Introduction
The Cold War created an era of tension and brinkmanship between competing powers who sought influence through alliance, military buildup, economic hegemony, and diplomatic showdowns. Students will engage in a simulation between these competing forces. Is this conflict and the possibility of a nuclear holocaust avoidable, or do we have no choice but to oppose the spread of competing powers?
For this activity, you will review the events and concepts of the Cold War from either the American, Russian, or their Allies’ perspective. Your task is to analyze the concepts, competition, and events of the Cold War around the globe, and enter into the mindframe of the people who determined global affairs. Once you enter the SITUATION ROOM you will be expected to make choices that could promote peaceful coexistence, or could doom the human race.
Task
Watch the video linked below and read the assigned reading:
Video: What was the Cold War?
Reading Assignment: Cold War Briefing for the Situation Room
Research your role (linked below) and write your HISTORICAL ROLE REPORT.
Plan a Cold War strategy as a team.Cold War Briefing for the Situation Room
Role Play the Cold War Situation Room:
NOTE: A nuclear war is a LOSS! Defeat your enemy by gaining influence around the globe, seizing resources through alliances or domination, fighting proxy wars when necessary, and bankrupting the enemy’s nation.
Click on the Cold War Situation Room button (above) to move to the next step.
COLD WAR ROLES
The following roles are either historical figures, or fictional characters based on Cold War personas.
USA
USSR