Enhancing Your WWII Unit: Selecting Engaging Documentaries for High School Students

When teaching about World War II to high school students, it's essential to combine informative content with engaging presentations. Documentaries can be a powerful tool to captivate and educate your class. Here are some recommended documentaries that strike a balance between historical accuracy and entertainment value, making them perfect for your curriculum.

Classic Documentaries

There are two documentaries that stand out above the rest, and they are Victory at Sea and The World at War. These productions offer a detailed and fascinating exploration of the war from different perspectives and are well-suited for in-class streaming.

Victory at Sea

Victory at Sea was produced in the 1950s and provides a sweeping narrative of naval battles during World War II. Given the involvement of some of the era's leading actors, the documentary is known for its celebratory tone, often criticized for its biased and overly patriotic viewpoint. For younger students, a condensed version of the series might be more appropriate to maintain their interest and attention. The series is available in a more concise format, making it an ideal introduction to the broader scope of the war.

The World at War

The World at War, produced by the BBC approximately twenty years after the release of Victory at Sea, offers a more balanced and less biased approach. The documentary is narrated by the legendary actor Lawrence Olivier, which adds an immediate level of gravitas to the series. While the early episodes might be somewhat dry for younger students, they provide crucial context and background information that is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the war's political and economic dimensions.

Additional Recommendations

Besides Victory at Sea and The World at War, here are a few more documentaries that could enhance your WWII unit:

“The Longest Day”

The Longest Day, a film adaptation of Cornelius Ryan's book, provides a Hollywood perspective on the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944. This film features an ensemble cast of top-tier actors and offers a compelling narrative of the D-Day invasion. While it may be too intense for younger students, it can serve as an excellent supplementary resource, especially in combination with other documentaries that focus on the broader historical context.

“To Hell and Back”

To Hell and Back is a classic documentary that centers around the real-life experiences of Audie Murphy. The film gives an authentic account of Murphy's time in the U.S. Army during World War II. His portrayal of himself, despite being reluctant, adds a personal and relatable element to the documentary. This can be particularly effective in engaging students who may have difficulty with more abstract or distant historical narratives.

Introduction to The World at War

The first episode of The World at War begins with a powerful introduction that sets the stage for the series. The opening line, “To Hell and Back,” followed by the description of Oradour-sur-Glane, illustrates the weight of the war's impact on individual lives and communities. Lawrence Olivier's introduction alone makes the entire series a must-watch: watch the first part here.

Emphasizing Authenticity and Engagement

The BBC's The World at War is hailed for its authenticity and balance, a quality that is evident in every episode. The detailed narrative and the presence of Lawrence Olivier as the narrator are just two aspects that make this documentary stand out. Student testimonials from those who have watched the series in multiple languages (like German) indicate that the BBC's aim was to create a documentary rather than a propaganda series, ensuring that it remains both educational and engaging.

Conclusion

Incorporating these documentaries into your WWII unit can significantly enhance students' understanding of the historical events and the human impact of World War II. From the patriotic narrative of Victory at Sea to the balanced examination of The World at War, these resources offer a wide range of perspectives and narratives that can captivate and educate your students. Use them effectively, and you'll be well on your way to delivering a memorable and impactful history lesson.