WWII Timeline

Introduction

Bombs Away! B-17's dropping bombs during WWII

For many people alive today, World War II was one of the greatest and most tragic events to happen in world history. Truly it is an event that affects and shapes the present, even after 67 years. But for some of the younger generations, WWII was something that their grandparents or even great-grandparents were involved in. That epic event is often only remembered through Hollywood movies and shoot-em-up video games. Slowly the events and stories of WWII are fading from collective memory. How do we deal with all of the information? How can we organize the events so they make sense? And how do we know which events are important enough to remember?

One way to deal with the immense amount of information that can be learned about WWII, is to plot the events on a timeline. But what events should be included? Which should be left out? Is that a matter for the historians, or can anybody participate in plotting the events of history?

Remembering our past is the most important thing that a historian does. Completing the following steps will allow the user to get a feel of what it is like to be a historian, by deciding which events should be included on a timeline of WWII.

Overview

Can you remember everything that happened in the Second World War? Read a brief overview of WWII to refresh you memory. Who were the major players? Which contries participated? Where were many of the battles fought? How long did it last? Who won?

What's Important?

Recognizing which events a historian picks to tell their story can tell a lot about the historian. Does it matter which events a person picks to describe WWII? What kind of a story evolves when someone chooses to include some events and exclude others. Do the events that are chosen display a hidden agenda? In this section, look at a few of the important dates and events of WWII. What does this selection of events say about WWII?

Create A Timeline

Actually creating your own timeline will help you understand a historian's job. Now it's your turn to be the historian. Pick ten events which you think are the most important. Think carefully, choose wisely, and explain why you picked those events.

Compare

All of the student created timelines are stored in a database. Now that you've created your own timeline, see what events others thought were most important. Did you pick similar events? Did you give similar reasons?

Your Thoughts and Ideas

Before you go, let me know what you think about this exercise. What should be changed, added or removed. I'd love to hear from any teachers who use this in the classroom. Drop me a line: ashephe1 [@] gmu.edu