Fighting for Democracy is an experiential exhibition based on the lives, actions, and decisions of a diverse group of individuals who sought equal rights for their families and communities during World War II.
The exhibition uses World War II as a case study to begin discussion about how women and minorities have expanded the meaning of “we” in “we, the people.” It looks at the experiences of seven real people and traces their stories throughout the pre-war, war, and post-war periods as examples of the millions of Americans whose lives were affected by the war. They provide ways of helping students to understand the conditions facing Americans before and during World War II.
Experiencing the Exhibition
Ready to explore this unique exhibition? Below, we present information about the physical exhibition installed at Hirasaki Democracy Hall at the National Center, as well as a portal to our interactive online presentation of Fighting for Democracy.
Learn more about the presentation of Fighting for Democracy at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, and sign your class up for a visit.
Based on the individual stories from Fighting for Democracy, the online presentation uses interactive elements to convey the essential points from the physical exhibition, and offers reflection questions to help you engage with the material.
Pre-Visit Classroom Resources and Activities (Available 2008)
Before experiencing Fighting for Democracy, these activities are designed to introduce students to historical context and to activate students' prior knowledge and reactions to the conditions that women and ethnic Americans experienced during the 1930s and 1940s.
Post-Visit Classroom Resources and Activities (Available 2008)
After experiencing Fighting for Democracy, these activities are designed to generate student reflection on the exhibition's essential questions and propel students into action and participation in democracy.
