This study of America's Homefront during World War II gives students a look at what life was like back at home in the United States during the War. This class is meant for students who have already learned the basic overview of events during WWII, but are looking for a supplement to their US History studies. This is a great way to learn about WWII history in the United States because it gives learners a wealth of information on topics like women during the war, propaganda posters, and rationing in fun, quick, bite-sized pieces. 

All of my classes, especially my US History classes, are inclusive and anti-racist. We will be covering tough subjects and tackling tough topics from the point of view of the people involved, particularly the marginalized groups involved.

This is a self-paced class and has no live meetings. Lectures and any other materials will be posted each week and students can watch the videos and explore the materials throughout the week. I will also be posting additional links to games and websites with more information on the topics we will be covering. 


Class descriptions: 

Week One: Women during WWII

This class focuses on the women of World War II and what role they played in the war. We will discuss their work at home and in the workforce as they stepped into roles that men had left behind. We will also talk about how propaganda targeted women and what messages the propaganda was trying to get across to American women. We will look at lots of pictures of women during WWII, propaganda and pamphlets aimed at women, and we will examine a letter written by a women to her husband stationed overseas.



Week Two: WWII Food Rationing

This class focuses on the food, clothing, and gasoline rationing that happened during World War II. Rationing is often a hard concept for children and teens to understand since it is so far from the way their families shop today. We will talk about what rationing was and why it was necessary. We will discuss the impact rationing made on both consumers and the shop owners impacted by the loss in income. We will also discuss ways that people supplemented their ration books, such as with Victory Gardens. 



Week Three: Japanese American Internment During WWII

This class focuses on the internment camps that the United States set up during World War II so they could move Japanese American citizens to them. Students will learn why the camps were built, how Japanese Americans were moved out of their homes and into the camps, and what life was like in the camps. This is an important, though often lesser known, chapter in American history!



Week Four: Comic Books During WWII

This class focuses on the comic books that gained popularity during World War II. During the war, comic books featuring Captain America fighting Hitler and other baddies, were very popular. We will talk about what comic books were like before, during, and directly after the war, as well as discussing their popularity among both civilians and soldiers. We will look at lots of pictures from the time, including several comic book covers!



Week Five and Six: Analyzing WWII Propaganda and Poster Project part 1

These classes focus on World War II propaganda and how it was used both in America and abroad. The lecture portion of the class will cover the history of WWII propaganda, terms/types of propaganda, an analysis of who the propaganda was geared towards and what messages they wanted to get across, plus lots and lots of pictures of propaganda.