Political Fallout: Examining Post-War Consequences
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Political Fallout: Examining Post-War Consequences

Grade 10Social StudiesHistoryPsychologySociologyPolitical Science3 days
In this project, students delve into the profound and lasting consequences of World War II, examining its impact on global political alliances, social structures, and individual psychology. Through a variety of activities, including mapping political shifts, analyzing social impacts, and exploring psychological case studies, students will investigate how the war reshaped the world. The project culminates in a comprehensive understanding of WWII's role as a catalyst for political and social change and its long-term economic effects on nations and individuals.
World War IIPolitical FalloutSocial ImpactEconomic ConsequencesPsychological EffectsCivil RightsGlobal Alliances
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How did the global upheaval of World War II, with its profound psychological, social, and economic consequences, reshape political alliances, power structures, and social justice movements, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and societies worldwide?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How did WWII reshape global political alliances and power structures?
  • In what ways did WWII contribute to social and cultural shifts in the postwar era?
  • What psychological effects did WWII have on individuals and societies?
  • How did WWII impact civil rights and social justice movements?
  • What were the long-term economic consequences of WWII on nations and individuals?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will analyze the ways in which World War II reshaped global political alliances and power structures.
  • Students will evaluate the social and cultural shifts that emerged in the postwar era due to World War II.
  • Students will investigate the psychological effects of World War II on individuals and societies.
  • Students will explore how World War II influenced civil rights and social justice movements.
  • Students will assess the long-term economic consequences of World War II on nations and individuals.

National US Social Studies Standards

SS.9-12.USH.5.12
Primary
Analyze the influence of World War II on the United States and its relationships with other nations.Reason: This standard directly addresses the project's focus on the political consequences and global impact of World War II.
SS.9-12.USH.6.1
Secondary
Evaluate the causes and consequences of social and political movements in the United States during the 20th century.Reason: This standard aligns with the project's exploration of how WWII influenced social justice movements and political changes.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

'Dystopian News Report'

Students watch a professionally produced, fictional news report detailing the grim realities of a society grappling with severe political fallout after a global war. The report highlights societal divisions, economic collapse, and psychological trauma, sparking discussion about the importance of understanding and preventing such outcomes.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Mapping Political Shifts

Students will create a visual representation of the political changes that occurred as a result of World War II.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research pre-WWII global political landscape.
2. Identify key political shifts during and after WWII.
3. Create a map or infographic illustrating these shifts.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA map or infographic showing the political changes resulting from WWII.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goal: Students will analyze the ways in which World War II reshaped global political alliances and power structures. Aligns with standard SS.9-12.USH.5.12.
Activity 2

Post-War Social Impact Analysis

Students will analyze the social and cultural changes that occurred in the postwar era due to World War II.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research social and cultural shifts in the postwar era.
2. Identify key social movements and cultural changes.
3. Write an essay discussing these shifts and changes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn essay discussing the social and cultural shifts that emerged in the postwar era due to World War II.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goal: Students will evaluate the social and cultural shifts that emerged in the postwar era due to World War II. Aligns with standard SS.9-12.USH.6.1.
Activity 3

Psychological Impact Case Studies

Students will investigate the psychological effects of World War II on individuals and societies through case studies.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the psychological effects of WWII.
2. Select and analyze case studies of individuals or communities affected by the war.
3. Present findings in a report or presentation.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report or presentation detailing the psychological impacts of WWII using specific case studies.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goal: Students will investigate the psychological effects of World War II on individuals and societies.
Activity 4

Civil Rights and WWII

Students will explore how World War II influenced civil rights and social justice movements.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the state of civil rights before WWII.
2. Analyze the impact of the war on civil rights movements.
3. Create a presentation or report on the changes and continuities in civil rights struggles.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation or report explaining the influence of World War II on civil rights and social justice movements.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goal: Students will explore how World War II influenced civil rights and social justice movements. Aligns with standard SS.9-12.USH.6.1.
Activity 5

Economic Consequences Timeline

Students will assess the long-term economic consequences of World War II on nations and individuals by creating a timeline.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research economic conditions before, during, and after WWII.
2. Identify key economic consequences.
3. Create a timeline illustrating these consequences.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA timeline illustrating the long-term economic consequences of World War II on nations and individuals.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goal: Students will assess the long-term economic consequences of World War II on nations and individuals. Aligns with standard SS.9-12.USH.5.12.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

World War II Political Fallout Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Research & Analysis

Demonstrates depth and accuracy in researching and analyzing the impact of WWII.
Criterion 1

Information Gathering

Effectively gathers relevant and credible information from diverse sources to support analysis.

