Curated OER
Understanding JFK's Presidency through his Speeches
Students reflect and discuss the major events that happened in the United States in the 1950's and 1960's. In this U.S. History lesson, students read and analyze the famous speeches during this time frame, then complete a worksheet that...
Curated OER
The Bush Doctrine
Learners analyze the Bush Doctrine and its effects on foreign policy. In this foreign policy lesson, students read and discuss the Bush Doctrine. Learners research and debate on whether or not the Bush Doctrine should be part of U.S....
Curated OER
Multiple Perspectives on the Korean War
Learners interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Korean War lesson, students examine and analyze primary sources regarding U.S. involvement in the Korean War.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Refugees From Vietnam and Cambodia
The United States may have pulled its troops from the Vietnam War in 1973, but the conflict was far from over for the citizens living in Asia at the time. An informative resource lets learners know about the wave of over 220,000...
Curated OER
Troop Surge vs. Redeployment
Students explore American foreign policy regarding the war in Iraq. In this Iraq debate lesson, students examine videos and documents about the pros and cons of keeping American troops in Iraq.
Curated OER
The Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War
Students comprehend how the United States became involved in what one historian called the quagmire. Students identify and analyze the importance of the Tet Offensive in turning American public opinion against the Vietnam War. Students...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
The Vietnam War (1963-1973) and the Iraq War (2003---): A Comparison
If you are planning a unit on military history that includes a comparison between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War, this resource may be useful. It lists possible sources for pupils to use to complete the graphic organizer which prepares...
Curated OER
Police Action: The Korean War, 1950-1953
Pupils explore why the United States became involved in the war in Korea. They discuss the confict between Truman and MacArthur, culminating in the latter's dismissal from command. They identify on a world map foreign countires...
Curated OER
The Arms Race - From the Beginning to the End
Ninth graders focus on the political and technological developments of the Cold War. They, in groups, read and summarize the speech they are given. They should provide a short presentation based on their interpretation.
Curated OER
If We Knew Then What We Know Now -- Cuban Missile Crisis (Background)
Students examine the background of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Using the foreign policy decision-making process, they simulate and elaborate the processe involved. They identify the causes of the misconceptions that plagued the U.S.-Cuba...
Curated OER
The Cuban Missile Crisis-Three Perspectives
Students examine the viewpoints of the major players in the Cuban Missile Crisis. In groups, they research the topic and organize the information into a presentation. They evaluate the decisions made at the time. They also discover the...
Curated OER
Democracy in the Middle East
High schoolers explain that President Bush's foreign policy to promote democracy is a departure from the Cold War policy of containment, and examine the reasons this policy has been proposed at this time.
Curated OER
refugees From Vietnam and Cambodia
Tenth graders explore the massive immigration from Vietnam and Cambodia. In this World History instructional activity, 10th graders examine the crisis that led to this immigration. Students participate in a debate on whether the United...
Curated OER
Vietnam: A Divided Nation
Eleventh graders examine events leading up to and during the Vietnam War. They research assigned topics utilizing interviews, Powerpoint presentations, timelines, and collages in their presentations.
Curated OER
The Berlin Wall
Students enter the classroom and observe a wall that is set up with desks, bookshelves, or anything else available. to create a barrier that they cannot cross during the class. The class then is divided into East and West Berlin with the...
Curated OER
At What Price the Truth?
Students read President Kennedy's speech to the nation on October 22, 1962. Using the text, they identify the deception by the Soviets. In groups, they create a comip strip showing what they believe might have happened had there been no...
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
Marshall Plan: Convince the American People
This is an excellent resource for US history classes, especially AP history. After learning some background on the Marshall Plan, the class, divided into two groups, researches opposing positions on this aid program. Groups read and...
Curated OER
"The Missiles of October": The Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962
High schoolers investigate the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba in 1962 and how that presence triggered an international crisis. The options available to the president as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each are...
Rutgers University
African-Americans in WWII
Using transcripts of interviews of African-Americans who served in WWII, class members work in pairs to understand their experience. Prior to the group work, the teacher provides background on WWII and the African-American experience....
Curated OER
The U.S. Trade Embargo on Cuba
Students examine perspectives for and against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, develop a position on the embargo and articulate viewpoints in a public forum.
Curated OER
Bridging the gap between the U.S. and Cuba
Eleventh graders examine the events that led to the strained relationship between Cuba and the United States. In this US History lesson, 11th graders create an illustrated timeline of Cuba-U.S. relations. Students write an essay...
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 plan is unlikely to engage the class. The end product...
Curated OER
Photograph and Pamphlet About Nuclear Fallout
Students explore the term, 'nuclear fallout.' They analyze the "Facts about Fallout" pamphlet and list any questions that either were not answered by the pamphlet or arose as a result of materials provided.
Curated OER
Undercover in the Secret State
Students examine the current conditions in North Korea. They view and analyze a CNN documentary, research a dissident, answer and discuss questions about the documentary on conditions in North Korea, and identify the technology used by...