Unit XI: Leader of the Free World 1945-1975

Content to be Covered:

1. A cold war existed between the United States and the Soviet Union following World War II.

2. The economic growth and scientific and technological progress of this period encouraged a prosperous life for U.S. children.

3. John Fitzgerald Kennedy influenced America in many ways.

4. Martin Luther King Jr. guided the Civil Rights movement through his policy of nonviolence.

5. The Vietnam War created conflict within the country.

Teacher's Rationale:

While teachers tend to view this period of time as recent history, students often seen it as part of the distant past. However, many important trends and events that still affect students today, such as the growth of television, the Civil Rights movement , and the rise of national power and prestige, had their roots in these decades. Students will find that this unit increases their understanding of leaders such as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. and explores events still controversial today, such as the Vietnam War.

Table of Contents:

Lesson 1:	The United States and the Soviet Union Were Engaged in a Cold War.
Lesson 2:	Growing Up in the 1950s Can Be Compared and Contrasted to Growing Up Today. A Crossroads Resource
Lesson 3:	John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Were Influential Leaders of the 1960s. A Crossroads Resource A Crossroads Resource
Lesson 4:	The Vietnam War Caused Conflict in the United States. A Crossroads Resource A Crossroads Resource A Crossroads Resource A Crossroads Resource