Exploros | The Onset of the Cold War

The Onset of the Cold War

Students watch a photomontage of key events and trends of the Cold War and then try to describe what the Cold War was. Then they read several general articles about the Cold War and the “iron curtain.” Next they analyze the Truman Doctrine and state an opinion about it. Finally they learn about NATO and list some positive and negative aspects of the political alliance.

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.

Overview

In this experience, students watch a photomontage of key events and trends of the Cold War and then try to describe what the Cold War was. Then they read several general articles about the Cold War and the “iron curtain.” Next they analyze the Truman Doctrine and state an opinion about it. Finally they learn about NATO and list some positive and negative aspects of the political alliance.

Objectives

Describe how the end of World War II led to the rise of the Cold War.
Explain the superpowers and the arms race.

Engage

The beginning of the Cold War was already evident during the closing stages of World War II. The division of Germany and some of the provisions of the Marshall Plan reflected the power struggle between the western democracies and the Soviet bloc. In this lesson, you will see how this tension shaped the second half of the twentieth century.

Objectives

Describe how the end of World War II led to the rise of the Cold War.
Explain the superpowers and the arms race.

Two superpowers emerged from World War II: The United States and the Soviet Union.

Watch Cold War Photo Story to view a photomontage of key events and trends of the Cold War.

Based on what you saw, try to define or describe the Cold War.

Post your answer

Select one or more interesting or exemplary responses as discussion starters. Wrap up by observing that the Cold War is a large subject, requiring a whole unit, and that this experience begins with the earliest events in Cold War chronology.

For interested students, the experience-wide video, How Is the Cold War Taught to Students in Russia Today?, included in the Student Pack, could be used here to teach historiography. Different nations, as well as different historians within each nation, interpret the Cold War through their own perspectives. Students can view the video and then evaluate Sergei Khrushchev’s historical perspective.

Note the following:

Sergei Khrushchev is the son of the Cold War leader of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev. An engineer, Sergei held a responsible post in the Soviet Union’s missile and spacecraft development program. He immigrated to the United States after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and became an American citizen.
The interview took place in 2007. Since then, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has increased his autocratic power over Russia, including its press and education.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.