Cold War

Topic: Describing the events, conflicts, and revolutionary movements, including but not limited to the Berlin Blockade, Suez Canal Crisis, Hungarian Revolution, Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Prague Spring, and the impact of clandestine operations on the Cold War.

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to analyze the Cold War and its related conflicts and revolutionary movements through the lens of clandestine operations.
• Students will be able to explain the impact of clandestine operations on the Cold War.

Materials

• Copies of "The Secret World: The Hidden History of the Cold War" by Lance Price
• Handouts of key events and conflicts from the book
• Computers with internet access
• Whiteboard or a dry-erase board

Warm-up

• Start by asking students what they know about the Cold War and the role of clandestine operations.
• Give a brief overview of the Cold War and the role of clandestine operations during this period.
• Ask students to name any countries or groups involved in clandestine operations during the Cold War.##teacher-led discussion

Direct Instruction

• Show students the map of the world and point out the key locations and countries involved in the Cold War.
• Discuss the key events and conflicts that shaped the Cold War, including but not limited to the Berlin Blockade, Suez Canal Crisis, Hungarian Revolution, Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Prague Spring.
• Describe the role of clandestine operations in these events and conflicts.
• Discuss the impact of clandestine operations on the Cold War and world history.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in small groups to research and present on a specific Cold War event or conflict. -Ask each group to focus on the key players, key events, and the impact of clandestine operations in their topic.
• Have each group present their findings to the class.

Independent Practice

• For their independent practice, have students create a timeline of the Cold War, featuring the key events and conflicts they discussed in their group presentations. -Encourage students to use visuals, such as photos and maps, to help them tell their story.

Closure

• As a class, have students reflect on the significance of the Cold War in world history. What lessons can be learned from this period of intense political and ideological conflict? What can we learn about the consequences of unchecked distrust and paranoia between nations?
• Finally, have students share one takeaway or insight they gained from studying the Cold War.

Assessment

• Assess student understanding of the Cold War through a combination of in-class activities, group discussions, and independent projects. Use this assessment to inform the development of the Cold War timeline and presentation, as well as to inform any additional instruction or support students may need.
• Evaluate the students' ability to apply their knowledge of the Cold War to their independent projects by evaluating the depth and sophistication of their research, analysis, and visual presentation.