Embedded Files
The United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) emerged as the two strongest powers in international affairs. Ideologically opposed, they challenged one another in a series of confrontations known as the Cold War. The costs of this prolonged contest weakened the USSR so that it collapsed due to internal upheavals as well as American pressure. The Cold War had social and political implications in the United States.
Objectives
Objectives
1. The United States followed a policy of containment during the Cold War in response to the spread of communism.
2. The Second Red Scare and McCarthyism reflected Cold War fears in American society.
3. The Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced domestic and international politics.
4. The collapse of communist governments in Eastern Europe and the USSR brought an end to the Cold War.
Learning Targets
Learning Targets
1. I can explain the ideological origins of the Cold War.
2. I can explain the formation of the UN and the possible strengths and weaknesses of it.
3. I can explain Truman’s containment policy and describe how it will be applied.
4. I can describe how the communist revolution in China affects global politics.
5. I can describe how the Marshall Plan and NATO strengthen Western Europe.
6. I can explain how the Berlin Airlift was a major political success for the US and out Allies.
7. I can explain how containment was the cause for American involvement in Korea and Vietnam.
8. I can explain how the Korean War was fought and how the US got the UN to provide support of the action. [Security Council Boycott]
9. I can describe how the fear of communism spreading lead to the Second Red Scare.
10. I can describe how the Red Scare/HUAC attacked civil liberties and discuss the types of people accused.
11. I can explain Sen. Joe McCarthy’s role in the Red Scare and what lead to his downfall.
12. I can explain how the Cold War caused intense rivalries and an arms race.
13. I can describe when and where the Cold War became “hot.” [i.e. Middle East, Cuban Missile Crisis, etc.]
14. I can identify and explain key events in the Space Race and the impact of the space Race on education.
15. I can explain how the Vietnam War began.
16. I can explain how the Vietnam War was fought and the possible weaknesses of this strategy.
17. I can explain how the Vietnam War divided the country and helped to end the Johnson Administration.
18. I can explain how Nixon’s strategy in Vietnam attempted to achieve “peace with honor.”
19. I can explain how the Vietnam War and the Tonkin Gulf Resolution paved the way for the War Powers Act.
20. I can explain how the policies of the Nixon Administration helped to thaw the Cold War and how the Carter Administration heated it back up.
21. I can explain how the foreign policies of Reagan coupled with strong anti-communist movements in Eastern Europe help to end the Cold War.
Primary Sources
Primary Sources
Executive Order 9981: Desegregation of the Armed Forces (1948)
Armistice Agreement for the Restoration of the South Korean State (1953)
Senate Resolution 301: Censure of Senator Joseph McCarthy (1954)
Executive Order 10924: Establishment of the Peace Corps. (1961)
Transcript of John Glenn's Official Communication with the Command Center (1962)
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