Witness to History: Oral Accounts Project Guide

Project Overview

In this project, you will step into the shoes of a historian and collect "oral accounts" from individuals who "experienced" World War I or World War II. Since direct interviews with historical figures are not possible, you will simulate this process by creating a compelling, historically accurate narrative from the perspective of a fictional person who lived through one of these conflicts.

Your goal is to bring a human voice to history, exploring the personal impact of global events.

Learning Objectives

By completing this project, you will:

• Deepen your understanding of the social, political, and personal impacts of WWI or WWII.
• Develop empathy for individuals living through wartime.
• Enhance your research and narrative writing skills.
• Demonstrate your ability to integrate historical facts into a personal story.

Your Task

Choose ONE of the following options:

Option 1: First-Person Narrative (Journal Entries or Letters)

Create a series of 3-5 journal entries or letters written by a fictional individual living through either WWI or WWII. Each entry/letter should:

• Clearly state the persona (e.g., a soldier on the Western Front, a woman working in a factory, a child in a bombed city, a nurse).
• Be dated and indicate a specific location related to the chosen conflict.
• Describe specific events, challenges, or observations from the perspective of your chosen persona.
• Integrate at least three specific historical facts (e.g., a battle, a policy, a new technology, a social change) naturally into the narrative.
• Reflect the emotional and psychological impact of the war on your character.
• Each entry/letter should be at least 200 words.

Option 2: Oral History Transcript (Simulated Interview)

Create a simulated transcript of an interview between you (as the historian) and a fictional individual who lived through either WWI or WWII. The transcript should:

• Clearly identify the interviewee (e.g., a veteran, a refugee, a civilian).
• Include 5-7 distinct questions posed by the historian.
• Feature detailed responses from the interviewee that describe their experiences, challenges, and perspectives during the war.
• Integrate at least three specific historical facts naturally into the interviewee's responses.
• Convey the emotional depth and personal impact of the war.
• The entire transcript should be at least 800 words.

Research & Historical Accuracy

• You are expected to conduct brief research to ensure your chosen persona and their experiences are historically plausible.
• While your character is fictional, their story should accurately reflect the realities of the time and place you choose.
• Cite any specific historical facts you incorporate (e.g., in a brief bibliography at the end).

Deliverables

1. Your completed narrative or interview transcript.
2. A brief (1 paragraph) "Historian's Note" explaining your chosen persona, why you chose them, and the specific historical context you aimed to explore.

Assessment

Your project will be assessed using the Historical Perspective Rubric.

Historical Perspective Rubric: Witness to History Oral Accounts