Lesson by Tim Bailey
Essay by William L. Bird Jr. and Harry Rubenstein, Smithsonian Institution
Grade Level: 7–12
Number of Class Periods: 1
Primary Era: The Great Depression and World War II, 1929–1945
About This Lesson Plan Unit
Over the course of the four lessons in this unit, the students will analyze and assess a collection of posters that were produced, distributed, and displayed in the United States during World War II as part of a propaganda campaign to encourage American patriotism and mobilize public support for the war effort. The students will examine, explain, and evaluate the meaning, mood, message, and theme of each poster as well as assess how the poster promoted American participation and ultimate victory in World War II.
Lesson Plan Author: Tim Bailey
Historical Background Essay by: William L. Bird Jr. and Harry Rubenstein, Smithsonian Institution
Additional Information About This Unit
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2: Analyze the purpose of information in diverse media and formats (visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.B: Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
What priorities and values did government- and industry-sponsored art express during World War II?
What role in wartime mobilization did government and industry assign to the American public?
Documents
Documents
“He’s Watching You,” art by Glenn Grohe, Office of Emergency Management, 1942
“We Are Ready, What About You? Schools at War,” art by Irving Nurick, US Treasury Department, 1942
“Help Win the War, Squeeze In One More,” art by Lee Morehouse, US Office for Emergency Management, ca. 1941–1945
“Warning! Our Homes Are in Danger Now!” General Motors Corporation, 1942
“Soldiers without Guns,” art by Adolph Treidler, US Office for Emergency Management, 1944
“United/The United Nations Fight for Freedom,” US Office of War Information, Division of Public Inquiries, 1943
“United We Win,” US Office of War Information, 1942
“Of Course I Can! I’m Patriotic as Can Be,” art by Dick Williams, US War Food Administration, 1944
“It Can Happen Here!” General Motors Corporation, 1942
“Do with Less, so They’ll Have Enough! Rationing Gives You Your Fair Share,” US Office of War Information, 1943
“We’re Fighting to Prevent This,” by the Think American Institute, Rochester NY: Kelly Read & Co., 1943
“Your Right to Vote Is Your Opportunity to Protect,” by the Think American Institute, Rochester NY: Kelly Read, ca. 1943
“Plant a Victory Garden,” art by Robert Gwathney, US Office of War Information, 1943
“Never!” US Office of War Information, ca. 1942–1945
“Rationing Means a Fair Share for All of Us,” US Office of Emergency Management, 1943
“Americans Will Always Fight for Liberty,” Office of War Information, 1943
“This Man Is Your Friend: He Fights for Freedom,” US Government Printing Office, 1942
“Every Day You Take Off Is an Aid to the Enemy,” Labor-Management War Production Drive Committee, ca. 1942–1943
“We’re Fighting to Prevent This” by the Think American Institute, Rochester, NY: Kelly Read, 1943
“Starve the Squander Bug,” art by Theodor Geisel, US Office of War Information, 1943