Exploring the Major Causes & Contributions of WWII Through the Lens of the “Big Six”

Abstract

The resource pack uses the historical thinking concepts (“Big Six”) to explore the main causes of World War II, Canada’s contribution to the war, and its affect on societal groups. The goal of the resource pack is to use the ‘Big Six’ as a focal point that allows students to de-construct events/views during the Second World War. Students will explore one historical thinking concept in each of the lessons to reflect the curriculum expectations. In addition to using one of the “Big Six,” each lesson also focuses on a different theme about WWII (i.e., understanding the historical significance of major battles, historical perspectives about Hitler, analyzing evidence to grasp the role of women, making ethical judgments about the Japanese internment, building connections with cause and consequences about the Blitzkrieg/other causes of WWII, exploring continuity and change by comparing Canada’s contribution to war effort in WWI and WWII). By exploring primary and secondary sources about the Second World War, students will become historical detectives and critical thinkers.