Iwo Jima was the site of some of the most grim fighting in World War II. Learners consider this fact while examining primary sources, including letters home, from those on the front lines. After they complete the analysis, scholars then ponder the lessons historians learn from primary sources.

Concepts

the pacific ocean, world war ii, military history, primary source analysis, primary sources, primary source images

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the primary source analysis activity to fuel a discussion of the reliability of primary sources

Classroom Considerations

• One part of a larger series called War in the Pacific
  
• Primary sources contain racist language against the Japanese and may not be suitable for all viewers

Pros

• Images of the primary sources and transcripts when appropriate make the resource easy to use
• Primary source analysis worksheet helps scaffold the activity
• Extension activities allow for differentiated instruction

Cons

• Activity does not include any voices from Japanese soldiers

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.9 RH.11-12.2