World War 2 From Beginning to End: The War that Changed the World
This class will cover the lead up to World War 2, the causes, the battles, the strategy, the technology as well as the last effects of the war. This class will dive into the long last ripples caused by World War 2.
Josh Gaines B.Ed.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(424)
Star Educator
Popular
What's included
18 live meetings
16 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. Students will be encouranged (not required) to take notes. Optional projects and assignments will be given throughout the course.Assessment
Students will be given end of unit assessments (multiple choice) to check for understanding and comprehension.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 7
Intermediate Level
This class will be structured with three kinds of lessons. Lessons focusing on background, battle and technology. World War 2 changed the face of the modern world more than any war in history and understanding how it began, the challenges nations faced and the aftermath of the war is the key to understanding modern history. We in fact don't learn history to just understand the past but rather to make sense of the present and why the world is the way it is.
Learning Goals
What were the causes of World War 2?How did Adolf Hitler Rise to Power?
Syllabus
18 Lessons
over 18 WeeksLesson 1:
Lead up to World War 2
In this lesson we will explore of the end of World War 1 lead to directly to the beginning of World War 2. What were conditions in Europe and how did Germany rise to power so quickly after it's fall from the First World War? We will also explore Adolf Hitler's Rise to Power. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
World War 2 Begins
How did Germany rationalize it's actions and begin the largest war in human history. We will explore Germany's invasion of Poland and examine how the new German tactic of Blitzkrieg was so effective. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Fall of Europe
How did the nations of Europe fall so quickly to the German War machine? We will have a particular focus on how the British Army was in retreat at Dunkirk and how that lead to the Battle of Britain. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Hitler Heads East
Next we explore Germany's complicated relationship with the Soviet Union during the war as well as Hitler's eventual invasion of Russia with a focus on the battle of Stalingrad. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
World War 2 covers traumatic events that have shaped the world we live in. Events include warfare, death and genocide (the Holocaust). The content will not be graphic however the ideas and concepts cover very real tragedy that occured in the past. Students should be able to maturely talk and ask questions about these topics in class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Books:
"The Second World War" by Antony Beevor
A comprehensive and accessible account of the entire war, covering all major theatres and events.
"The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William L. Shirer
Detailed history of Nazi Germany from its rise to its collapse.
"Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege: 1942-1943" by Antony Beevor
A detailed account of the Battle of Stalingrad, a pivotal moment in the war.
"With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa" by E.B. Sledge
A firsthand account of the Pacific theater from a U.S. Marine’s perspective.
"A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II" by Gerhard L. Weinberg
An extensive overview of the global scope and impact of the war.
"Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945" by Max Hastings
A thorough narrative of the war with a focus on the experiences of ordinary people.
Documentaries and Films
"The World at War" (1973)
A landmark 26-episode British television documentary series narrated by Laurence Olivier.
"Ken Burns: The War" (2007)
A documentary series that examines the American experience during World War II.
"Band of Brothers" (2001)
A miniseries based on Stephen E. Ambrose's non-fiction book, following Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division.
Academic Journals and Articles
"The Journal of Military History"
Published quarterly by the Society for Military History, it includes articles on military history, strategy, and effects.
"World War II Quarterly"
A scholarly journal dedicated to all aspects of World War II.
Online Resources:
National World War II Museum (New Orleans)
National WWII Museum
Provides extensive online resources, including articles, archival footage, and educational materials.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
USHMM
Offers a comprehensive collection of resources on the Holocaust and World War II.
BBC History: World War II
BBC History
Provides articles, videos, and primary sources on various aspects of the war.
Websites for Primary Sources
The Avalon Project: World War II Documents
Avalon Project
A collection of primary documents related to World War II, hosted by Yale Law School.
The National Archives (UK)
The National Archives
Access to a wide range of primary sources, including government documents, personal letters, and photographs.
Museums and Archives
Imperial War Museums (IWM)
Imperial War Museums
Features extensive collections on the global impact of the war, personal stories, and military history.
The National Archives (US)
National Archives
A vast repository of military records, photographs, and other primary sources related to World War II.
These sources offer a balanced mix of primary and secondary materials, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of World War II from various perspectives.
Joined April, 2021
4.9
424reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Idaho Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Idaho
I have 17 years experience as an international educator. For example, one year I was teaching at Regents International School Thailand and had both a German, American and Japanese students in class at the same time for my unit on World War 2. Covering events from all perspectives and respecting the beliefs and cultures of a wide array of learners is something I excel at. Reviews
Live Group Course
$22
weekly or $395 for 18 classes1x per week, 18 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-14 learners per class
