New York Framework Key Ideas:

8.7 FOREIGN POLICY: The period after World War II has been characterized by an ideological and political struggle, first between the United States and communism during the Cold War, then between the United States and forces of instability in the Middle East. Increased economic interdependence and competition, as well as environmental concerns, are challenges faced by the United States. (Standards: 1, 2, 4, 5; Themes: TCC, GEO, ECO, EXCH)

8.7c Following the end of the Cold War, the United States sought to define a new role in global affairs, but the legacies of Cold War actions continue to affect United States foreign policy today.

• Students will examine the changing relationships between the United States and foreign countries such as China beginning in 1950, Afghanistan beginning in the 1980s, Russia beginning in 1990, Middle East (Israel, Palestine, Iran, Kuwait, Iraq)
• Countries in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on NAFTA, Cuba and Mexico  European Union countries

8.7d Terrorist groups not representing any nation entered and reshaped global military and political alliances and conflicts. American foreign and domestic policies responded to terrorism in a variety of ways.

• Students will examine the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, its effects on national security and the United States responses to it, including the USA Patriot Act, the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, the War on Terror, and military attacks on suspected terrorist locations.

8.7e Increased globalization has led to increased economic interdependence and competition.

• Students will examine the increased economic interdependence in terms of globalization and its impact on the United States and New York State economy, including the workforce.
• Students will examine the roles of multinational corporations and their influence on the world economy.

8.8 DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE: After World War II, the population of the United States rose sharply as a result of both natural increases and immigration. Population movements have resulted in changes to the American landscape and shifting political power. An aging population is affecting the economy and straining public resources. (Standards: 1, 3, 4, 5; Themes: ID, GEO, SOC, GOV, ECO)

8.8a After World War II, the United States experienced various shifts in population and demographics that resulted in social, political, and economic consequences.

• Students will explore the short-term and long-term effects of the baby boom generation on the economy, including increases in the construction of homes and schools and increased demands on both Social Security and health care.
• Students will examine the effects of suburbanization, including urban decay, suburban growth, and the diminished availability of farmland both nationally and within New York State.
• Students will examine the population shift from the Midwest and northern industrial states to the Sun Belt, including its effect on political power.

8.8b The postwar United States experienced increasing immigration, debates over immigration policy, and an increase in cultural diversity.

• Students will examine migration and immigration trends in New York State and New York City such as the increase in Spanish-speaking, South Asian, East Asian, Middle Eastern, and African populations and the contributions of these groups.
• Students will examine the effects of immigration legislation and policy, including recent debates over immigration policy.

8.8c Pollution, population growth, the consumption of natural resources, clearing of land for human sustenance, and large-scale industrialization have put added stress on the global environment.

• Students will explore the effects of pollution, industrialization, and population growth on the environment, including urban areas (Love Canal), plant and animal life (Adirondack Park) and energy sources (Three Mile Island).

8.9 DOMESTIC POLITICS AND REFORM: The civil rights movement and the Great Society were attempts by people and the government to address major social, legal, economic, and environmental problems. Subsequent economic recession called for a new economic program. (Standards: 1, 4, 5; Themes: TCC, SOC, CIV, ECO)

8.9d Economic recession during the 1970s and concerns about the growth and size of the federal government encouraged fiscal conservatives to push for changes in regulation and policy.

• Students will examine President Ronald Reagan’s and President George H. W. Bush’s cuts to social programs and taxes in an attempt to stimulate the economy.

8.9e Constitutional issues involving the violation of civil liberties and the role of the federal government are a source of debate in American society.

• Students will examine state and federal responses to gun violence, cyber-bullying, and electronic surveillance.

Essential Questions:

• How have the defining moments of the past affected our country, society, and lives today
• How can we teach others about the defining moments of modern America?

Main Ideas of the Decades Project:

*These summaries of the decades are from History Alive!: The United States From Modern Times

The 1950s: Peace and Prosperity With the help from Truman's Fair Deal and the GI Bill, returning soldiers started new families and settled into homes. The suburbanization of young families contributed to the expansion of America's middle class.

The 1960s: Social Change and Unrest While presidents John Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson worked to improve opportunities for low-income Americans, the counterculture and civil rights movements questioned traditional American values during a period of conflict.

The 1970s: A Time of Distrust The unsuccessful Vietnam War, Richard Nixon's abuse of presidential powers and Jimmy Carter's mishandling of the Iranian Hostage Crisis led many Americans to distrust their government. The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the oil crisis also introduced new concerns over energy policies in the United States.

The 1980s: A Return to Optimism President Ronald Reagan tried to restore American optimism and spur economic growth as worries grew over social problems including homelessness, drug abuse, and the spread of AIDS. Meanwhile, new immigrants from Asia, South America, and the Caribbean added to America's diversity.

The 1990s: The Information Age By the 1990s, America had entered a new age of information technology. Computers changed the nature of jobs, enabled high-tech warfare, and allowed people around the world to rapidly share information over the Internet. Bill Clinton and a Republican Congress enacted many reforms in a period of economic prosperity.

The 2000s: Confronting New Challenges The 9/11 attacks and the war on terrorism damaged Americans' sense of security. Both the Bush and Obama presidencies sought to improve opportunities for all citizens while fighting against crippling economic conditions.