Time Machine

Moments of Truth with Stephen Ambrose (2 Parts)

For every soldier who has faced the hardships and uncertainty of combat, there is one defining instance that serves as their personal moment of truth — the moment when he understands his situation with exceptional clarity and understanding. For the soldiers of World War II, their moments of truth came in the jungles of the Pacific, the beaches of France, the foothills of Sicily, and all the other contested terrain of the 20th century’s most horrific war. Together, noted historian Stephen Ambrose and The History Channel explore the moments of truth of World War II. Using archival footage and personal interviews and testaments, this special program reveals the angst, fears and triumphs of the greatest generation’s most difficult and shining moment. Moments of Truth with Stephen Ambrose would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, World History, Maritime History and Military History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES: Students will learn about the causes, costs and significance of World War II. They will understand the war in military, political and personal terms, as well as its significance on world history and events. They will also understand the personal costs of the war to those who fought it, and those who waited anxiously for their safe return.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS: Moments of Truth with Stephen Ambrose fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: Chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research capabilities, historical issues-analysis and decision-making for Era 8.

Discussion Questions

  1. World War II was one of the most horrific events of the twentieth century. What caused this massive war?

  2. Every soldier has a moment of truth in battle. What is a moment of truth?

  3. Although the war took place in Europe and the Pacific, it affected the American home front. Describe the atmosphere of the home front during the war.

  4. On December 7, 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. How did this event change American attitudes about war and isolationism?

  5. What was the price of the attack on Pearl Harbor for the United States?

  6. What was the Bataan Death March?

  7. The Battle of Midway was one of the largest battles in the Pacific Theater. Discuss the importance of this battle.

  8. During the war, Japanese-Americans in the Untied States were interned in camps. Why? Discuss the hypocrisy of interning American citizens during World War II.

  9. How did Americans on the home front help in the war effort?

  10. Many new innovations are a result of war. What were some of the innovations that were created during World War II?

  11. What were the WASPS? How were they different from the other women of the armed services?

  12. What does “D-Day” stand for?

  13. Many men who received medals and honors during the war for their heroic efforts deny that they were brave. Why? How do you define bravery?

  14. Although planes were used during World War I, air technology was still in its infancy and air power was very limited. However, air power was a significant factor in World War II. Discuss the importance of air power and air superiority during World War II.

  15. D-Day at Normandy was the largest invasion in world history. Discuss this historic battle and its significance to the war and history.

  16. Although the Allied Forces clearly reigned supreme during and after the invasion of Normandy, the war dragged on in Europe for almost another year. Why?

  17. Discuss the bravery of the Japanese-American soldiers of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. How did their bravery and loyalty defy the Japanese internment camps?

  18. What was the “lost battalion?”

  19. Discuss the role and presence of racism in the armed forces during World War II.

  20. At the end of the war in Europe, U.S. soldiers liberated the death camps of Nazi Germany. How did the liberation of the camps make soldiers realize the enormity of Hitler’s evil and their role in stopping him?

  21. How did the war finally end?
Extended Activities

  1. Go to http://www.execpc.com/~dschaaf/sound.html (Pearl Harbor Remembered) and listen to President Roosevelt's address to Congress. How did Roosevelt describe the attack? What did he accomplish with this address?

  2. Interview older friends or relatives who remember World War II. How did the war change their lives? What were their experiences during the war? What do they remember most vividly?

  3. Create a commemorative medal or a memorial for the women who served as WASPS.

  4. Moderate a class debate on whether or not the United States should have used atomic bombs to end the war.
Related Videos
Primary Sources
  • Follow this link (http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/wwii/wwii.htm) to the Avalon Project at the Yale Law School: World War II Documents for an extensive online archive of documents relating to the war.

Air Dates

Classroom Materials