President Nixon and Vietnam Lesson Plans

Students analyze the feelings of Americans regarding the Vietnam War. For this Vietnam War lesson, students collaborate to research Internet and print sources regarding the perspectives on U.S. involvement in the war. Students participate in a simulation that requires them to consider how they would react to being called to service in Vietnam.

Students analyze "The Silent Majority" speech given by Richard Nixon and the testimony of John Kerry to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1971 to develop an appreciation for the opposing viewpoints of America's involvement in the Vietnam War. They use a guiding worksheet to evaluate and discuss the arguments presented in each speech.

Students research the major events of the Vietnam War and construct a timeline. They do the same with the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson or the 1960's. They act as an advisor to President Johnson to recommend a course of action regarding the Vietnam War.

Students consider opinions regarding the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam activity, students compare Nixon and Johnson's policies about the war. Students also research the anti-war movements as well as the sentiments of the those how supported the war. Students also examine John Kerry testimony before the foreign relations committee.

Students analyze news articles from the Vietnam War era to describe how POW's and their families were portrayed in the media. In this Vietnam War lesson plan, students write letters from a POW perspective and propose solutions to the POW problem in Vietnam.

Young scholars discover details about the Vietnam Era. In this 20th century American history lesson, students participate in classroom station activities that require them to analyze speeches by President Nixon, music from the era, and photographs from the era. 

Eleventh graders explore the United States’ displeasure with the Vietnam War.  For this American History lesson, 11th graders research the concept of Vietnamization. Students discuss the impact of the United States withdrawing from the war.   

Eighth graders research U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. They view actual footage and Hollywood clips. They form opinions about the war and complete a project from a list of suggestions regarding the war and make presentations to the rest of the class.

Students use video, Internet research and discussion to consider the presidency of Richard Nixon. They obtain information from multiple perspectives and form an opinion of how Richard Nixon should be remembered.

Students analyze the choices made by presidents about Vietnam. In this Vietnam lesson, students read presidential advisors reports given to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson and determine which plans were the best.