The Invasion of Poland

Students will understand the influence of dictators in Europe and the role European Nations played in World War II.

 

 

 

Duration
Less than 1 hour
Lesson Type
Traditional Lesson

Lesson Partners: PBS LearningMedia, Knowitall.org, South Carolina Department of Archives and History

Essential Question

How did the invasion of Poland change the course of events leading to World War II?

 

Grade(s):

  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8

Subject(s):

Recommended Technology:


SMARTBoard, iPads, Chromebook, or computer/ with internet access

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

Lesson Progression

Part 1

Students will watch a brief video on the invasion of Poland. 

Video: Invasion of Poland 6:37 min

Germany    Poland       Militarism      Alliances  

Imperialism Nationalism Sphere of Influence    World War II           

Indirect Rule Soviet Union Blitzkrieg   France Great Britain

Ribbentrop-Molotov Non Aggression Pact Hans Frank

Part 2 

 

20 minutes Students will read and review the History Channel website on the events of the invasion of Poland.  Additionally students will complete the Invasion of Poland Worksheet and answer the questions that describe the invasion of Poland and Adolf Hitler’s plan to conquer the country and begin the establishment of restrictions to Jews in Poland and the broader European continent. 

 

Part 3 


20 minutes Students will use the CIA World Factbook to compare the countries of Poland, France, Great Britain, Germany, and the Soviet Union (Russia). The students will pick one country to study facts on to see what is the modern day population, language, and culture of the country they choose. The class will have a discussion on the connection to the countries of World War II and modern day Europe.

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CIA World Factbook

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Germany Invades Poland

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Assessments

The class will have a discussion on the connection to the countries of World War II and modern day Europe.