World War 2 Primary Source Readings from the Human Record
You will be assigned ONE of the following primary source readings from the Human Record, each detailing a certain aspect of the ideologies of Nationalism and Militarism.
1. Read the section overview that accompanies your reading and write a one paragraph summary
2. Read the summary for your primary source and write a one-paragraph explanation of the history of the writing
3. Actively read your segment and answer the questions for your segment
4. Complete the Follow-up activity for your reading
5. Be prepared to discuss with the class
Section Overview: Page 394 – Ultranationalism in Germany and Japan
1. Page 394-399 Questions 1-5; Hitler’s Dreams, Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler
· Follow-up: Draw a picture of Hitler’s ideal nation and race. Write a brief explanation of your drawing and how it relates to the reading.
2. Page 399-402 Questions 1-5; The Nationalist Agenda in Japan, Anniversary Statement, The Black Dragon Society
· Follow-up: Create a logo for the Black Dragon Society that represents their beliefs/values. Write a brief explanation of how it symbolizes their nationalist organization.
3. Page 403-404 Questions 1-4; Japanese Foreign Policy on the Eve of the China War, Fundamental Principles of National Policy 1936, The Hirota Cabinet
· Follow-up: Create a brochure highlighting Japan’s foreign and domestic policy. Do not copy information word-for-word from the reading. Summarize and make each point easy to understand.
Section Overview: Page 405 – The Legacy of World War 2
4. Page 406-411 Questions 1-7; Fuhrer, You Order We Obey, Rudolf Hess Memoirs
· Follow-up: According to the reading, draw an image of what the concentration camps were like. You can show the perspective from Rudolf Hess or the perspective of the prisoners.
5. Page 411-414 Questions 1-5; The Face of War is the Face of Death, The Decision to Use the Bomb, Henry Stimson
· Follow-up: Create an advertisement to gain support for dropping the atomic bombs in Japan. Use information from why Henry Stimson advised Truman to drop the bombs on Japan. Think of propaganda.
6. Page 414-418 Create Your Own Questions (5); August 6, 1945, Recollections, Iwao Nakamure and Atsuko Tsujioka
· Follow-up: Write a letter as Iwao Nakamura or Atsuko Tsujioka to President Truman urging him not to drop the bomb on Japan. Use the reading as a resource and include information to display your understanding. Be persuasive!