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Cold War and Decolonization

Driving Question: What were the linkages between the Cold War and decolonization?

As the Second World War ended, new global conflicts emerged. The Cold War and decolonization were entangled in a complex web of economics, conflict, diplomacy, and espionage. In this lesson you’ll step into a world divided by ideology and energized by revolution.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Use evidence to evaluate how the Cold War and decolonization are intertwined in the history of this period.
  2. Use the historical thinking practice of continuity and change over time to analyze communities, networks, and production and distribution after the Second World War.
STEP 1

Opener: Cold War and Decolonization

The end of World War II left the world at a crossroads. Start exploring how independence movements and global rivalries emerged together, reshaping the balance of power across continents.

STEP 2

New Global Conflicts

After the Second World War, global empires crumbled and new tensions rose. Learn how independence movements, superpower rivalries, and shifting alliances created a new and often unstable global landscape.

Unit 8 Overview External link

A treaty signed in Tokyo Bay ended the Second World War, but struggles for independence and a Cold War confrontation seemed to emerge almost immediately.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

Cold War Frames

The Cold War and decolonization were massive, complex conflicts. Here, you’ll practice using the frames of communities, networks, and production and distribution to make sense of how they unfolded and connected to each other.

Frames in Unit 8 External link

As decolonization movements created new nation-states, the Soviet Union and the United States sought to establish networks that would extend their ideologies and influence.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

Closer: Cold War and Decolonization

The Cold War and its consequences are still being felt today, decades after its ending. In this activity, you’ll consider what you’ve seen, read, or heard about the Cold War.

Extension Materials
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It’s time to take on the role of editor. Review a classmate’s essay to provide helpful feedback.