World War II: (1939-1941)

Blitzkrieg 5 Ws

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Timeline 1939-1941

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Pearl Harbor

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Investigate a Battle

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Biography Poster

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Essential Questions for World War II: 1939 - 1941

1. How were the Germans able to be so successful early on in the war?
2. What countries were involved in the war from 1939-1941?
3. How were the United States involved in the war prior to Pearl Harbor?
4. How did European powers react to Hitler’s aggression?

The History of World War II

From 1939-1941, the German Blitzkrieg or “lightning war” throughout Poland, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium would foreshadow a war in which very few would ever consider themselves “winners” due to the immeasurable horrors and destruction witnessed. The Germans brought a destructive mobile force throughout Europe during this time period, and for many, the concept of Nazi world domination quickly became a fathomable proposition.

The first three years of the war were defined by a belligerent German force that had betrayed their non-aggression pact with the Soviets known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. With the escalation of war with the Soviets on the Eastern Front, the German army split their forces as the British and American forces attacked from the West. The turning point of the earlier war years would come on December 7th, 1941 when the Japanese attacked the Americans at Pearl Harbor. This action would lead to a full-blown world war that would come at the bloodiest cost of lives in world history.

The activities in this lesson plan will allow students to gain a better understanding of the early years of the war. Through analyzing primary source documents, first-hand accounts, and research, students will become engaged in the realities of World War 2.

Check out other lesson plans on history and literature during World War II and Holocaust

• The History of the Holocaust
• Introduction to World War II
• World War II: 1939-1941
• World War II: 1942-1945
• Night by Elie Wiesel
• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
• The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal
• "First They Came" by Martin Niemoller
• Lily's Crossing By Patricia Reilly Giff
• White Bird by RJ Palacio
• Once by Morris Gleitzman
• Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Frequently Asked Questions about World War II: (1939-1941)

What were the key events of World War II from 1939 to 1941?

Key events from 1939 to 1941 include the German invasion of Poland, the rapid Blitzkrieg campaigns across Europe, the breaking of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and the attack on Pearl Harbor. These turning points shaped the global conflict and involved many nations.

How did Germany achieve early success in World War II?

Germany's early success was due to their use of Blitzkrieg tactics—fast, coordinated attacks involving tanks, aircraft, and infantry. This strategy overwhelmed Poland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands in the war's initial years.

Which countries were involved in World War II during 1939-1941?

During 1939-1941, key countries involved included Germany, Poland, France, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, the United States (indirectly until Pearl Harbor), Japan, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Alliances shifted as the war progressed.

What was the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and why did its betrayal matter?

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was a non-aggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union. Its betrayal in 1941 led to fighting on the Eastern Front, changing the war's scope and alliances.

How did the United States participate in World War II before Pearl Harbor?

Before Pearl Harbor, the United States supported Allies with supplies and aid through programs like Lend-Lease but did not engage in combat. The attack on Pearl Harbor shifted America to active involvement.