Applying the Lessons of the Soviet Union

Who was primarily responsible for the Cold War—the United States or the Soviet Union? Your young historians will answer a question by looking closely at Cold War documents, which are provided in this resource alongside guiding questions...

Who was primarily responsible for the Cold War? That is the essential question at the heart of a plan that asks young historians to examine a series of primary source documents, formulate a claim, and support their claim with evidence...

Learners reflect on the events that lead up to the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960s.  In this history lesson plan, students explore the conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union revolving around missiles in Cuba,...

In this American History activity, 11th graders analyze different scenarios and create possible solutions. 

Why are film montages in movies so compelling? Learn about the origins and effectiveness of the Soviet montage, as well as discontinuity editing and other filmmaking techniques—and political statements—that arose from the 1917 Bolshevik...

What was the true meaning behind WWII propaganda posters? Historians analyze images from the U.S., Great Britain, Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union, sharing findings in small groups. A poster analysis worksheet and all posters are...

Students examine how astronomical observations were used to help target sites in the Soviet Union during Cold War and why such targeting was needed. Students then make predictions and observations of same astronomical events for their...

From Allies to enemies within a year. Scholars research the falling out between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1945-1946 in the first lesson of a three-part series. Using primary source materials, group work, and interactive...

For 13 days, the United States stood on the edge of nuclear War. The Soviet Arms buildup in Cuba is the focus of an activity that asks groups to analyze how the governmental role each of John F. Kennedy's advisors played went on to...

Students simulate the transaction costs experienced by the average householder in the former Soviet Union. They consider time spent searching and waiting in line, scarcity of goods and the lure of the black market.