The U.S. as a World Power


Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The U.S. as a World Power
Students define the term cold war. Then they learn the historical background of the Soviet Union. Next they examine two major military conflicts of the Cold War—the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Then they analyze the Space Race as a non-military conflict in the Cold War. Finally, they learn about the Cold War boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 Olympics and formulate an opinion if sports should be politicized.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for The U.S. as a World Power:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students define the term cold war. Then they learn the historical background of the Soviet Union. Next they examine two major military conflicts of the Cold War—the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Then they analyze the Space Race as a non-military conflict in the Cold War. Finally, they learn about the Cold War boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 Olympics and formulate an opinion if sports should be politicized.

Scene 2 provides optional background on the Soviet Union. If your students are already familiar with the history of the Soviet Union, you may skip this scene.

Estimated duration: 45-60 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • tsar
  • socialist
  • modernize
  • bloc
  • stockpile
  • administer
  • conservatism
  • hard liner
  • satellite
  • boasting rights
  • hysteria
  • politicize

Objectives

  • Identify events in which the United States played the role of world power.
  • Describe events of the Cold War.
  • Explain the cause of the Space Race.


Engage


The entry of the United States to World War II helped the Allies win the war. The United States then played a major role in rebuilding war-torn Europe and Japan. The nation had emerged as one of the two world powers. In this experience, you will learn about the years of tension that arose between the two superpowers.

Objectives

  • Identify events in which the United States played the role of world power.
  • Describe events of the Cold War.
  • Explain the cause of the Space Race.


two boxing gloves hitting each other, one decorated with the American flag and one with the Soviet flag

Following World War II, the United States became involved in what is known as the “Cold War.” Based on the term cold war and whatever you may already know about American history, predict what the Cold War was.

Post your answer

Students are not expected to be familiar with the term, although some may have prior knowledge that helps them infer a definition. Use student responses as a starting point for introducing the major conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that drove many events over the latter half of the twentieth century.

The Student Pack contains a link to an optional site for more details about the Soviet Union and the Cold War.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in The United States in the 20th Century Unit.
Would you like to preview the rest of this learning experience, and get access to the entire functioning American History course for your classroom? Sign up using your school email address below.
Back to top