Materials

• Outline maps of post-World War II Europe
• Colored pencils
• Textbook
• Atlas

Instructional Activities

1. Provide a short lecture on the immediate changes that occurred in Europe and the Pacific after World War II. Explain to students that as the United States emerged as a “superpower,” the country developed a plan to help rebuild Europe and bring economic and political stability to the war-torn area. The U.S. launched the Marshall Plan to provide financial aid to Europe and prevent the spread of communism. Show students a sampling of the aid packages for various European nations. The Web site <http://www.turnerlearning.com/cnn/coldwar/cw_start.html> offers an interactive map that shows which countries accepted U.S. aid under the Marshall Plan and in what dollar amounts. Additionally, point out that the U.S. also oversaw the establishment of a democracy in Japan and took an active role in the establishment of the United Nations.
   
   
2. Distribute outline maps of post-World War II Europe. Have students illustrate their map, including the following:
   • Countries that came under the control of the Soviet Union (Highlight the division of Germany into East Germany and West Germany.)
   • The “free” or capitalist countries of the West
   • Countries that benefited from the Marshall Plan
   • Names of major cities, such as London, Paris, and Berlin.
   Remind students to label all countries and include a legend. Encourage students to use color, and allow them to use resources such as atlases and textbooks.
   
   
3. After students have completed their map, prompt them to think about the foreign policy concerns of the Cold War by answering the following questions:
   • How does this map illustrate the Soviet Union’s attempt to protect itself from the capitalist countries of the West?
   • Why might the United States have been concerned about the spread of communism of Europe?
   • What possible strategies might the United States have pursued to protect itself against the Soviet Union?
   • How does this map illustrate the importance of the Marshall Plan?
   • What possible problems could have arisen from a divided Germany and Berlin?
   • What role might the United Nations have played in a divided Europe?