Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Cuban Missile Crisis"

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.

The Cold War

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:53:27 GMT

Students will learn how a "cold war" between the United States and the Soviet Union began after World War II in this section of the online exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. Americans led Western efforts to contain Communism. The Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, the origins of NATO and the arms race that led to the Cuban Missile Crisis are all discussed. A non-flash version of this site is available: The Cold War.

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.

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.