Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will have a basic understanding of the Cold War and its impact on world history.
Materials and Prep
- Pen and paper
- Access to a computer with internet
- Printouts of relevant articles or images (optional)
Prior knowledge required: Basic understanding of World War II
Activities
Research and Present: Ask the student to choose a specific event or aspect of the Cold War that interests them. They should conduct research using books or reliable online sources. Once they have gathered information, they can create a short presentation to share with the family or record a video presentation.
Cold War Timeline: Provide the student with a timeline template or ask them to create one on their own. They should research key events of the Cold War and place them in chronological order on the timeline. Encourage them to include dates, brief descriptions, and relevant images.
Role Play: Divide the student into two groups - the United States and the Soviet Union. Assign each group a leader and have them engage in a mock negotiation or debate. Encourage them to research the positions of each country during the Cold War and use that knowledge to support their arguments.
Cold War Art: Ask the student to create a piece of artwork inspired by the Cold War. This could be a drawing, painting, or even a sculpture. Encourage them to think about the emotions and themes associated with this period of history.
Talking Points
The Cold War: The Cold War was a period of political tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II. It lasted from the late 1940s to the early 1990s.
Superpowers: The United States and the Soviet Union were considered the two superpowers during the Cold War. They were the most powerful countries in the world and had different political and economic systems.
Capitalism vs Communism: The United States followed a capitalist system, where individuals and private businesses controlled the economy. The Soviet Union followed a communist system, where the government owned and controlled the means of production.
Arms Race: The United States and the Soviet Union engaged in an arms race, constantly trying to outdo each other in terms of military technology and weapons. This led to the development of nuclear weapons and increased tensions between the two countries.
Space Race: The United States and the Soviet Union also competed in the field of space exploration. They both wanted to show their technological superiority and sent astronauts and satellites into space.
Proxy Wars: The Cold War was characterized by proxy wars, where the United States and the Soviet Union supported opposing sides in conflicts around the world. These conflicts, such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War, were fought indirectly.