwaffe! While the Luftwaffe inflicts enormous damage, the RAF is able to hold them off, forcing Hitler to change his plan of attack. Discuss the advantages each group has during the air fights.

Leading the largest offensive in world history, three million German soldiers sneak into the Soviet Union, despite their peace agreement. Although they put up a valiant fight, the Soviet Union was losing its troops.

In six months, 600,000 Soviet prisoners of war died. As this number grew, the United States struggled to stay out of Europe's war. On December 7, 1941, with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the United States joined forces with the Allied...

Observe Hitler's tactics for taking over Austria and eliminating those people deemed undesirable. After occupying Austria, Hitler works to gain Czechoslovakia. In 1938, Arthur Neville Chamberlain signs the Munich Agreement, conceding...

A "sleeping giant" through the many German invasions in Europe, America slowly starts participating in the war. First, America sells aircraft to Britain, makes its naval presence known in the Caribbean, and builds its artillery. This...

How did Hitler rise to power? Take a look at how Adolf Hitler manipulated the government, the German masses, and his own Nazi leaders to take power of Germany post WWI. An interesting video to introduce your class to Adolf Hitler and his...

Hail the F�hrer! Learn about German support for Adolf Hitler before and during World War II. Actual letters expressing the viewpoints of the time are read. This is part two of a five part series.

Why did Germany invade Poland, initiating WWII? German troops crossed the Polish border in response to a raid Polish troops had supposedly made into Germany. Find out what really happened and Britain's response to Germany's attack.

What were the Allied and Axis countries doing just before the start of World War II? Take a peek into American, British, Spanish and German life (among others) on the eve of the most destructive war in world history. This is part one in...

Do people deny that the Holocaust occurred? When posed with this question in class, high schoolers answer with a discussion on relativism, historical perspectives, and anti-Semitic historians. The presentation is full of information that...

Before you can really understand how WWII started, you need to understand the time prior to the rise of the Nazi Movement. Learn about Hitler as he grew up, rose through the military rank, and ultimately took charge of a nation. An...