The U.S. as a World Power

Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The U.S. as a World Power
Students define the term cold war. Then they learn the historical background of the Soviet Union. Next they examine two major military conflicts of the Cold War—the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Then they analyze the Space Race as a non-military conflict in the Cold War. Finally, they learn about the Cold War boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 Olympics and formulate an opinion if sports should be politicized.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students define the term cold war. Then they learn the historical background of the Soviet Union. Next they examine two major military conflicts of the Cold War—the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Then they analyze the Space Race as a non-military conflict in the Cold War. Finally, they learn about the Cold War boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 Olympics and formulate and consider how the Cold War impacted everyday life.

Estimated duration: 45-60 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • tsar
  • socialist
  • modernize
  • bloc
  • stockpile
  • administer
  • conservatism
  • hard liner
  • satellite
  • boasting rights
  • hysteria
  • politicize

Objectives

  • Identify events in which the United States played the role of world power
  • Describe events of the Cold War
  • Explain the cause of the Space Race


Engage


The entry of the United States into World War II was an important factor in the Allied victory. After the war, the United States also played a major role in rebuilding parts of Europe and Japan. The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the world’s two leading superpowers, countries with great military, economic, and political power. However, the two nations had very different governments and goals. In this experience, you will learn about the years of tension between them known as the Cold War.

Objectives

  • Identify events in which the United States played the role of world power
  • Describe events of the Cold War
  • Explain the cause of the Space Race


two boxing gloves hitting each other, one decorated with the American flag and one with the Soviet flag

Based on the term Cold War, what do you predict the Cold War was?

Post your answer

Students are not expected to be familiar with the term, although some may have prior knowledge that helps them infer a definition. Use student responses as a starting point for introducing the major conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that drove many events over the latter half of the twentieth century.

The Student Pack contains a link to an optional site for more details about the Soviet Union and the Cold War.


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