1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War
I can explain why the period of 1941-2 was an important turning point of the Second World War.
1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War
I can explain why the period of 1941-2 was an important turning point of the Second World War.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In June 1941 Hitler launched an invasion of the Soviet Union, seeking to increase German territory to its east.
- At first Nazi Germany was successful, taking control of much of the western parts of the Soviet Union.
- In December 1941 Japan attacked the USA at Pearl Harbour, leading to them declaring war on both Japan and Nazi Germany.
- The Nazis attempted to take Stalingrad in 1942 but were ultimately unsuccessful after 5 months of fighting.
- The period 1941-2 was a turning point as it weakened Nazi Germany and led to the entry of the USA into the war.
Keywords
Lebensraum - the concept of 'living space' used by the Nazis to justify invading other countries
Siege - the surrounding of a place by an armed force, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling those inside to surrender
Common misconception
That the sole turning point of the Second World War was due to America being brought into the conflict.
America's entry into the conflict was an important turning point, however, another significant turning point occurred with the first defeat of the Nazi army in the Soviet Union.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: 1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: 1941-2, a pivotal period of the Second World War, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the WW2: which events turned the tide in the story of the Second World War? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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