Explain to students that after World War II, the Soviet Union refused to leave the countries of Eastern Europe and imposed Communism on those nations. The United States and its allies formed an alliance to counter Soviet aggression, forming the foreign policy strategy of containment, or a strategy designed to halt the spread of Soviet power in the world by exercising military force when necessary. Explain to students that each president, his advisors, and Congress determine and shape strategic goals for the nation in relation to foreign and domestic policies. In this activity, students will be looking at how each administration, from the start of the Cold War under President Harry Truman through the post Cold War years of Bill Clinton, defined its strategic goals. Pass out copies of the Presidential Foreign Policy Chart.
Students can use their textbooks to complete the questions in the assignment.
The chart was designed to engage students in research and inquiry, while illustrating the various ways presidential administrations have sought to contain Soviet power and communism. The chart identifies the economic, military, diplomatic, and legislative strategies of the Cold War and post Cold War eras. The section of the chart on the Truman administration has been completed as an example. Explain to students that they won't find an answer for every section of the activity sheet, and that repetition will occur in some of the answers on their chart. When they have completed their work, review the chart with the class, and encourage students to share their answers.