"Artzy" Art during World War II
WWII WebQuest #1
by Ms. Bjornstad
INTRODUCTION
Between the years 1939 and 1945, a large part of the world erupted into war pitting political ideologies against one another. While this was the second war to be labeled a "World War," this included more nations and people than the first. Like the first, alliances and political similarities drew nation after nation into war; also like the first, the war left behind destroyed cities and a death toll unseen up to that point.
THE TASK
Answer the questions about the historical, geographical, political, and societal questions on World War II.
RESOURCES
You may use the links listed below to help you find the answers to the questions asked. You may also choose to do your own search for the information
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWtojo.htm
http://www.openstore.com/posters/
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=overview.asp&subpage=intro
http://www.tankbooks.com/poems/Barbed%20Words%20of%20War.htm
http://cyberroad.com/poland/jews_ww2.html
http://history1900s.about.com/library/holocaust/aa120699a.htm
http://www.jhu.edu/~jhumag/1197web/nanking.html
THE PROCESS
In order to successfully complete this assignment, you must answer the following questions. The final product must be typed, in a font no larger than size 12 and you must use the Times New Roman font style. If you choose, you may create a multimedia presentation rather than a written document.
1. How much of Warsaw, Poland's population was Jewish? How did the Jews who were
left in the Warsaw Ghetto rise up in 1943 and what were the results?
2. Approximately how old is the symbol of the Swastika? From what language do we
get the word swastika? Before the Nazis used it, what did the swastika
symbolize? What did the Nazis use the swastika to symbolize?
3. Take a look at a few WWII propaganda posters. Cut and paste one to your
Webquest. Describe what you see and analyze the poster. Which country produced
it? Does it depict an enemy? How? Is it promoting an organization? How? What is
the message that it is sending?
4. What did Hideki Tojo, military and political leader of Japan, call WWII in
his journal that he wrote from jail? How does Tojo justify his nation's actions
during WWII? Why did America, Great Britain and China misunderstand Japan's
actions, according to Tojo?
5. Why did Iris Chang say she wrote The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust
of World War II?
6. Read the poem Barbed Words of War by Tim Dyas. What does Dyas compare the
parachuting soldiers to? What ended the battle that Dyas describes?
7. Where is the site of the National WWII Memorial? When did construction begin
and when is it scheduled to be completed? What is the purpose of the memorial?
EVALUATION
The assignment will be graded as follows:
1. Accuracy; each question will be worth 4 possible points for accuracy. If there are multiple questions within a question, accuracy will be split equally among all subquestions.
2. Citing of sources; each question will be worth up to 2 point for correct referencing of information. Each question will be answered by referencing the work of some one other than you. All questions must show the source of your answer.
3. Original summarization. Do not copy and paste! Summarize in your own words! Each question will be worth up to 3 points for original writing.
4. Neatness; make sure there are no erasures, ripped papers, food stains, etc; total value is up to 3 points
5. Use of technology; 4 points can be earned simply by using technology to complete this assignment. You can use any format you wish (including e-mail).
CONCLUSION
With the use of more efficient weapons technology, these nations carried out their political ideologies with force, and it wasn't until the war's close that the world really saw the effects of those political ideologies, which including ethnic cleansing and the use of atomic weaponry. After WWII, the participants would emerge themselves in a cold war that would last almost 50 years.