Foreign Policy Research Institute
Propaganda - 9/11 and the War on Terrorism
Propaganda is an important topic that most high school social studies teachers address. Here, students compare and contrast methods of public persuasion during WWII with those used in the contemporary War on Terror. Research, discussion,...
Curated OER
War and Religion
Students examine world conflicts. In this War on Terrorism lesson, students investigate the criteria of just wars and then determine whether the War on Terrorism fits into the category.
Curated OER
Cold War into Guerilla War
Students examine the Cold War and the War on Terror. In this American history lesson, students research print and nonprint resources regarding both wars. Student compare the experiences of youth at the time so both the Cold War and War...
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War, and Peace?
Students consider how the war in Iraq has changed life for Iraqis. In this current events lesson, students visit selected websites to investigate how the war has affected the citizens of Iraq and participate in a map skills game.
National History Day
Reporting on World War I
Throughout history, newspapers have reported the events of the day as they unfolded. Using primary and secondary sources from World War I, scholars uncover how the American people learned of the events of the War to End All Wars. History...
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Al Qaeda & the Taliban: What threat to the U.S.?
Students examine the War on Terror. In this national security lesson, students read articles about the War on Terror and President Obama's foreign policy. Students respond to discussion questions and debate the presence of U.S. troops...
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To War Or Not To War?
Seventh graders research the political, societal, and economic factors of World War I, World War II, and the 2001 war against terrorism. They participate in class discussions, write journal entries, and conduct Internet research. ...
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War and Religion
Students analyze perspectives of war. In this war and religion lesson, students collaborate to research anti-war and pacifist positions on war as well as "just war" theory. Students compose essays regarding perspectives of war.
Curated OER
What is Terrorism?
Spark what's sure to be an interesting discussion in your classroom by introducing the topic of terrorism. Consider the meaning of the word terrorism and examine the associated connotations with a brief introductory reading. With your...
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Fire Fight
While somewhat dated (young scholars write letters to President George W. Bush about the Iraq War), this lesson could be a good way to reinforce rhetorical reading and critical thinking. Students examine information regarding Operation...
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Response to War: How Do You Feel? What Do You Think?
The class discusses how they feel about war. They brainstorm emotions that teens have toward the war in Iraq, and then discuss their opinions of the war in small groups. The discussion is then opened up to the entire class. What do you...
Curated OER
The Cold War and Development of Post-War America
Students view examples of political advertisements during the years of 1952 through 1964. After viewing, they discuss how the Cold War and the threat of Communism affected the development of the United States. They compare the Cold War...
Smithsonian Institution
Students’ Response to 9/11—A Documentary Report
Young historians research the devastating attacks of 9/11 and use that information to script their own documentaries. The follow-up activity includes recording the documentary and conducting classmate interviews,
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On the Home Front
Students list specific actions taken on the home front by non-combatants during World War II, discuss ways students have been and can be involved in a home front war effort, and analyze war posters.
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The Cold War Era 1949-1989: What Really Happened
This novel approach to a discussion of the Cold War can be a way to introduce the topic in your classroom. The presentation is supposed to be played in conjunction with the song "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel. It features lists...
Curated OER
Firestorms: The Bombing of Civilians in World War II: War, Ethics, Guernica, Precision Bombing
Students explore the history, rationale and ethics of civilian bombing in times of war. They consider war strategy, the laws and conventions of war and international implications.
Smithsonian Institution
Comparing Confederate and Union Soldiers
The Civil War, a war that divided a nation. Comparing and contrasting the Confederate and Union soldiers is not always an easy task, but the eighth of 15 resources makes it easy to teach the concepts. Exercises include watching videos in...
Facing History and Ourselves
Kristallnacht: Decision-Making in Times of Injustice
Have you ever been singled out in a crowd before? Pupils investigate and analyze the events of the Holocaust. They dive into the life of a middle school student, as well as the diary entries of those in Kristallnacht during World War II.
Curated OER
Taming Terrorism
Students explore different organizations working to stop terrorism. They examine international summits and their recommendations. They participate in a debate about the effectiveness of the measures proposed.
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Spreading the Word
Students analyze the use of propaganda in the war against terrorism, focusing specifically on the attacks in Afghanistan, exploring the distinction between ideas spread to benefit a cause and those spread to damage an opposing cause.
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Under Construction
Learners examine the concept of 'nation building,' focusing on outcomes of U.S. involvement in nation building efforts in Afghanistan, past and present attempts at nation building and how the U.S. should proceed in the war against...
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Can Peace Prevail?
Learners examine terrorist attacks in Amman, Jordan, and consider how events like these affect the global war against terrorism. They write reflective pieces exploring their own opinions about terrorism and the state of current affairs...
Curated OER
Saddam Hussein and Modern Iraq
Take your class through a moment in modern history in this presentation, which details the rise of Saddam Hussein and the dynamics between Iraq and its neighbors during the Persian Gulf War and the current Iraq war. Though slightly...
Curated OER
The U.S. in Afghanistan: Analyzing Political Cartoons
Young scholars take a closer look at the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. In this global issues instructional activity, students analyze political cartoons related to the War on Terror. Young scholars discuss their impressions of the war...