Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

Utilizing your knowledge of WWII including what you recall from history classes, texts, and film, note a brief response to as many of the following questions as possible.

• What causes tension in Germany before World War II?
• What leads to the rise of the Nazi party in Germany?
• Why is Italy displeased after World War I?
• What agreement does Germany make with the USSR (Russia)?
• What were the goals of the resistance during World War II?
• Who is attacked in Operation Barbarossa?
• Where is Prussia located after World War I?
• Who dissolves the Prussian state government?
• Why do the Allies refuse to reinstate Prussia after World War II?

Teaching Suggestion: Salt to the Sea is set during the evacuation of East Prussia when Soviet forces invaded. If you discover through these questions and accompanying contextual discussion that students are unfamiliar with World War II content, it may be beneficial to view the 11-minute video on World War II or a similar resource emphasizing the role of the USSR. You might instead encourage investigation with these or other resources as students attempt the questions.