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A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History
World War II Back to History Unit

(b) describing the major battles and turning points of the war in North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, including Midway, Stalingrad, the Normandy landing (D-Day), and Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb to force surrender of Japan;

Midway Atoll in World War II
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Description: This digital resource provides helpful background to the Battle of Midway by discussing the Midway Atoll itself. (Secondary source material).



Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestion
  • The students can skim the website to find information about why Midway is considered such an important battle. The teacher can then facilitate a discussion on the significance of the battle, with the students sharing their findings.
Suggestion for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson
  • The students can use the website to compose a historical journal entry from the perspective of a soldier from the battle (an American soldier, a Japanese soldier, or one of each). The idea would not only be to portray an historically accurate recount of the battle, but also to write about expectations, disappointments, achievements, and the soldier's general mood.

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