1. DO NOW How do you imagine a battle during World War II was?

2. Teaching Point: Today we will examine the end of World War Two.

3. Background Info: In June 1944, Allied soldiers stormed beaches on the coast of France. This was a major tuning point in the war as power began to shift from the Axis Powers to the Allied Powers. But it came at a price…

4. Learning Activity As we watch the clip from Saving Private Ryan, keep in mind the price American soldiers paid to preserve freedom at home and in Europe.

5. May 7, 1945 End of war in Europe V-E Day Two atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki August 9, 1945 End of war in Japan V-J Day

11. Learning Activity Please turn to page 46 of the “Our Century” books.

12. Homework Put yourself in the shoes of a soldier storming the beaches of France on D-Day. Write a half page describing what you are feeling and thinking about as the battle is going on. Write a one page reflection about what you have learned today.