WWII Individual Investigations in History Project

Word War II is an enormous topic that continues to fascinate because

the powerful themes of heroism and horrors continue to resonate with us
today. However, there are many facets to the war and some people are
drawn more to certain topic areas such as social and cultural impacts,
equipment/technological developments, military engagements, than to
others. As such, this project is meant to give you the opportunity to explore
your areas of interest in more depth.
You can choose to create a Powerpoint presentation, a Prezi, a website,
a documentary, or other appropriate means of presenting your thoughts and
ideas.

How Did Canada Grow as a Nation?

This option is an event-based timeline of Canadas involvement in
World War II from 1937 (when Mackenzie King visited Hitler in Berlin) to 1945
and the end of the war.
*You are expected to include events in the war that had political, social
or economic importance for Canada as well as the major military
engagements Canadian soldiers were involved in during WWII. Each entry on
the timeline will need to include a description of the event as well as its
significance.
Each description will include information as to what happened,
if/how Canada was involved, its consequences and why it was
important for Canada (the impact on Canada).
Policy of
Appeasement

The SS St.
Louis returns
to Europe

NonAggression
Pact Signed

Failure of
League of
Nations

Invasion of
Poland
Operation
Barbarossa

Declarations
of War
Battle of
Britain

Evacuation of
Dunkirk
The Fall of
Hong Kong

Total War

Dieppe Raid

Battle of the
Atlantic

Italian
Campaign

D-Day:
Normandy
Invasion

Rape of
Nanking

Mackenzie
King visits
Hitler in
Berlin
Attack on
Pearl Harbour
Liberation of
the
Netherlands
Japanese
Internment

Victory in
Europe
War Measures
Act

Conscription
Crisis
National
Mobilization
Act

The
Holocaust
North African
Campaign

Use of the
Atomic Bomb
CCF
Popularity

War Brides
Nuremburg
Trials

How Did War Shape the Home Front?

This option is a theme based examination of important events, people
and trends in Canada and Europe from 1936-1945. You should organize your
investigation into major themes that could include rise of totalitarianism,
advantages, propaganda, atrocities of war, mistakes, heroism, losses,
conflicts, struggles, etc. You will decide your own themes that you think will
best tell the story of Canadas involvement in WWII. You can expand beyond
Canada to include European or Asian events; however you will need to
ensure that your foundation is a demonstration of the economic, political and
social impacts that WWII had on Canada.
**Consider: What do these themes reveal about Canada? How did daily life
on the home front in Canada compare to daily life in Europe?

How Well Did Canada and Canadians Meet Obligations to

Help Humanity?
Assess Canadas domestic and international contributions to the
international community from 1936-1945. Investigate Canadas performance
in WWII as a force for good in the world. Consider contributions made in the
military engagements of WWII well as policies directed at the home front.
How significant were Canadas contributions to the war effort? Were all the
policies just? Were all the actions or decisions justifiable? How significant was
technology and strategy?
***This option requires in-depth analysis of significant events, people and
social trends including primary source materials.

A Proposal of Your Own?

Create an original research question that evaluates Canadas role in
WWII and the wars impact on Canada. Devise a suitable format for
demonstrating your knowledge and depth of understanding. You will need to
include political, social, economic and cultural factors. This could include
creating a virtual museum exhibit using primary sources that you have
curated. If you select this option, you will need to discuss your proposal with
Ms. Vaessen.

*Due Friday December 11/Monday December 14 and worth 45 marks

**You will need to cite your sources using proper MLA format.
***You are being graded on your ability to present, describe and
evaluate the impacts that Canadians had during WWII and the way
that WWII shaped Canada.
****Good digital sources include the CBC digital archives, Veterans
Affairs Canada, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Encyclopedia,
McCord Museum, and the BBC website. Links to these sites will be
available from Vaessen.weebly.com