PD Resources

Exploring primary source documents serves as one of the best ways to understand history. But with limited time and competing demands, it can be challenging to introduce new resources into the classroom. Watch as historian Dr. Christopher Hamner analyzes a handful of World War II primary sources in these short videos. Take his examples to use in your classroom.

African American Experiences

Sowing the seeds of change during World War II

Comparing Cemeteries

How nations remember their fallen service members after World War II

D-Day in Documents

Comparing Eisenhower's "In Case of Failure Memo" to "The Order of the Day"

Decision

The U.S. government’s promise to the families of the fallen

Planning For War

The logistics of sending combat troops into battle

Race and the Enemy

Comparing German and Japanese depictions in U.S. war propaganda

The Atomic Bomb

Luis Alvarez's letter to his son from aboard The Artiste

Why They Fight

Analyzing how the military motivates soldiers to go into combat

Women in the Workforce

Examining depictions of women's roles during World War II