This war involved virtually every part of the world during the years 1939–1945. The conflict was mainly between the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allied forces (France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and, to a lesser extent, China). The war was in many ways a continuation of the disputes left unsettled by World War I. Between 40-50 million people were killed, making World War II the bloodiest and largest war in history.
Between 1933 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its allies established more than 44,000 concentration camps and other incarceration sites (including ghettos). They were used for forced labor, prisons for people deemed enemies of the state, and for mass murder.
Kristallnacht - the night of broken glass - was an attack on Jewish synagogues and businesses across Germany that took place on Nov. 9, 1938. Watch From Citizens to Outcasts (at least to 5:00) and type 2-3 pieces of important information below.
In the early 1930’s Nazi sports imagery promoted the myth of Aryan racial superiority. Aryan facial features—blonde hair and blue eyes—were accentuated in posters and illustrations. Click on this link and read the information about “Race Hygiene.” Below, type 2-3 bullet points of surprising or interesting information.
Jesse Owens was an African-American athlete who competed at the Berlin Olympic Games in 1936. He won gold medals in the long jump, the 100- and 200-meter dashes, and the 4 x 100-meter relay. He became the first American track and field athlete to win four gold medals at a single Olympic Games. Hitler did not publicly congratulate any winning athletes that weren’t German or Finnish during those Olympic games. Watch Jesse Owens 1936 Olympics . What do you find surprising or interesting? Type 2-3 things below.
Jesse Owens by
Jesse Owens spent his childhood running along the dirt roads of Alabama with his father. It wasn't long until he was breaking records in high school and dreaming of competing in the Olympics. The world watched as he rocketed to win four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics. Learn more about the life of Jesse Owens and how he became a true legend.
The Boys in the Boat by
Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington's eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler
The Book Thief by
Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.
The Nightingale by
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in France during World War II. It tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, and their struggles for survival and resistance against the occupation. The novel explores themes of love, loss, courage, and the impact of war on ordinary people, highlighting the strength and resilience of women during wartime.
This book would appeal to readers interested in World War II historical fiction, deeply emotional and character-driven narratives, strong female protagonists, complex family dynamics, and themes of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by
This true story reveals some of the horrors of the Holocaust. This is not light reading, but it does reveal the power of love and perseverance even through the darkest of times. I could not put this book down because I just needed to know what would happen next.