American Centuries

Pocumtuck Valley
Memorial Association

American Centuries > Lessons > History Lessons By Teachers > The Impact of WWII on New England Families at Home

The Impact of WWII on New England Families at Home

Details

Author
Ann Yell
Topic/Subject Area
Commerce, Business, Trade, Consumerism; Food, Cooking, Beverage, Alcohol; Home Life, Household Items, Furniture; Military, Wars, Battles; Politics, Government, Law, Civics; Transportation, Travel, Tourism
Historical Era
Progressive Era, World War I, 1900–1928, Great Depression and World War II, 1929–1945
Grade Level
High School (9–12)
Creation Date
2008
Last Revision Date
2024

Related items

About This Lesson

Summary and Objective

The student will understand that life during WWII was filled with sacrifice for everyone. The student will develop skills for historical analysis, including the ability to analyze and interpret primary sources to better understand sacrifices made by New England families during WWII. They will identify the different rationings that occurred and what families had to do as a result of them. The focus of the activity is on developing an understanding of how families dealt with imposed restrictions on their way of life. This lesson is designed for students with special needs. It may require 3-4 periods to complete.

Materials & Resources

Collection Items

Teaching Plan

  1. Review with students some of the basic needs of New England families during WWII: food, heat and gasoline/mileage. Explain the term RATIONING and discuss the impact it had.
  2. Explain that to get a better understanding of RATIONING during WWII, we will examine the artifacts attached to this activity.
  3. Divide the students into 3 groups: 1- Sugar; 2-Fuel; 3-Gasoline/Mileage.
  4. Each group will examine and and become familiar with the artifacts related to their topic. Ask them to discuss and answer the guiding questions that will help them in their examination and understanding of RATIONING. GUIDING QUESTIONS:
    1. What is the item?
    2. What was its purpose?
    3. What were the procedural steps that needed to be followed?
    4. How did this help the war effort?
  5. Students will work in their group to put together a presentation of information they learned on their topic to the whole group. They will use the artifacts and any materials they create to present their information to peers.
  6. Each group presents their information.
  7. Pose group questions:
    1. How would you have felt if you lived in New England during these times and had to deal with RATIONING?
    2. Do you think RATIONING could happen today?
    3. How would you feel if this happened today?