Lesson Plan: The Nazi Occupation of France during World War Two

Grade Level: High School (9th-12th grade) Subject: History

Objective: - Students will understand the key events and consequences of the Nazi occupation of France during World War Two. - Students will analyze the impact of the occupation on French society, politics, and culture. - Students will develop critical thinking skills by examining primary and secondary sources related to the topic.

Materials: - Textbooks or online resources on World War Two and the Nazi occupation of France - Primary and secondary sources (e.g., photographs, letters, newspaper articles, speeches) - Maps of France during World War Two - Chart paper and markers - Computers or tablets with internet access

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about World War Two and the Nazi occupation of France.
   • Write down their responses on chart paper.
   • Explain that today’s lesson will focus on the specific events and consequences of the Nazi occupation in France.
2. Background Information (15 minutes):
   • Provide a brief overview of World War Two, emphasizing the German invasion of France in 1940.
   • Discuss the reasons behind the German occupation of France and its strategic importance.
   • Show maps of France during World War Two to help students visualize the occupied territories.
3. Key Events of the Occupation (25 minutes):
   • Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific event or aspect of the occupation (e.g., the Vichy regime, resistance movements, collaboration, deportation of Jews).
   • In their groups, students should research and prepare a short presentation on their assigned topic.
   • After the presentations, facilitate a class discussion to highlight the main events and their significance.
4. Impact on French Society (20 minutes):
   • Introduce the concept of collaboration and resistance during the occupation.
   • Provide examples of collaborationist actions and resistance movements.
   • Divide the class into two groups: one representing collaborators and the other representing resistance fighters.
   • Conduct a debate where students argue their respective positions, using evidence from their research.
5. Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources (30 minutes):
   • Distribute primary and secondary sources related to the Nazi occupation of France.
   • In pairs or individually, students should analyze the sources and answer questions about their content, context, and reliability.
   • Discuss the findings as a class, focusing on the different perspectives and biases evident in the sources.
6. Reflection and Conclusion (10 minutes):
   • Ask students to reflect on the lesson and share one thing they learned or found interesting.
   • Summarize the main points discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the impact of the occupation on France.
   • Encourage students to continue exploring the topic through additional readings or research.

Assessment: - Group presentations on key events of the occupation - Participation in the collaboration vs. resistance debate - Analysis of primary and secondary sources - Reflection on the lesson

Extension Activities: - Research and write a short essay on the role of women during the occupation. - Create a timeline of the major events of the Nazi occupation of France. - Watch a documentary or film about the occupation and write a review. - Interview a family member or community member who lived through the occupation and write a reflection on their experiences.