Unit 2 will trace the development of the Cold War from its origins at the end of World War II to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Emphasis will be placed on the development of nuclear superpowers, nationalist movements in the developing world, ideological conflict, and American foreign policy.
Essential Learning Standards:
1. Explain the causes and effects of both the Chinese Civil War and the Korean War.
2. Explain how the events of the Cold War escalated the tension between the US, the USSR, as well as around the globe and how the consequences of the crisis changed the course of the Cold War.
3. Compare the arguments for and against aggressive containment policies and more moderate containment policies.
As a result of studying this unit, you will be able to:
Analyze the historical roots of the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, and compare and contrast the different world views espoused by each.
Describe the Communist Revolution in China and its impact on East Asia.
Examine the impact of WWII on independence movements in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Analyze the development of the Truman Doctrine and its application in the Cold War.
Analyze the US role in the reconstruction of Europe and contrast it to US policy following WWI.
Describe the arms race in the Cold War and the impact of new technology.
Analyze the policy of containment and the Eisenhower policy of massive retaliation.
Identify the key events in the Korean War and explain its role in the larger conflict of the Cold War.
Identify key places, regions, and political alliances that played a role in the Cold War.
Compare and contrast Soviet goals and responses with US goals and responses.
Describe how the Red Scare and McCarthyism impacted life in the US.
Essential Questions:
At the end of World War II, how did the conflicting goals of the US and the USSR lead to growing hostility between the two countries?
As the Cold War intensified, how and why did American foreign policy focus on rebuilding and unifying Western Europe?
How did Americas’ suspicion of communist infiltration at home manifest itself?
What were the characteristics and effects of McCarthyism?
How did American and other UN forces fight to repel the North Korean invasion of South Korea?
How did the leadership styles of Presidents Truman and Eisenhower differ?
Areas of Study:
Origins of the Cold War
The outcome of World War II contributed to the start of the Cold War. Causes of the Cold War, the diplomatic and political moves made in the early stages, and the counteractions taken by both sides. Emphasis on the World War conferences (Yalta and Potsdam); the descent of the Iron Curtain splitting Europe; the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, Berlin Airlift; NATO and the Warsaw Pact; and the new map of Europe. Worldwide conflict between communism and capitalism.
Rebuilding of Western Europe
After the horrendous destruction of World War II, Western Europe faced tremendous political and economic problems. What particular solutions were found by selected nations (West Germany, France, and Britain)? The Marshall Plan as an obvious outgrowth of emergent military conflicts as well as a symbol of what was learned by the U.S. from its post WW II position on economic reconstruction.
The USSR and Eastern Europe
If possible, Eastern Europe faced even greater problems of reconstruction than the West following World War II. After the death of Stalin, significant changes in the leadership of the Soviet Union took place from Khrushchev through Brezhnev. The Soviets extended their sway over most of Eastern Europe. This was occasionally met with resistance, as in Yugoslavia, Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. The development of nuclear capability elevated the Soviet Union into an arms race with awful potential.
The Cold War in Asia
Nationalism in Asian countries proved fertile ground to extend the Cold War. Revolution in China brought a communist government and earth-shaking changes to the lives of Chinese people. Japan re-emerged after the World War to play a significant role in the world economic picture. The Cold War broke out into “hot” conflicts in Korea and Indochina in the 40s and 50s.
Other Nationalist Movements
Following World War II, nationalism and de-colonization led to the destruction of the old imperialist order. One after another, African colonies became independent, but they faced a rocky road with economic problems, population concerns, and tribalism. Latin America emerged as well in the postwar era. Struggling to overcome the strain of population growth and limited resources, Latin America faces an uncertain future.
Foreign Policy Modifications due to Cold War Events
Focus on the events that led to the policies of containment and massive retaliation. The failure of containment in China became a political/military issue. The impact of the Korean War on military policy and on the power of the presidency. The leadership role the U.S. played through NATO and the UN.
Technological and Economic Ramifications of the Cold War for the U.S.
The results of the Soviet atomic weapons, ICBMs and Sputnik. The impact of the National Defense Education Act on American education and the rise of the military-industrial complex.
Standards:
HS 6: Analyze ideas critical to the understanding of history, including, but not limited to: populism, progressivism, isolationism, imperialism, communism, environmentalism, liberalism, fundamentalism, racism, ageism, classism, conservatism, cultural diversity, feminism, and sustainability.
HS 9: Identify historical and current events, issues and problems when national interests and global interest have been in conflict, and analyze the values and arguments on both sides of the conflict.
HS 31: Describe United States foreign policy and evaluate its impact on the United States and other countries.
COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS FOR LITERACY IN HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES
9-10.RH.01 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
9-10.RH.09 Compare and contrast treatments of the same topic in several primary and secondary resources.
9-10.WHST.01 Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
9-10.WHST.02 Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.
9-10.WHST.04 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
9-10.WHST.06 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.
9-10.WHST.09 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
While viewing “Ozzie & Harriet” you will get the chance to see two real commercials and a whole TV show that aired in 1959. For each commercial and the show as a whole, identify the “5 Ws” described below.
Who – Who is the target audience of the commercials or TV show?
What – What is the plot of the commercials or TV show?
When – 1950s – 1960s
Where – Where do the commercials or TV show take place?
Why – Why would the commercials or TV show hook people in and work?
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