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