A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History : African Americans in World War II Library of Congress: American Memory These digital artifacts present some aspects of the African American experience during World War II. (Primary source material with commentary). Students can read through the section "World War II, Segregation Abroad and at Home" and develop a list of possible African-American grievances with the segregation they faced in the military and at home. The students can then discuss the degree to which these grievances have been addressed. Students can prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the various contributions of women and minorities in the war effort. They can use all the resources included in VUS.10b. They should cover contributions at home and at war. This activity can be a precursor to a discussion of civil rights for both women and minorities, specifically how participation in the war effort might have spurred a demand for civil rights.

African Americans in World War II
Library of Congress: African American Odyssey

Description: These digital artifacts present some aspects of the African American experience during World War II. (Primary source material with commentary).

Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestion

Students can read through the section "World War II, Segregation Abroad and at Home" and develop a list of possible African-American grievances with the segregation they faced in the military and at home. The students can then discuss the degree to which these grievances have been addressed.

Suggestion for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson

Students can prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the various contributions of women and minorities in the war effort. They can use all the resources included in VUS.10b. They should cover contributions at home and at war. This activity can be a precursor to a discussion of civil rights for both women and minorities, specifically how participation in the war effort might have spurred a demand for civil rights.