Compelling Questions :

1. Should freedom be sacrificed in the name of national security?
2. Is the American Dream attainable for all Americans?

Supporting Questions:

• How did US participation in WWII shape the role of the United States in the modern world?
• How did US participation in WWII affect the American economy & society?
• How did nationalism and isolationism influence the escalation of global conflict?
• How does the American desire to maintain the four freedoms (from want, from fear, of speech and of worship) change the United States' role in the world?
• How did America's involvement in World War II affect the war abroad and life at home?
• How did decisions at the end of World War II address concerns stemming from the aftermath of WWI, as well as events that transpired during the Second World War?
• How did the end of WWII affect the lives of soldiers returning from the war?
• How did the experiences of African American veterans differ from those of white veterans?
• Was post-war suburbanization a move towards cultural uniformity or the achievement of the American dream?
• What were the opportunities and challenges which the growth of suburbs offered postwar Americans?

Enduring Understandings:

• As situations overseas deteriorated, President Roosevelt’s leadership helped to move the nation from a policy of neutrality to a pro-Allied position and, ultimately, direct involvement in the war.
• United States entry into World War II had a significant impact on American society.
• In response to World War II and the Holocaust, the United States played a major role in efforts to prevent such human suffering in the future.
• There was a Post War economic boom that resulted in the creation of suburbs, cultural uniformity, and a racial divide.

Formal Writing Task:

Option A: Argument: Should freedom be sacrificed in the name of national security? Construct an argument that evaluates whether or not certain situations justify violating civil liberties or if civil liberties are guaranteed to all regardless of circumstance using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Students should analyze at least four documents to support their claim. Essays should be scored using the Social Studies Argumentative Writing Rubric.

Option B: Argument: Is the American Dream Attainable for all Americans? Construct an argument that evaluates whether or not the Post-war Boom affected all Americans equally. Students should analyze at least four documents to support their claim. Essays should be scored using the Social Studies Argumentative Writing Rubric.

Performance Task: Debate or Socratic Seminar of one of the compelling questions. See Instructional Resources for protocols.