United States History

Timeline of World War II, 1931–1941

In The Great Depression and World War II, page 4.2

Timeline of global events leading up to World War II and in the first two years of the conflict in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Format: timeline

Pearl Harbor

In The Great Depression and World War II, page 4.3

In North Carolina History: A Sampler, page 2.11

Explanation of the Japanese attack on U.S. naval forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Page includes audio, video, maps, and photographs.

Format: article

"A date which will live in infamy"

In The Great Depression and World War II, page 4.4

Speech by President Franklin Roosevelt asking Congress for a declaration of war on Japan, December 8, 1941. Includes audio, transcript, and historical commentary.

Format: speech/primary source

Commentary and sidebar notes by David Walbert.

The coming of war

In The Great Depression and World War II, page 4.1

Overview of the events leading up to the United States' involvement in World War II. Includes an excerpt from a film produced by the U.S. Government to convince Americans of the need to fight.

Format: article

Americans react to Pearl Harbor

In The Great Depression and World War II, page 4.5

Interviews recorded in early 1942 giving the reactions of ordinary Americans to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declaration of war by the United States. Includes historical commentary.

Format: interview/primary source

Resources on the web

Was the United States ready for Pearl Harbor?

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the United States' level of preparedness for the attack and think about what the U.S. could have done to be better prepared. Activities in this lesson engage students in whole class discussion, online research,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 11 Social Studies)

Provided by: Xpeditions