Linda J. Churney
Concept :
The decision to declare war.
Generalization:
Pearl Harbor made the decision for war almost unanimous.
Distribute copies of articles from the
New Haven Register
from December 7 to December 13, 1941, to each student. Discuss the following questions with students. Any questions not covered in class can be completed for homework.
1.
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“ROOSEVELT SENDS NOTE TO JAPAN” December 7, 1941 (Special Plea is Dispatched to Hirohito)
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Ask students why they think Roosevelt sent a note to Japan. Why were the U.S. and Japan not getting along in the months before the Pearl Harbor attack? How were the two countries attempting to reconcile differences? What steps had already been taken by the U.S. and Japan before the note was sent? What other kinds of steps could have been taken by the U.S. to improve relations with Japan? Why is the note to the Emperor important? How is the note different from other steps taken by the U.S. in an effort to avoid war in the Far East?
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2.
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“JAPAN ATTACKS U.S. AND DECLARES WAR.” Ask students to look at the later edition of the
Register
from the same day. Why was the attack such a surprise? Were there any signs before the attack that the Japanese were planning the blow? What evidence is there that suggests that the attacks were planned?
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Look at the map and circle the places attacked by the Japanese.
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3.
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“ROOSEVELT ASKS CONGRESS FOR WAR.” Look at the next day’s headlines, December 8, 1941.
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Why did Roosevelt have to
ask
Congress for a declaration of war? What did Roosevelt mean when he described December 7, 1941 as a day of “infamy?” What were the casualties and damages suffered by the attack of Pearl Harbor? What did the Japanese hope to gain by the attack on Pearl Harbor? How did New Haven and the rest of Connecticut prepare for possible attack? Why would Connecticut, and especially New Haven, be a strategic area in time of war?
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4.
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“CONGRESS DECLARES WAR” December 8, 1941 (later edition).
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What other places were attacked by the Japanese when they struck Hawaii? Which one Representative did not vote for war and why?
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Homework
Concept:
Preparations for war.
Generalization:
New Haven, Connecticut and the nation prepare for protection and production.
1.
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“NEW HAVEN ACTS SPEEDILY TO SAFEGUARD INDUSTRIES.”
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What steps were taken in New Haven to protect this city from possible attack? How many New Haveners were estimated to be in Hawaii during the attack? What would you have done to prepare for attack if you lived in New Haven at this time?
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2.
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“UNDER ONE BANNER.” December 13, 1941.
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What does this cartoon say about people’s attitudes toward war at this point? Explain the meaning of the words on the banners in the garbage pail.
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3.
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“AMERICA FACES LONG, DIFFICULT WAR, BUT WILL TRIUMPH, SAYS ROOSEVELT.” December 10, 1941.
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What two policies did Roosevelt explain would help America produce enough supplies for the war? What lessons did Roosevelt say America learned by staying out of the war so long? What promises did he make to America about the war and peace?
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4.
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“STATE ACTS TO GUARD PLANTS FROM SABOTAGE.” December 9, 1941.
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Who was Governor of Connecticut during WW II? What was the plan to protect plants in Connecticut from possible sabotage? Why were air raid drills important for Americans who were so far from the fighting?
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5.
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“THE BATTLE OF DETROIT.”
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What was the battle described in this ad? Would you agree that “the automobile industry should become the “arsenal of democracy” or that “Detroit stands for miracles in production?” What other propaganda do you find in this ad?
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6.
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“SALE OF STAPLES.”
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Compare the prices of products listed on this page with prices for the same item today. Check a newspaper or go to the store and compare prices.
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Possible extra credit assignment: Ask students to interview (either orally, on tape, or in writing) someone they know who lived during WW II. Ask the person what he or she was doing when he or she heard the news of the attack. What reaction did the person have?