Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 6 History Guides

Year 6 - History

The outbreak of the Second World War

Significant turning points: how did experiences differ during WWII?

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the outbreak of the Second World War and examine different wartime experiences from across Britain and her empire. They also develop their understanding of the second-order concepts of similarity and difference.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to recall some key information about the Second World War.

Key Notes

  • The Second World War broke out in 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland.
  • Having promised to defend Poland, Britain and France declared war on Nazi Germany.
  • When war was declared, many men and women joined the armed forces.
  • The war lasted six years and brought about significant changes for many people.
  • The Second World War has been seen as a turning point because the changes it brought were decisive and permanent.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Nazi Germany: When Germany was governed by a group of people called the Nazis it was called Nazi Germany.
  • Poland: Poland is a country that lies between Germany and Russia.
  • ration: When there is not enough of something, a ration is the small amount that each person is allowed to have equally.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Only British people fought for Britain during the Second World War.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The Second World War broke out in 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Having promised to defend Poland, Britain and France declared war on Nazi Germany.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Nazi Germany'

When Germany was governed by a group of people called the Nazis it was called Nazi Germany.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Only British people fought for Britain during the Second World War. Correction: Highlight how millions of men and women from around the world helped the British armed forces.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 History guide library.