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Activities > Activities By Subject > Social Studies Activities > American Dream Activities

The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb WWII: Document-Based Question (DBQ)

The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb WWII: Document-Based Question (DBQ) preview
The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb WWII: Document-Based Question (DBQ) preview
The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb WWII: Document-Based Question (DBQ) preview 2
The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb WWII: Document-Based Question (DBQ) preview 3
The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb WWII: Document-Based Question (DBQ) preview 4

Look Inside · 7 pages

DBQ cover for United States History showing mushroom cloud photos of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima atomic bombings
Hand out first so students label their DBQ packet
Einstein's 1939 letter to FDR on uranium bombs: students answer 3 source questions after reading the essay prompt
Launch the essay prompt with the first primary source
Manhattan Project and Trinity test: students read about Los Alamos and Oppenheimer's quote, then answer 5 questions
Discussion starter on the scientists behind the bomb
Stimson and Truman on using the bomb: students identify the 1945 US goal, who decided, Churchill's view and the target
Close reading of decision-makers' own justifications
Hiroshima and Nagasaki casualty table plus Stimson on the Emperor: students total deaths and injuries, then read the quote
Data analysis practice with casualty figures
Iwo Jima and Okinawa battle data: students compare deaths and prisoners to explain why Japanese troops rarely surrendered
Builds the invasion-cost side of the essay argument
General Arnold's view that Japan was near collapse and a New York Times surrender front page, with questions on V-J Day
Counterargument source to wrap up before essay writing
Attributes
Subject

Social Studies, History, History: World, History: USA

Grades

Grade 8, 9, 10, 11

Types

DBQ's, Teacher Tools

File

Multiple File Types

Editable
No
Author
EduPal Learning
Rating
Add To Collection
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About This Product

Understanding The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb WWII: Document-Based Question (DBQ)

This teaching tool uses primary historical documents to facilitate an in-depth understanding and analysis of a key event in world history. The DBQ aligns with relevant Common Core standards for Social Studies, enhancing students' critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

Grade Level and Subject Area

Teachers instructing grades 8 through 11 can integrate this resource into their World or USA History curriculum.

Subjects Covered

The DBQ examines two related topics:

  • The intricacies involved in creating the nuclear bomb.
  • An evaluation on whether dropping the bomb was a military necessity.

Sources provided for study:


  1. A letter from Albert Einstein to FDR.
  2. Excerpts from Harry Truman's memoirs.
  3. Casualties tally charts from Hiroshima & Nagasaki.

    4. Note: This also includes firsthand quotes like one from J.Robert Oppenheimer witnessing his creation's destructive capability.

Educational Approach:

This flexible teaching method encourages whole group discussions before students delve into individual research. Small groups can collaboratively invest time in research work that promotes peer-relevant conversations based on factual evidence extracted directly from text history texts.

Included content organising tools:
This resource aids homework by providing:

    - An outline
    - A rubric for essay preparation

The deliverables line up with academic standards, simplifying the assessment.

Tech Compatibility

This PDF resource is available as multiple file types to ensure convenience irrespective of your tech setup (computer lab hardware or individual student devices).

What's Included

PDF

Student version

Essay organizer

Prompt

Resource Tags

Primary sources World War II Atomic bomb Historical analysis Critical thinking wwii dbq questions

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