“The Good War”: An Oral History of World War II

What are the advantages and the disadvantages of using oral histories like “The Good War” to understand conflicts like World War II?

Considering his background and political views, do you believe that Studs Terkel is biased? Would you agree that the nature of an oral history helps combat bias? Why or why not?

Name at least three ways that World War II changed the course of US history. Support your answer with specific examples from the book’s narratives.

Choose four interviewees whose testimonies about World War II surprised you. How and why were these narratives surprising?

Choose one interviewee you found especially interesting. If you could ask them at least three questions, what would they be? How do you think they would respond?

What is the best way to combat racism and bias, according to what you have learned from “The Good War”? Use specific examples to support your answer.

What does “The Good War” suggest about women’s roles and masculinity during World War II? Did the war cause any lasting change to gender expectations in the US? Explain your reasoning.

According to Terkel’s interviewees, what were some benefits of the postwar era? Some drawbacks? Do any of these benefits or drawbacks still persist to this day?