Post-War Peace Strategies

Grade Level: 10th Grade
Subject: US History
Unit: World War II and its Aftermath
Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.9: Compare and contrast treatments of the same topic in several primary and secondary sources.

Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the differences in the peace processes of WWI and WWII.
2. Explain how the relationships between the Big Three leaders evolved during the Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam Conferences.
3. Discuss the decisions made regarding the occupation of Germany and the creation of the United Nations.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen
• Printed worksheets
• Short video clips
• Chart paper and markers for group work
• Excerpts from primary source documents (excerpts from conference agreements)

Bellringer (5 minutes)

Question: How do you think the end of a war impacts political relationships between countries?

• Have students write a quick response in their notebooks.
• Select a few students to share their thoughts to start class discussion.

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Discussion Starter: Briefly discuss the peace process following WWI, focusing on the Treaty of Versailles and its shortcomings.
• Emphasize that today's lesson will compare that with the process after WWII, focusing on the Big Three (US, USSR, UK) and key conferences.

Direct Instruction (15 minutes)

• Tehran Conference (1943): Explain the goal of planning the final strategy against Nazi Germany. Focus on the cooperative spirit among Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin at this point.

• Yalta Conference (1945): Show a short video clip of the Yalta Conference.
  Video Summary Discussion:

  • Discuss decisions regarding post-war Europe, notably Germany’s division into occupied zones and free elections in Eastern Europe.
  • Emphasize Roosevelt’s and Stalin's efforts to maintain a cooperative relationship.

• Potsdam Conference (1945): Show a second short clip highlighting the Potsdam Conference. Video Summary Discussion:

  • Analyze the shift in dynamics, with increased tensions, particularly around reparations and the future of Germany.
  • Mention Truman’s harder stance and the emerging Cold War tensions.

Peer Collaboration Activity (20 minutes)

Group Activity: Conference Role Play

• Instructions: Divide the class into groups and assign each group one of the three conferences (Tehran, Yalta, Potsdam). Each group should include Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin roles.

• Task: Create a short role-play scenario that highlights key decisions and relationships.

  • Use charts to organize discussion points and outcomes.

• Worksheet Questions:

  1. What were the main goals and outcomes of your assigned conference?
  2. How were issues regarding Germany addressed in your conference?
  3. How did the leaders’ relationships evolve throughout your conference?
  4. How did the outcomes of your conference lay the groundwork for the United Nations?

Conclusion and Debrief (10 minutes)

• Group Presentations: Have each group present their role-play to the class.

• Class Discussion:

  • Compare the different approaches to peace after WWI and WWII.
  • Discuss the significance of Germany's division and the formation of the United Nations in shaping post-war stability.

• Exit Ticket:

  • Ask students to write a short reflection on how the changing relationships between the Big Three influenced post-war plans.

This lesson plan aims to engage students through interactive learning while addressing key historical concepts, ultimately enhancing their critical thinking skills around international relations and conflict resolution.