Students will learn about the origins, policies, and impact of the Cold War on both the United States and the rest of the world. Beginning with a post World War II America, students will trace the rise of Communism worldwide and explore the progression of U.S. foreign policy.
The causes, course, and consequences of the Korean and Vietnam Wars will be examined. Students will analyze attitudes and reactions of Americans to the Red Scare, the events leading up to the the wars, as well as response to the military intervention. Additionally, students will draw parallels between foreign policy and historical events with those of the current era.
The reading of primary source documents is a key feature of this unit. Students will also perform daily writing tasks based on historical narratives, primary sources, and personal reflections. An overarching unit project will require students to gather journal/diary entries of Americans during this time period and then recreate their own series of journal entries that capture the same tone, sentiment, and attitudes.