Foreign Policy Research Institute
Propaganda - 9/11 and the War on Terrorism
Propaganda is an important topic that most high school social studies teachers address. Here, students compare and contrast methods of public persuasion during WWII with those used in the contemporary War on Terror. Research, discussion,...
Curated OER
Cold War into Guerilla War
Students examine the Cold War and the War on Terror. In this American history lesson, students research print and nonprint resources regarding both wars. Student compare the experiences of youth at the time so both the Cold War and War...
Curated OER
War, and Peace?
Students consider how the war in Iraq has changed life for Iraqis. In this current events lesson, students visit selected websites to investigate how the war has affected the citizens of Iraq and participate in a map skills game.
National History Day
Reporting on World War I
Throughout history, newspapers have reported the events of the day as they unfolded. Using primary and secondary sources from World War I, scholars uncover how the American people learned of the events of the War to End All Wars. History...
Curated OER
Al Qaeda & the Taliban: What threat to the U.S.?
High schoolers examine the War on Terror. In this national security lesson, students read articles about the War on Terror and President Obama's foreign policy. High schoolers respond to discussion questions and debate the presence of...
Curated OER
Fire Fight
While somewhat dated (students write letters to President George W. Bush about the Iraq War), this lesson could be a good way to reinforce rhetorical reading and critical thinking. Students examine information regarding Operation Iraqi...
Curated OER
The Cold War and Development of Post-War America
Students view examples of political advertisements during the years of 1952 through 1964. After viewing, they discuss how the Cold War and the threat of Communism affected the development of the United States. They compare the Cold War...
Curated OER
Terrorism: How Have Other Countries Handled It? How Should We?
Students explore the questions of security. In this terrorism lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of methods countries have used to combat terrorism. Students respond to discussion...
Facing History and Ourselves
Kristallnacht: Decision-Making in Times of Injustice
Have you ever been singled out in a crowd before? Pupils investigate and analyze the events of the Holocaust. They dive into the life of a middle school student, as well as the diary entries of those in Kristallnacht during World War II.
Curated OER
Taming Terrorism
Learners explore different organizations working to stop terrorism. They examine international summits and their recommendations. They participate in a debate about the effectiveness of the measures proposed.
Curated OER
Spreading the Word
Students analyze the use of propaganda in the war against terrorism, focusing specifically on the attacks in Afghanistan, exploring the distinction between ideas spread to benefit a cause and those spread to damage an opposing cause.
Curated OER
Under Construction
Students examine the concept of 'nation building,' focusing on outcomes of U.S. involvement in nation building efforts in Afghanistan, past and present attempts at nation building and how the U.S. should proceed in the war against...
Curated OER
Can Peace Prevail?
Students examine terrorist attacks in Amman, Jordan, and consider how events like these affect the global war against terrorism. They write reflective pieces exploring their own opinions about terrorism and the state of current affairs...
Curated OER
Saddam Hussein and Modern Iraq
Take your class through a moment in modern history in this presentation, which details the rise of Saddam Hussein and the dynamics between Iraq and its neighbors during the Persian Gulf War and the current Iraq war. Though slightly...
US National Archives
Eastern Europe 1939-45 — Berlin
The inevitability of World War II has arrived: Berlin has fallen. Young historians watch contemporaneous footage of the event, analyze primary source documents, and write a news report that details the roles of the Soviet, British,...
Smithsonian Institution
Targeted at Home: Islamophobia
September 11th was a terrible tragedy with long-reaching consequences. Scholars learn about the Islamophobia that occurred to many Muslim Americans following the 9/11 attacks. The resource provides videos, articles, and interviews to...
Curated OER
The U.S. in Afghanistan: Analyzing Political Cartoons
Students take a closer look at the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. For this global issues lesson, students analyze political cartoons related to the War on Terror. Students discuss their impressions of the war and then create their own...
Curated OER
The Terror of Their Ways
Students examine human rights abuses. In this contemporary history lesson plan, students investigate violations against human rights during war. Students discuss the work of the Red Cross and Amnesty International in promoting human...
Curated OER
Press Freedom Versus Military Censorship
Eleventh graders explore the term terrorism. In this US History lesson, 11th graders participate in a press release on terrorism.
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Teaching the 9/11 Anniversary
Here is a activity on terrorism and 9/11. While outdated, it could be easily revised for today's teens. It includes targeted vocabulary, a background information activity, critical thinking questions, and step-by-step procedures for...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
The Vietnam War (1963-1973) and the Iraq War (2003---): A Comparison
If you are planning a unit on military history that includes a comparison between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War, this resource may be useful. It lists possible sources for pupils to use to complete the graphic organizer which prepares...
Curated OER
A Balancing Act
Students compare and contrast the response to Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the response to terrorism in the U.S. since Sept. 11, 2001. They conduct Internet research, complete a worksheet, and develop a plan based on their own ideas how the...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Censorship, Silencing an Anti-War Voice
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze political cartoons with anti-war messages and respond to 5 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Defining Terrorism
Students explore the debate over legitimate and illegitimate uses of force and differentiate between terrorists and freedom fighters. They read articles, participate in class discussion and write an essay with their observations.