Prototype, “Pathways”

Visit to the Museum of World War II, Boston

Welcome to the Museum of World War II, Boston. The artifacts and documents here are authentic. Every object played a role

in World War II. Please treat everything with respect and care.

This map will help you navigate the exhibitions and find

documents and artifacts that will be helpful to you.

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General Instructions: select one of the three thematic “Pathways” in this packet. As you explore the Museum today, seek out and jot down answers to the questions in that Pathway. Towards the end of your visit, use the analysis sheets at the end of the packet to really look closely at one document and one artifact.

Pathway 1: Propaganda & NationalismFind this poster in the German exhibition. This was made by Germany to criticize what they called “degenerate art”. What are three things you notice about it? What are the effects of using this visual stereotype?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Find this poster in the American exhibition. Which Americans do you think would be most impacted by it? What emotions might they feel when seeing it, and what actions might they be inspired to take?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Find this poster in the American exhibition. Compare this American poster to the “degenerate art poster above. How is the portrayal of the person different? What is this poster meant to communicate?

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Looking at many posters in the Museum, what are three different emotions that are encouraged by propaganda posters? What are three specific actions that different posters ask viewers to take?

Emotions meant to be triggered Actions encouraged

1) 1)

2) 2)

3) 3)

Briefly describe the most powerful propaganda poster you find at the Museum. Why does it strike you as so powerful?

From two different galleries that represent two different nations (pick one Axis and one Allied), identify one object or document from each that illustrates how nationalism or a “mass culture” was built up in that nation. But don’t pick posters this time.

1st Country ___________________________________________ Axis or Allied?______________________

Name of item: ____________________________________________________________________

A “telling detail” that reveals its purpose…

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2nd Country ___________________________________________ Axis or Allied?______________________

Name of item: ____________________________________________________________________

A “telling detail” that reveals its purpose…

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Pathway 2: Weapons and Soldiers

Throughout the Museum, identify 8 to 10 weapons that represent a range of nations and technologies. Place them on a spectrum from most basic to most technologically advanced.

MostBasic: _________________________________________________________________________

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MostAdvanced:

Which one would you characterize as most “typical”? __________________________________

Which weapon here surprised you the most?____________________________________________

Which would you fear facing the most?__________________________________________________

In an exhibit of your choice, select a mannequin dressed and equipped as a soldier, combat pilot, etc. There are many choices, from several nations and many types of combat. Below, make an inventory (a full list) of 20 to 25 items of clothing and equipment that is visible. Eyes only—please don’t touch the mannequin, clothing or equipment.

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Based on your inventory, what kind of combat situations do you think this type of soldier was generally involved in? What kind of weather?

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Pick a second combat-oriented mannequin that is very differently prepared from the one you inventoried above. What do these differences tell you about World War II combat?

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Pathway 3:Different Nations, Different Experiences

Germany exhibits

There are many images of Adolf Hitler. Pick one that fits in with what you expected to see today.

Describe it, and why it “fits” your existing idea of Hitler:

Now, pick an image of Hitler that surprises you, or makes you seem him differently than you expected. Describe how Hitler is portrayed in this image, and why this surprises you.

Find two different artifacts illustrating how Germany “trained” children to be loyal to the Nazi Party. Sketch one of these artifacts.

Find an object or document that illustrates anti-Semitism in Germany. Describe it. How does Anti-Semitism relate to Hitler’s plans in World War II?

Britain, France, and the Holocaust

Select one object in the England room that illustrates what life was like under German attack. Describe it or sketch it, making sure to capture three key details.

Imagine you are a citizen of France in the early 1940s. Germany has completely taken over your country. Based on the Museum’s exhibit, how do you think life is different for a typical person in France? Use an example of an artifact or document you found in your answer.

Quick answer: If you were a French citizen at the time, would you have joined the Resistance or helped the Nazis? Why?

Which object in the Holocaust display was most surprising to you?

America Enters the War

Looking back at World War II, many people make a statement like: “At the time of World War II, the United States was all about justice and democracy, and we spread those values through the world by liberating nations under dictators.” As you explore the museum today:

Find two pieces of evidence that clearly support this statement. Jot down a quick description of each.

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2)

Find two pieces of evidence that seem to refute that statement above. Jot down a quick description of each.

1)

2)

From what you can tell from the artifacts here, what happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?

Find and describe a Japanese-made artifact that shows a Japanese perspective on that day.

For All: Close AnalysisFor this part of your visit, really look “up close” at one document and one artifact from the Pacific, POW, and End of War exhibits. Spend at least 6-8 minutes focused on one single object, and another 6-8 minutes with one single document. Pick items that really interest you, so that you enjoy the time spent with them.

Here are two analysis tools to guide you in this process.