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Course: World History Project AP® > Unit 7

Lesson 5: 7.4—World War II
Arts and humanities
World History Project AP®
Global Conflict
7.4—World War II
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BEFORE YOU WATCH: World War II – Crash Course World History #38

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Use the "Three Close Reads" approach as you watch the video below.

Before you watch

Before you watch the video, it’s a good idea to open and skim the video transcript. And always read the questions below so you know what to look and listen for as you watch.

While you watch

  1. When does John Green say that World War II started?
  2. Why did Germany conquer Europe so quickly?
  3. Why were places like Argentina important to the war effort?
  4. How does John Green explain Germany’s decision to invade the Soviet Union and Japan’s choice to bomb Pearl Harbor?
  5. Why were so many civilians killed in this war?

After you watch

  1. Using evidence from this video, explain the similarities and differences in how governments used a variety of methods to conduct war.
  2. How did the advances in human technology and organization during the long nineteenth century enable the slaughter of millions of soldiers and civilians during the Second World War?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to watch. Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished watching.

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  • winston default style avatar for user Elbert Gao
    Posted 7 months ago. Direct link to Elbert Gao's post “How did Adolf Hitler come...”
    How did Adolf Hitler come to power when some Germans opposed him?
    (2 votes)
    Default Khan Academy avatar avatar for user
    • sneak peak yellow style avatar for user William Wang
      Posted 7 months ago. Direct link to William Wang's post “Adolf Hitler's energy gav...”
      Adolf Hitler's energy gave him significant power. Following the First World War, Germany suffered under incredible economic loss strain due to the reparations they had to make to other countries. The Weimar Republic was unable to maintain its political rule, and Germany supported (by Democratic means) the Nazi party because of the promises the party made to expand German power/influence over Europe.
      (2 votes)