A Lesson in History

Aim

To provide students with a general overview of Canada’s role in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War, therefore enabling students to engage and participate in more specific activities.

Specific Learning Outcomes

Students will be expected to:

• Demonstrate a general understanding of the history of Canada’s involvement in the Italian Campaign by answering questions through written response.

Target Audience

This activity is suitable for grades 7 to 12, ages 12 to 18.

Sequence and Anticipated Time Frame

• Background: 10 minutes
• Activity: 40 minutes
• Discussion: 10 minutes

Required Class Materials

• Veterans Affairs Canada - Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign Historical Sheet;
• Class set of labelled maps of Italy;
• Smartboard, screen, whiteboard, or other means of broadcasting and sharing ideas with the class;
• Map or atlas.

Suggested Reference Materials

Veterans Affairs Canada - Canada and the Second World War.

Background: 10 minutes

Provide some background information on the Second World War by asking some general questions of the group regarding the causes of war, the various combatants, and the scope of the war on the land, on the sea, and in the air up until February 1945. The Suggested Reference Materials indicated above will help you provide details and address gaps in the group’s overall knowledge.

After a general overview of the Second World War has been given, engage the students in the lesson by asking them some more personalized questions, such as:

• Has anyone ever travelled to Europe? To Italy?
• Can anyone find Italy on the map/globe?
• Can anyone name any cities in Italy?
• Can anyone name any surrounding countries or cities?
• Does anyone know that Canada played a major role in the Allied struggle to liberate Italy during the Second World War?
• Does anyone know someone who participated in the Second World War or, more specifically, in the Italian Campaign?
• Why do you think Canada took part in this campaign?
• Do you know which other countries took part in the Italian Campaign and who were Canada’s allies?

Jeopardy Game Activity: 40 minutes

Group the class in pairs and distribute the Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign Historical Sheets and the labelled maps of Italy (one per student). In their assigned pairs, have students read the information sheet together, using the map as a reference. Invite students to highlight any key information such as dates, places, people, battles, etc. Allow time for students to review the key information they have highlighted throughout the Information Sheet.

Divide the class into four groups. Have each group line up side by side, with the team members lining up one behind the other. Ask various questions based on the Information Sheet the students have just read. The student at the front of each group’s line will have the opportunity to respond to the first question. The first student to raise their hand (or blow a whistle; ring a bell; buzz in, etc.) will get a chance to answer. If the student answers correctly, their team wins a point. If the student fails to answer the question correctly, the three other opponents at the front of the line have a chance to answer by being the first to raise their. Each “player” receives only one chance to answer and if the correct answer is not given by any of the students, you will provide the correct answer (just like Jeopardy). Those at the front of the line now move to the back, and the next student from each group has a chance to answer the next question, and so on until all the questions have been answered. A prize may be given to the team with the most points at the end of the game.

Questions and Answers

Question 1

Why did the Allied Forces take part in the Italian Campaign?

Answer 1

Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin had been asking for help from the Allies for some time and they finally agreed to assist the Soviet Union to ease the pressure of the attack on his armies.

Question 2

When did the Italian Campaign begin?

Answer 2

July 10, 1943

Question 3

Name at least two of Canada's allies.

Answer 3

Great Britain, France, United States, Soviet Union

Question 4

How many Canadians took part in the Italian Campaign? (To the nearest 1,000)

Answer 4

93,000

Question 5

How long was the Italian Campaign?

Answer 5

20 months

Question 6

The Italian Campaign began with the invasion of Sicily. This invasion was also known as?

Answer 6

Operation Husky

Question 7

Give at least one reason why the invasion of Sicily was successful.

Answer 7

It allowed the Allied Forces to establish an air base from which they could start the liberation of Italy. It freed the Mediterranean Sea for Allied shipping. It contributed to the downfall of the Italian leader Mussolini, which put an end to the war in Italy.

Question 8

During Christmas, 1943, Canadians took part in a very difficult battle in a small city on the Adriatic coast. Name that city.

Answer 8

Ortona

Question 9

Why was it a difficult battle?

Answer 9

Ortona was a mediaeval town of castles and stone buildings and was located on a ledge overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Its steep, rubble-filled streets limited the use of tanks and artillery and resulted in vicious street fighting.

Question 10

Define "mouseholing."

Answer 10

Smashing through walls and buildings.

Question 11

How long did it take to capture the town of Ortona?

Answer 11

Seven days

Question 12

Though the Italian Campaign lasted until the spring of 1945, Canadians did not participate in the final victory; why not?

Answer 12

They began to move to Northwest Europe to be reunited with the First Canadian Army in February of 1945 where they joined the Allied Forces movement into the Netherlands and Germany to participate in the conclusion of the war.

Question 13

How many Canadian casualties resulted from the 20-month Italian Campaign?

Answer 13

25,264 casualties

Question 14

How many Canadian casualties died?

Answer 14

5,900 died

Closing: 10 minutes

Hold a short discussion based on today's activity and allow the students to express their thoughts and feelings about the Italian Campaign.

Follow-up Activity

• Have students answer the following question in a two or three paragraph response or in an online discussion board or chat room:

  There were almost 26,000 casualties in the Italian Campaign, nearly 6,000 of which were fatal. These men and women died fighting for peace and freedom and the rights of all humanity. Do you agree that no price is too high to pay when it comes to fighting for peace and freedom? Why?

• Have students make a glossary of new words, terms, or phrases they have heard throughout today's reading, trivia game, and discussion. Students may search for the word meanings in dictionaries and encyclopedias, or invite them to search the Internet, especially the Veterans Affairs Canada website. (Students may wish to add to their glossary throughout the whole unit, as new words, terms, or phrases are mentioned.)