Curated OER
The Origins of the Cold War, 1945-1949
Learners investigate the early years of the Cold War and the origins of containment. Both supporters as well as critics are probed to examine the differences that emerged in the months following the end of the war in Europe. This unit...
Stanford University
Cold War in Guatemala
Students investigate the Cold War and why it was fought in Guatemala. In this Cold War instructional activity, students analyze documents from the CIA and textbooks then discuss. Students work in pairs to answer questions and fill out...
University of California
Decolonization
The ripple effect from one small event can impact many others. Young historians research the ripple effect World War II had on decolonization in the second installment of an eight-part series. Through primary and secondary documents as...
Curated OER
The Cold War Warrior Defending: The Moral Beacon of the World
Learners identify President Reagan's domestic and foreign policy, describe America's attitude toward communism, list characteristics which endeared Reagan to the American people, and explain why some Americans spoke out against Reagan's...
Curated OER
Memorandum of a Conference with President Eisenhower after Sputnik
Students use the National Archives to research how the United States and the Soviet Union south to maintain its supremacy after World War II.
Curated OER
School Desegregation in South Carolina
Eleventh graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this North Carolina history lesson, 11th graders examine the Briggs v. Elliott case in order to understand the difference in the state and...
Curated OER
Defense Mechanisms
Students examine the Cold War roots of the recent debate over the construction of United States and Russian missile defense shields. They begin by reading and discussing the article, Putin Says Russia Would Counter U.S. Shield.
Curated OER
Cold War-Atomic Weapons
Ninth graders explore how nuclear weapons have affected the actions of nations around the world. They identify the countries that have nuclear weapons and discuss the humanitarian issues with nuclear weapons. Students create a "Doomsday...
Curated OER
A Changing of the Guard: Traditionalists, Feminists, and the New Face of Women in Congress
Students explore the role of women as Congressional leaders. In this women's rights lesson, students identify and investigate the impact of women representatives and senators in the U.S. Legislative Branch. Comprehension questions, data,...
Curated OER
The Missiles of October
High schoolers explain why the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba was a matter of concern to the United States. They discuss each of the options available to the president in this situation, as well as the advantages and disadvantages...
Curated OER
Fall of Soviet Union/Rise of Chinese Communism
Ninth graders examine the reasons for the fall of communism in the Soviet Union and the rise of communism in China. They listen to a lecture and complete slot notes, listen to and read the lyrics to the song "We Didn't Start the Fire"...
Curated OER
Resolving Kennedy's Legacy
Students examine the Kennedy presidency. In this presidential history lesson plan, students watch "Resolving Kennedy's Legacy." Students then discuss the provided questions regarding the presidency and write position papers about about...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Understanding the Koreas
Though this resource was designed in 2005, US tension with North Korea remains a relevant topic for exploration and understanding. Unfortunately, this lecture and reading-based lesson is unlikely to engage the class. The end product is a...