SS.912.W.6.3

Students will build upon prior knowledge of containment by analysis of primary sources that support and critique how to respond to the spread of communism. They will categorize these sources as ‘for’ or ‘against’ containment and the Truman Doctrine to represent there was disagreements on the best way to handle the USSR. Students will answer reflection questions connecting the view of communism seen in the sources to the Truman Doctrine. Then, students will create two of their own political cartoons, one in support and one against containment. The teacher can choose to extend the activity by doing a gallery walk of the cartoons.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will learn about early events of the Cold War and containment through analysis of primary sources of the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan. They will annotate the sources and answer critical thinking questions about why containment was imperative and how certain political ideologies conflict with democracy. This is lesson 2 in a mini unit integrating civics and social studies.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson plan, students will analyze why communism was proposed as an alternative to capitalism during the Industrial Revolution. They will analyze political cartoons and major primary source texts by Adam Smith and Karl Marx.  The final task is a Venn Diagram comparing the theories. 

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson plan, students will examine the four main economic systems: laissez-faire capitalism, socialism, communism, and mixed-market economy. Students will analyze primary sources to support their learning. Students will create a graphic organizer using both primary sources and direct instruction.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will review different forms of government and engage in a discussion and reflection of the advantages offered by the United States' constitutional republic. A slideshow, graphic organizer, pretest, and class activity allow students to apply their knowledge.  

Type: Lesson Plan