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Support for the Second World War

Historical Perspectives

Understanding the historical perspective of an identifiable group of Canadians (in the past) is not easily accomplished without immersive and far-reaching research and consideration. This lesson will introduce students to the experiences and perspectives of several different identifiable groups as students explore the reasons why they did or didn’t support Canadians effort in the Second World War. Please note, that no group is more or less important in Canada’s contribution to the Second World War; they are only different, often because their identities or historical experiences in the Canadian context (and beyond) were dramatically different.

Themes: Minority Perspectives, Second World War, Personal Stories, Home Front
Levels: Intermediate, Secondary

Download the complete Lesson Plan
PDF (718.8 KB)

Activation: Can propaganda help to build support for a war?

Exploration: Who was "Ronnie the Bren Gun Girl"?

Communicate: Who supported the war effort? Why?

Lesson Duration

1 class period (75 minutes)

Lesson Materials

Propaganda Poster (handout or projected/displayed)
Women in the Second World War (collected primary source images) printed for each group of 4-5 students
Canadians Supporting the War (manipulatives or student worksheet)
Sticky Notes

Preparation

There are many different manipulatives to create for this lesson (requiring printing and cutting into collections). Alternatively, you could use a digital platform (website, photobucket, etc.) to release the images of Women in WWII to students.

Notes For Educators

Please add to the identifiable groups included in this lesson with other groups representing local issues and populations in your province/territory.

Additional Resources for topics in this lesson are listed at the end of the lesson. There are options and varieties of source material to either expand or contract activities accordingly.