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

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.

Film Lesson: "Schindler's List"

Explain how "Schindler's List" illustrated the Holocaust. Which scenes were most powerful for you as a viewer: The liquidation of the Krakow ghetto, the labor camp, the children, Auschwitz, etc.? What images from the film will stay with you? Which film was more powerful for you as a viewer; "Schindler's List" or "Night and Fog"? Explain in detail please.

Film Lesson: "Night and Fog"

What are some of your reactions to "Night and Fog"? Did you find the film as powerful as I did? How did it compare with the scenes you viewed from "Schindler's List"? Which film illustrates the Holocaust more effectively - the Hollywood version, or the documentary? Explain in detail.

The Treaty of Versailles (ended WW I)

Explain how the Treaty of Versailles affected Germany at the end of WW I. What were some of the rules of the treaty. Do you think the treaty was fair? Why?
Some historians say that the Treaty of Versailles led to the rise of Fascism and Adolph Hitler. Why do you think historians say this?
Read these links for more information.
Or,
Listen to this podcast (with headphones)
Or, Use the in class handout.