Summary: This activity utilizes primary sources to help students understand the relationship between U.S. and Soviet leadership towards the end of the Cold War. This activity will begin by first analyzing President Ronald Reagan's harsh view of the Soviet Union and its leadership. The lesson then analyzes Reagan's positional shift when corresponding with Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev. Finally, this activity focuses on President Reagan's "Tear down this wall" Speech at Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, and considers how it culminates both President Reagan's positional shift, as well as the effect an audience has on political rhetoric.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
NJ Students Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPR.15.a: Analyze the factors that led to the fall of communism in Eastern European countries and the Soviet Union and determine how the fall influenced the global power structure.
- 6.1.12.HistoryCC.15.a: Assess the impact of the arms race and the proliferation of nuclear weapons on world power, security, and national foreign policy.
- 6.1.12.HistorySE.15.c: Evaluate the role of diplomacy in developing peaceful relations, alliances, and global agreements with other nations.
Link to Lesson: Geopolitics at the end of the Cold War | DocsTeach (To gain full access, DocsTeach requires teachers to sign in and register for free. Thereafter, teachers may access and download all documents and resources.)