The U.S. Role in the WW II Allied Victory in Europe

Poster encouraging women to take jobs in industry, agriculture, and business.

World War II was a complex event with battles in Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. Wars are more than battles. During World War II, the military were supported by civilian sacrifices and the workers at home. Their combined challenged and countered Nazi aggression in Europe. This Story Map will examine how the United States contributed to the Allied victory in Europe during World War. Three major topics will be addressed:Volunteer for victory with the Red Cross.

  • support for Europe before the U.S. declared war on on Japan and then Germany in 1941,
  • support from the home front, and
  • the human and historical significance of D-Day.​

​Keep in mind that people of the time period did not know, as we do, how the conflict would end. Day to day they gleaned information from newsreels, radio broadcasts, and newspapers; witnessed events unfold; and documented their experiences in photos and print. As you examine some of those sources, keep in mind “they didn’t know” the ending.

 

Throughout the story map,. the observe, reflect, and question framework is employed to scaffold the examination of the primary and secondary sources. As you investigate the sources consider how the information provides a glimpse into what it was like to live through this time period.

Student Materials

Teacher Materials