Women rose to the challenge when the nation's war effort called them—but were sent home when the GIs came back from World War II. Young historians consider whether the United States valued women's contributions during the war using a...

How did baseball become America's national pastime? A sports-minded activity explores the importance government placed on baseball to boost morale during both world wars. Academics read letters to understand the importance of baseball...

Saving sugar, growing crops, and not eating meat sound like small things, but they were a huge part of the home front effort during World War I. Photographic evidence of civilian struggles during the war, along with a matching game,...

Food will win the war! At least, that is what some World War I-era posters say. Using two propaganda posters—one in English and one in Yiddish—young scholars consider why the Wilson administration had the posters created. Discussion...

Are sports essential to American life? Young historians ponder the question as they examine letters between the owner of the Boston Red Sox and Navy Secretary Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War I. The owner wanted two star players...

Before the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, FDR's executive order helped promote fair employment. The activity uses primary documents to explore FDR's executive order to help minorities gain equal employment and pay during the...

Young historians explore life on the home front during the Civil War with primary documents and a series of writing prompts. They also watch a presentation and use a worksheet to compare how communication methods have changed over time....

An eye-opening video shows how young people aided in the war effort, from growing victory gardens to rationing supplies during World War II. It also features primary sources, including military documents, and explains how to use them to...

Minority groups were treated differently during WWII. Images and newsreel footage show the experiences of African-Americans, Native Americans, Japanese-Americans, and other ethnic minority groups during the war.

What was life like for civilians at home during World War II? The short video shows young academics a glimpse of what life was like in America for those not fighting in the war. Topics covered include the need to ration and the...

The propaganda of World War II was a key factor in galvanizing the home front. Class members examine images—without their text—to consider their messages, including those around race and gender. Using pictures and discussion questions,...

Rosie the Riveter may be an iconic image from World War II, but not all historians agree on how the conflict affected women in the workplace. Individuals evaluate the writings of well-known historians on the topic, and then decide: Was...

During World War I, women served in the factories and on the home front to keep nations churning. The ninth lesson of a 32-part WWI series examines the role women played in the Great War and provides topics for discussion on women's...

How does propaganda change history? Scholars research the use of WWII movies to launch America into the postwar boom in the United States. They view a short video clip and discuss the impact American patriotism has on society, Supreme...

Wars have a profound effect not only on a country's soldiers, but also on the everyday lives of its citizens. Invite young historians to discover how Britain prepared for the second World War by analyzing a series of government posters...

Eleventh graders examine the political demands put on one of four groups living in America during WWII. Each class member is asked to research and write a paper describing the homefront experience for women, Hispanics, African-Americans,...

Consider the causes and effects that led to the internment and relocation of Japanese Americans during WWII. Learners read the story "Baseball Saved Us" and selected chapters from Farewell to Manzanar. Then, they view a slide-show, and...

Eighth graders explore the effect of World War II from a financial standpoint. In this World History instructional activity, 8th graders review World War II through teacher lecture, reading and viewing pictures and cartoons, then discuss...

Learners write their responses to five questions about their home town. After watching an excerpt from "The War", they work together in groups to identify the characteristics of the four towns in the movie into a graphic organizer. ...

Fifth graders explore the civilian role during World War II. In this social studies lesson plan, 5th graders write an "I Am an American" poem from the perspective of various Americans during the war.

In these World War II home front worksheets, students read several passages about the home front during World War I. Students learn about the evacuation plan, rationing methods, the women, and the home guard.

In this brainstorming worksheet, students complete a graphic organizer about World War II. Students write about preparing for war, bombing, everyday life, women, and evacuation.