The World went mad after World War 2. Former allies are now enemies and will fight an ideological war between Communism and Capitalism. This would lead to a wall dividing a city, 2 proxy wars (Korea and Vietnam), being on the brink of direct war (Cuban Missile Crisis) and scores of people caught in the crossfire.
In week one, students will learn about the atmosphere of the World after World War 2. We will discuss how former allies become enemies. We will do this by discussing ideologies of both the United States and the Soviet Union (USSR) post World War 2. Why was Capitalism so bad to the Soviets and why was Communism so bad to the US?
In week two, we will discuss "minor" skirmishes in the Cold War such as Berlin Blockade, the Berlin Airlift, construction of the Berlin Wall, Bay of Pigs,and  the U2 Spy Plane Incident. Why did the Soviet Union feel the need to use Berliners as pawns? Why did the US disastrously try to remove communism from Cuba?
In week three, we will talk about the event that brought us to two minutes from midnight on the Doomsday Clock: The Cuban Missile Crisis. For thirteen days, the World held its breath while the US and Soviets communicated through back channels. Was it resolved peacefully or was this another scarring skirmish?
In week four, we will discuss the first proxy war- the Korean War. Students will learn the causes of the Korean War, some of the battles and the conclusion and the effects it has to this day.
In week five, students will discuss the second proxy war- the Vietnam War. Students will learn the causes, some of the battles and how the US would go on to lose a war for the first time in history
In week 6, we discuss the conclusion of the Cold War through discussion on various Eastern European revolutions, the tumbling of the Berlin Wall and glasnost and perestroika in the Soviet Union.