Background

Many students know that the Allied Powers were United States, Great Britain, China, Soviet Union and France. The Axis Powers were Germany, Japan, and Italy. A sad fact of the war is the great number of soldiers from each of these countries who were killed in this war. These statistics can easily be found in textbooks, reference books or the Internet.

Activity

Students may work in groups to do research on the human cost from each these countries during the war. It is important that students recognize the human cost from Allied Powers and the Axis Powers. The data collected can be compiled in a large graph or spreadsheet that shows the number of deaths by country. Students may use the inquiry method to determine the reasons for the high cost of deaths in each country.

Internet Resources

From the Naval Historical Center website: US Navy and Marine Corps Personnel Casualties in World War II:

http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq11-1.htm

(lesson contributed by Teresa Begley)