The Cold War and Vietnam: What Would You Do?

(Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Curricula)

Students tackle fascinating historical questions that put them in the shoes of a range of people from the past, from the rich and famous to ordinary citizens. Each lesson can be done either as an in-depth activity requiring up to two full class periods, or as a “quick motivator” requiring only 20–30 minutes. Detailed teacher pages give step-by-step instructions, list key vocabulary terms, offer troubleshooting tips, present ideas for post-activity discussions, and furnish lists of related sources. Reproducible student handouts clearly lay out the decision-making scenarios, provide "outcomes," and present related primary source readings and/or images with analysis questions. Decision-Making Book available for purchase on Social Studies School Service. Critical Thinking book available from Critical Thinking Co. Free samples available below!

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Published Sources

Decision Making in History Lesson List: Cold War / 1950s

  • LESSON 1 – Yalta Conference: How will you negotiate with Stalin and Churchill on Poland, Germany, reparations and Japan?

  • LESSON 2 – Early Cold War: What will you, if anything, about the Soviet threat?

  • LESSON 3 – Election of 1948: Who will you vote for in the 1948 Election?

  • LESSON 4 – Korean War: What will you do about the North Korean attack on South Korea? SAMPLE LESSON

  • LESSON 5 – Iranian Crisis, 1953: Will you support a plot for regime change in Iran?

  • LESSON 6 – Guatemala Overthrow, 1954: Will you support a plot for regime change in Guatemala?

  • LESSON 7 – National Highway Act: Will you support the National Highway Act?

  • LESSON 8 – Civil Rights: What position will you take in Montgomery and Little Rock?

Decision Making in History Sample Lesson: Korean Crisis

Decision Making in History Lesson List: 1960s / Vietnam

  • LESSON 1 – Election of 1960: Who will you vote for in the 1960 Election?

  • LESSON 2 – Bay of Pigs: Will you approve the Cuban invasion plan in 1961?

  • LESSON 3 – Cuban Missile Crisis: What will you do about Soviet missiles in Cuba in 1962?

  • LESSON 4 – Great Society: What will you do about employment, health, housing, education? SAMPLE LESSON

  • LESSON 5 – Vietnam in the 1950s: Will you oppose the rebels in Vietnam?

  • LESSON 6 – Vietnam in the 1960s: Will you oppose the Viet Cong in Vietnam?

  • LESSON 7 – Civil Rights: What will your strategy be in Birmingham?

  • LESSON 8 – Election of 1968: Who will you vote for in the 1968 Election?

Decision Making in History Sample Lesson: Early US Involvement in Vietnam

Free:Vietnam War Simulation

"Escalation" is a simulation of decision making during the Vietnam War. Students role-play President Johnson, making decisions in regard to the conflict in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968, the period of escalation by the United States in the actual conflict. The simulation is meant to do two things: learn about the Vietnam War as they play through it; and improve their decision-making skills by allowing them to experience the consequences of their decisions.

Vietnam War Simulation: Home Page

In this lesson, students are invited to evaluate conspiracy theories regarding Communist agents in the government, fluoride, and the CIA assassinating Castro, measuring their initial impressions against the impact of evidence.

In this lesson, students are invited to evaluate conspiracy theories regarding the assassination of JFK, government surveillance of citizens, the moon landing being faked, and Watergate, measuring their initial impressions against the impact of evidence.

Free Lesson! Conspiracy Theories (1963-1976)

Vietnam War Simulation: Instructions for Using the Simulation

Free Conspiracy Theory Lessons

Free Lesson! Conspiracy Theories (1950-1962)