Lesson+5+-+Balancing+Isolationism+and+Interventionism

__Objectives:__ Students will
 * define isolationism and analyze whether isolationism is the best policy for the US at this point in the war
 * Assess the overall effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy during this period

__Do Now: __ It is September 1939. At this point in time, what countries does Hitler have control over?
 * Day 1 **

__Lesson: __ Look at the map on p. 749. How many countries did the Axis Powers control by 1941? Name them.


 * Define ** isolationism in your own words. What do you think it means?

__Summary: __ Taking into account Hitler's actions, is isolationism the best policy for the United States?

__Do Now: __ We will be watching a clip from the movie "Saving Private Ryan." As you watch, keep these questions in mind and answer them afterwards:
 * Day 2 **

1) What is happening in this clip? Where do you think they are? 2) Who is fighting? 3) What are your reactions to the fighting in the video?

__ Opener: __ In 1935, America is in the middle of the Great Depression and is concerned about improving the economy and helping Americans get through daily life. Their foreign policy (relationships with other countries) at this time is isolationism.

Define isolationism and what it is to be neutral.

__Lesson__: We will be researching the following events to figure out how America got to the point we saw in the video clip. In groups, find, put in order, research, and define the following events to see how the US got into WWII.

A. Cash and Carry Act B. Battle of Atlantic C. Quarantine Speech D. FDR asks Congress to declare war on Japan E. Battle of Britain F. Lend-Lease Program G. Atlantic Charter H. D-Day I. Pearl Harbor J. Germany Invades France K. Neutrality Act L. Japan joins Axis Powers

__Summary__: Using the events you researched, at what point do you think America's entry into World War II became inenvitable? At what point during these events was America committed to the war? Include when you think it happened and explain why you think so.