World War II
Primary Sources and Online Teaching Activities about World War II
Second World War
From infamous days to days of victory, the records of the National Archives tell the story of events from the attack on Pearl Harbor through the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Explore life on the frontlines of Europe and the Pacific as well as on the homefront through photographs, posters, maps, speeches and more.
Use this page to find primary sources related to World War II, as well as document-based learning activities to share with your students.
COVER IMAGES
Left Column (Top to Bottom) Heart Mountain High School Campus Scene, Annotated Draft of Proposed Message to Congress Requesting Declaration of War Against Japan, Pilots are Briefed in Ready Room of USS Lexington.
Right Column (Top to Bottom) What is sabotage? Sabotage is treason!, Flag Raising on Iwo Jima, Chart of D-Day Beaches, We Can Do It! Poster.
Primary Sources
Teaching Activities
The SS Quanza and European War Refugees
Understanding Perspective: A Letter about Meeting Adolf Hitler
U.S. Policy and the Holocaust Refugee Crisis
The 1936 Olympics and the Boycott Movement