Exemplary
4 Points

Gathers extensive, relevant, and credible information from a variety of sources, demonstrating excellent research skills.

Proficient
3 Points

Gathers relevant and credible information from multiple sources, demonstrating strong research skills.

Developing
2 Points

Gathers some relevant information from limited sources, demonstrating basic research skills.

Beginning
1 Points

Gathers minimal and/or irrelevant information, demonstrating limited research skills.

Criterion 2

Historical Accuracy

Presents accurate historical information and avoids factual errors.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents information with exceptional historical accuracy and attention to detail.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents information with a high degree of historical accuracy.

Developing
2 Points

Presents information with some historical inaccuracies.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents information with significant historical inaccuracies.

Criterion 3

Source Evaluation

Critically evaluates the credibility and bias of sources.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated evaluation of sources, thoroughly assessing credibility and bias.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively evaluates sources, assessing credibility and bias.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some awareness of source credibility and bias, but evaluation is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates little to no awareness of source credibility and bias.

Category 2

Critical Thinking & Synthesis

Demonstrates critical thinking skills by synthesizing information and drawing insightful conclusions.
Criterion 1

Analysis of Impact

Provides insightful analysis of the political, social, and/or economic impacts of WWII.

Exemplary
4 Points

Offers exceptionally insightful and nuanced analysis of the impacts of WWII.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides thorough and insightful analysis of the impacts of WWII.

Developing
2 Points

Provides basic analysis of the impacts of WWII, but lacks depth or nuance.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides minimal or superficial analysis of the impacts of WWII.

Criterion 2

Connections & Synthesis

Connects different aspects of the war's consequences and synthesizes information effectively.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional ability to connect different aspects of the war's consequences and synthesize information seamlessly.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively connects different aspects of the war's consequences and synthesizes information.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to connect different aspects of the war's consequences, but synthesis is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to connect different aspects of the war's consequences or synthesize information.

Criterion 3

Conclusion & Insight

Draws well-supported and insightful conclusions based on research and analysis.

Exemplary
4 Points

Draws exceptionally insightful and well-supported conclusions that demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic.

Proficient
3 Points

Draws well-supported and insightful conclusions based on research and analysis.

Developing
2 Points

Draws conclusions that are partially supported by research and analysis.

Beginning
1 Points

Draws conclusions that are unsupported by research and analysis or are irrelevant.

Category 3

Communication & Presentation

Effectively communicates research findings through clear and organized presentation.
Criterion 1

Clarity & Organization

Presents information in a clear, logical, and organized manner.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents information with exceptional clarity, logical flow, and organization, enhancing understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents information in a clear, logical, and organized manner.

Developing
2 Points

Presents information with some clarity and organization, but improvements are needed.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents information in a disorganized and unclear manner, hindering understanding.

Criterion 2

Visual Aids (if applicable)

Uses visual aids (maps, infographics, timelines) effectively to enhance understanding.

Exemplary
4 Points

Uses visual aids with exceptional skill and creativity to significantly enhance understanding and engagement.

Proficient
3 Points

Uses visual aids effectively to enhance understanding.

Developing
2 Points

Uses visual aids, but their effectiveness is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

Uses visual aids ineffectively or inappropriately.

Criterion 3

Grammar & Mechanics

Demonstrates strong command of grammar, mechanics, and style.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional command of grammar, mechanics, and style, enhancing the overall quality of the presentation.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates strong command of grammar, mechanics, and style.

Developing
2 Points

Contains some errors in grammar, mechanics, or style that may slightly detract from clarity.

Beginning
1 Points

Contains numerous errors in grammar, mechanics, or style that significantly detract from clarity.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of the political consequences of World War II evolved throughout this project?

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Question 2

Which of the portfolio activities (Mapping Political Shifts, Post-War Social Impact Analysis, Psychological Impact Case Studies, Civil Rights and WWII, Economic Consequences Timeline) was most impactful for you in understanding the long-term consequences of WWII? Explain why.

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Question 3

To what extent do you agree with the statement: 'World War II was a major catalyst for social change'?

Scale
Required