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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. Evaluate what changed and what stayed the same from the era of global conflict to the Cold War and decolonization.
STEP 1

Opener: Cold War and Decolonization

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 8.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

Review the OER Project Teaching Sensitive Topics in Social Studies Guide as you work through sensitive subject matter with your students.

STEP 2

Looking Ahead

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 8.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

For reading strategies, take a look at the OER Project Reading Overview.

STEP 3

New Global Conflicts

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 4 of the Lesson 8.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

Looking for some visual reminders of the frames for your students? These Frames Posters External link  are great to post in your classroom!

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 4

Cold War Frames

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of the Lesson 8.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

Closers are a great way to assess student learning and progress. Learn more in the OER Project Assessment Guide.

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 5

Closer: Cold War and Decolonization

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of the Lesson 8.1 Teaching Guide Locked .

You’ve reached the end of this lesson, comrade! Use the propaganda in this activity to review what you’ve learned.

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.
...

Writing: Peer Editing

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of the Lesson 8.1 Teaching Guide Locked .