Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "The Cold War"

Mobilizing Minds: Teaching Science and Math in the Age of Sputnik

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:22:29 GMT

In this online exhibition, students will learn how fear of Soviet domination galvanized reform in science and math education during the 1950's and 60's. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth. In order win the "Space Race", the United States urgently needed both a select group of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers; and a general population of mathematically and scientifically informed citizens.

Americans at War Collection Search

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:07:40 GMT

Students can use this online collection search to explore hundreds of artifacts related to America's military history. The objects are part of an online exhibition, The Price of Freedom: Americans at War.

Fast Attacks and Boomers: Submarines in the Cold War

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 22:26:31 GMT

This website reviews the early history of submarines and their radical transformation after World War II. Students will learn how submarines were built, how they work, and what they do. They will also learn the story of submariners and their families, Americans who were on the front lines of the Cold War. This resource also includes a cold war timeline that covers the origins, major events, and the end of the Cold War.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:47:53 GMT

In this lesson plan students will examine primary sources to determine the level of threat caused by the buildup of Soviet nuclear missiles and weapons sites in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis and will analyze President Kennedy’s response. This resource was produced to accompany the exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

The President Has Many Roles

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:44:17 GMT

On June 29, 1950, President Truman performed all seven presidential jobs. In this activity, students will learn about the Presidency by looking at an excerpt of the President's schedule from that day and match the events with the correct role of the president. They will then see if they can match the presidential roles with objects from the exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden.

Exile: Cuba and the United States

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:44:35 GMT

In this lesson plan, students will research the events of the Cuban revolution and their effect on U.S.-Cuban relations and U.S. foreign policy by utilizing Celia Cruz's personal experience. They will then prepare a story about the revolution as if they were members of a television news team reporting on the events of the time. This lesson is a resource included in the online exhibition entitled ¡Azúcar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz.

Americans at War Learning Resources

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:08:17 GMT

This collection of learning resources was developed in conjunction with the exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War Teacher's Manual. Included in this set of materials is "Who Am I? A History Mystery", an interactive game in which students select a mystery character from the Civil War and examine objects that hold the key to their identity, video footage, first person reenactments, oral history interviews, and lesson plans.

The Korean War

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:12:24 GMT

On June 25, 1950, the Cold War turned hot when armies from North Korea invaded into South Korea hoping to unify the Korean Peninsula under communism. Students will learn about the American involvement in the Korean Conflict in this section of the online exhibition entitled The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. President Harry Truman committed American troops and rallied support in the United Nations, establishing a coalition of sixteen nations to defend South Korea and contain Communist expansion. A non-flash version of this site is available: The Korean War.

The Vietnam War

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:12:24 GMT

From 1956-1975, Americans fought a protracted and divisive war against Communist expansion in Southeast Asia. Students will focus on the war in Vietnam and its effects on public opinion back home, look an in-depth at the realities faced by American prisoners of war, and the legacies of the war, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in this section of The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, an online exhibition. A non-flash version of this site is available: The Vietnam War.