Asian Studies Independent Work Packet

This 25-page resource with 15 primary sources plus a DBQ question gives students a chance to delve deeper into the experiences of Japanese-Americans during World War II, both in internment camps and outside of internment camps. Many students know that Japanese-Americans from the West Coast were interned. Here’s a chance to read documents that shed light on how the decision was made, whether the racial prejudices were shared among all Americans, how Japanese-Americans contributed outside the camps, and how re-integration was perceived. The Japanese-American experience went far beyond their internment in the camps.

Assign just one, a few or all of the sources depending on time constraints and student interest.

Primary Sources include:
*Customer Complaint and Restaurant Owner’s Response
*Transcript from a Meeting in General DeWitt’s Office, January 1942
* Excerpt from Executive Order 9066, February 1942
*Evacuation Notice Number 9, April 1942
*Images from Evacuation and Assembly Center
*Letter from Internee to Former Middle School Teacher, September 1942
*Excerpt of Congressional Report of Dies Committee, August 1943
*Photographs of Life inside the Internment Camp
*Resolution by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Santa Cruz Parlor, April 1944
*Photographs of Contributions by Japanese-Americans
*Letter Insert by Assistant Director of War Relocation Authority, January 1946

Included is a one-page sheet that explains what primary sources are and how to analyze them using specific questions through a process called HAPPY. Primary sources include letters, photos, reports and other documents. Each page of primary sources includes questions. There is also a page at the end for students to apply the HAPPY process to one source. Two DBQ prompts are included at the end. An Answer Key to all the questions and the DBQ prompts are available at the end of the packet.

This is excellent practice for all high school students, particularly Honors and AP students, but all students will find these resources engaging.

This is also available as a digital resource through Easel so students may complete it online.

Please check out my other Teaching Resources about World War II:

*The Japanese-American Experience in World War II: PowerPoint Presentation
*The Japanese-American Experience in World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*Women in the US Military during World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*Victory Gardens of World War II: PowerPoint Mini-Lesson
*Victory Gardens during World War II: Analyzing Primary Sources
*Victory Gardens during World War II: Classroom Activities
*The Home Front in World War II: Crossword Puzzle and Word Search
*The Home Front during World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*The Home Front in the United States During World War II: PowerPoint Lesson

More are always being added so check back frequently!

If you like World War II historical fiction, I have written a book called Hearts of War about a Nisei soldier who served in the Military Intelligence Service and a woman who served in the Women Army Corps. In writing this book, I wanted to bring an unknown aspect of history to light. Available on Amazon or Kindle and I appreciate any reviews!

Thank you!

Christa Nonnemaker