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

  1. Watch the video linked below to cover the material on your final exam:

  2. Plan a Cold War strategy as a team. Your teams are assigned as follows based on your study groups:

    • United States — Stosstruppen

    • NATO/SEATO Allies — Jacobins

    • Soviet Union — Conquistadors

    • Warsaw Pact Allies — Cavaliers

  3. Role Play the Cold War Situation Room:

    • Your goal in the role playing is to either (1) promote your nation’s objectives, or seek compromises without starting a nuclear war, or (2) destroy your enemy with a preemptive nuclear assault without allowing a counterattack.

Click on the Cold War Situation Room button (above) to move to the next step.