Following WWII, it is very difficult to transition into the Civil Rights movement. I find that showing my students the movie ’42’ is a great way to introduce them to the topic, considering it displays many different facets of our country at that time. I start by giving them a historical background reading that helps the students understand how our country was torn in two after the war. They then get to watch the movie over a few days and they fill out a notes sheet throughout the course of the film. I have made two different versions of the notes sheet, both sold separately in my store. I will link them below the post. We have a discussion after we finish the movie to greater understand the intense topics and themes introduced in the movie. This movie is a great precursor for learning about the 1950’s and 60’s.
Thanks for reading!