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World War II
World War II was fought across four continents and thousands of miles of ocean. The lives of millions of military service members and civilians were affected by the events of this war. The lesson plans and walking tours in this module focus on the experiences and individual stories of those who fought abroad or worked on the homefront during the war.

Lesson Plan: It's Your War, Too

The scope and scale of World War II required unprecedented numbers of personnel on the battlefield, in warfighting industries, and in support capacities. This lesson examines how the need to “free a man to fight” opened many opportunities for women to serve in the U.S. military—and laid the groundwork for women to have a permanent place in the armed forces. 
 

Materials

Lesson Plan: Code Talkers

American Indians served in important military intelligence roles during World War I and World War II, using their native languages to transmit secret military messages on the battlefield. Their efforts proved crucial to U.S. military success.
In this lesson, students learn about the Code Talkers and the significance of this celebrated group of American Indian soldiers in historical and cultural context.
  • One class period (30 minutes)

Lesson Plan: Telling the Story of World War II

In this lesson, students will use primary and secondary sources that illuminate the experiences of individuals buried at Arlington National Cemetery to examine different perspectives on World War II. 

Lesson Plan: Firsthand History

Students will analyze the purpose of primary sources before being introduced to Eddie Willner, a survivor of the Holocaust who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
They will then listen to a portion of an oral history interview he gave to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). While listening, students will answer questions about the interview and the importance of primary sources. Students do not need to already be familiar with World War II or the Holocaust in order to participate in this lesson.
  • One or two class periods, 90 minutes total

Walking Tour: African American Trailblazers

This walking tour celebrates the achievements of African American men and women in the U.S. military who made historic contributions to American society
  • Length: 5 miles
  • Starting point: Section 33 (0.5 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Because this walking tour is quite long, we recommend completing it in smaller sections.