Mikhail Gorbachev and the Collapse of Communism

Read the following link. Explain how Mikhail Gorbachev opened up the Soviet Union and paved the way for the end of Communism. Also define the words "Glasnost" and "Peristrokia".
Link 1.

The Collapse of Communism

Read the four links below. Why did Communism collapse in Eastern Europe and the USSR? Why did people tear down the Berlin Wall? What happened to the Soviet Union and how did the collapse of the Soviet Union change the world?
Link 1. Link 2. Link 3. Link 4.

Nelson Mandela and Apartheid

Read the three links below. First; in your own words, define Apartheid. Then explain why Nelson Mandela is such a hero. What did he do? Why is he so admired by the authors of these articles and sites?

First Link. Second Link. Third Link.

African Independence

Read the link below. Study the map on page three. Explain how and why Africa changed so much in the 20 year period from 1955 t0 1975. Who were some of the leaders of African Independence and what nations did they lead?
Link to textbook

The Cuban Missile Crisis (Do this one if you missed the Cold War film)

Read the text and view the photos/documents (click on Recon Room for photos) from the website below. Explain the Cuban Missile Crisis. What happened and why is it considered “the hottest moment in the Cold War”? What did Kennedy do to combat the crisis?
Read this link.

Film Lesson: "The Right Stuff"

How were the US and the USSR competing in the film "The Right Stuff"? Explain who was winning the competition. What scenes from the film will help you remember this Cold War event.

NATO and The Warsaw Pact

Read the three NATO links below. What were NATO and the Warsaw Pact? Who formed these alliances and why?
Read the three NATO links here.