The Economist- You are interested in discovering how the economies of each country were fairing before the war, during the war and after the war. The economy of each country is important because it influences both the feelings of ordinary citizens and the actions taken by the government. For example, during a period of economic stability or economic growth, citizens are more likely to be content with their government and the world. Therefore, they are not likely to agitate for or support a war. This does not mean though, that a poor country will always want to go to war. Because, if a government has very little money it is difficult to organize and sustain an army.

Your job is to find out the strengths and weaknesses of the economies of the United States, Germany and Japan prior to World War II. Then, you must find out how these economies were affected by the war. Finally, gather information about the post-war economy. All of this information will be important to your group when completing the task, so be sure to take good notes. Some of the information you should look for includes: unemployment rates, percentage of people that are homeless, average salary, a country’s Gross National Product or GNP, and the rate of inflation.

Germany: Economic Recovery, Pre-War and Post-War Economy, Reparations           

United States: Economic Depression, Causes of the Depression, Rationing during the War, More Rationing

Japan: Economic Depression, Economic Recovery

Social Correspondent- You are interested in learning about the culture and different ways of life that were found in the United States, Germany and Japan during the time of World War II. A country’s culture is important because it lets others know what the people of that country value. The beliefs and feelings of ordinary citizens can strongly influence the actions of government.

Your job is to discover what are some similarities between the people of the United States, Germany and Japan, as well as their differences. This information will be very important to your group, especially when you have to write an editorial and create a piece of propaganda. Some of the information you should look for includes: the religious beliefs of citizens of each country, beliefs about racial differences, resentment towards other countries because of past conflicts, customs or traditions specific to that country, and any other information that would help to describe the people of each country.

 Germany: Hitler, Resentment from World War I, Boy Soldiers

 United States: Neutrality, Rationing, More Rationing, The Homefront

Japan: Conflict with China, A moral War, Buddhism, Shinto , Nationalism , Internment Camps in the US

Political Analyst- You are interested in learning about the governments of the United States, Germany and Japan. The structure and role of the government in the daily lives of its citizens is important in understanding the actions of those citizens. For example, if a government does not allow its citizens to speak freely in public forums, then it is unlikely that the citizens will ever be able to influence the workings of the government. Also, it is important to understand who actually controls the everyday workings of the government. Is there a group of people that oversee the laws of the country, or is only one person in charge?

Your job is to find out how the government operates and then determine how this affects the country’s role in the war. This information will be very important to your group when completing your tasks because it will allow you to understand the actions taken by each country before and during the war. Some of the information you should look for includes: Who has the right to vote; what percentage of people in the country have the right to vote? Is the press controlled by the government, are the people encouraged to voice their opinions to the government? Who is the ultimate leader of the country, who has the final say in the government? Is there a parliament or legislative body, how much power do they have? What role does the military have in the government, are the controlled by outside forces or from within?

Germany: Hitler's Rise to Power, National Socialist Party, Hitler Biography, Nazi Party, Treaty of Versailles, Hitler's Proclamation concerning Poland

United States: Neutrality Act, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman

Japan: Foreign Policy towards China, Rise of Militarism in Government, The Emperor

War Correspondent- You are interested in the actual battles and fighting in the war. It is important to recognize the number of people who lost their lives in each country, so as to understand that country's loss. Also, many buildings, homes, factories and hospitals were destroyed during World War II; this destruction cost billions of dollars to repair. Your group will never be able to understand the consequences of war without your information.

Your job is to find out the damages that the United States, Germany and Japan endured during World War II. There might be information that you discover that is upsetting or frightening to you. If this happens, it is best that you talk with your teacher or your parents about these feelings, and maybe you can trade roles with someone else. Some of the information you should look for includes: the number of military personnel killed from each country, the number of buildings, hospitals, factories and homes that were destroyed in the war, the number of people that were made homeless, the number of civilians that were killed within each country, the estimated amount of money each country used to repair damaged property and the feelings of the people about the war.

Germany: Germany on the Defensive, Casualties, Boy Soldiers, Lidice, Battle of the Bulge, German Soldier

United States: Casualties, Guadalcanal, Ships Sunk, Pearl Harbor, War of Attrition

Japan: Aggression against China, Japan on the Defensive, Damages from the Atomic Bombs, Eyewitness account of bombing, Casualties

Image courtesy of WWII Photo Album, Harry O'Connor