Foreign Policy Research Institute
Comparing Regimes: Critical Reading of Memoirs and Experiences from Totalitarian Regimes
Can you imagine living in a totalitarian country? Learners will read several primary source memoirs to gain a deeper understanding of what life is like under a controlled government. They'll discuss each piece in pairs, research...
Curated OER
Hitler¿¿¿s Fatal Gamble ? Comparing Totalitarianism and Democracy
Students compare/contrast totalitarianism and democracy and examine their roles in World War II. They read a handout, complete a Venn diagram, and participate in a class discussion.
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What Fostered the Axis?
Ninth graders present the major cultural, economic and political forces in Germany, Italy & Japan that allowed for the rise and dominance of totalitarian regimes in that country. They discuss how the above listed forces brought the...
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Hitler's Fatal Gamble
Students consider the differences between totalitarianism and democracy. In this comparative politics lesson, students will read a handout describing the major components that comprise totalitarianism and democracy, then they will...
Museum of Tolerance
Documents That Shape Society
The Bill of Rights is a foundational document of American democracy, much like the Nuremberg Laws were a foundational document of the Reichstag of Nazi Germany. But that's where their similarities end. Engage high schoolers in a...
The New York Times
Teaching Orwell and '1984’ with the New York Times
Doublethink and alternate facts? Big Brother and Facebook? 1984 and 2019? Sales of 1984 have surged and so has the use of George Orwell's dystopian classic in classrooms. Whether new to teaching the novel or a seasoned veteran you'll...
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1984, by George Orwell - Fact or Fantasy?
Students read 1984 by George Orwell. They research a country who has dictators similar to Oceania's leaders and create a outline for a paper. In addition, they create a web page from their information.
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Research Activity: Grades 10-12
Students discuss the war in Iraq, Adam Michnik's essay "We, the Traitors," and the notion that we bear a collective responsibility to rise up against oppression, within a modern geo-political context. They each write a research report on...
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"History of My Family"
Learners explore world geography by participating in a family history project. In this U.S.S.R. lesson, students read assigned text regarding the Stalinist era of Russia and the intolerance that thrived there. Learners answer a list of...
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Federalism and the Prevention of Abuse of Power in the US Federal Government
Fourth graders stud Federalism and identify examples of abuse of power.
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The President's Role and Succession
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
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A Parable on Populism
Fourth graders study the sombolism between Populism of the 1890's and the story of The Wizard of Oz.
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Foundations of American Government
Fourth graders explore the origins of American government.
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Limited Government
Students write a letter to King George III from the point of view of Thomas Jefferson. They defend constitutional democracy and explain the differences between limited and unlimited government.
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The Great Terror: Old and New Approaches
Here is a thorough Russian history worksheet. In it, learners read a two-page selection about the Great Terror and Stalin. They respond to four short answer questions based on the selection.
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Why Is North Korea Going At It Alone?
Students examine the division of North and South Korea. They identify the ideological differences and the tensions between the two countries. They discuss the threat of nuclear weapons as well.
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Never To Forget
Tenth graders discuss the events leading up to antisemitic behavior in Europe during World War II. Through various activities, 10th graders acquaint themselves with the political ideology of Nazism and assess responsibility for the...
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From the Rise of the Absolute Monarchy to Democracy on the American Frontier
Students use a teacher-made museum guide with questions that allow them to analyze and compare the patron art of seventeenth-century France with portraits of later periods at the Joslyn Art Museum. Students also read The Little Prince...
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Beginning of World War II
Ninth graders explore how the rise of dictators led to the start of World War II. They identify and explain the main causes for World War II and they explain the causes for the rise of dictators during the 1920's.
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Causes of World War II
In this World War II worksheet, students view a PowerPoint presentation on the war and then respond to 82 short answer questions about the content of the presentation. The PowerPoint presentation is not included with this worksheet.