In recent years, there has been much talk in the media and the academic world about the "rise of China," as if China were a young country. Because the People's Republic of China (PRC) celebrated its sixtieth birthday only last October--and because the PRC was not admitted into the United Nations until 1971 and did not become a member of…

This essay is based on the author's talk at the FPRI Wachman Center's History Institute for Teachers on "What Students Need to Know about America's Wars, Part 2: 1920-Present," held May 2-3, 2009. Observing that the Vietnam War was the longest and most contested conflict in American history and that it called into question many…

On March 1-2, 2008, FPRI's Wachman Center presented a weekend of discussion on "China's Encounter with the West" for 45 teachers from 21 states across the country, held at and co-sponsored by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Asia Program. Sessions included: (1) China's Early Encounters with the West: A History in Reverse…

On October 21-22, 2006, FPRI's Marvin Wachman Fund for International Education hosted 46 teachers from 26 states across the country for a weekend of discussion on teaching about China. Sessions included: (1) Classical Chinese Thought and Culture and Early Chinese History (Victor Mair); (2) State and Society in Late Imperial China (Matthew Sommer);…

On September 29-30, 2007, FPRI's Marvin Wachman Fund for International Education presented a weekend of discussion on "Teaching Military History: Why and How" for 35 teachers from 22 states across the country. The institute was held at the First Division Museum in Wheaton, Illinois and co-sponsored by the Cantigny First Division Foundation.…

On March 11-12, 2006 the FPRI's Marvin Wachman Fund for International Education hosted 44 teachers from 16 states across the country for a weekend of discussion on teaching about India. Sessions included: (1) Why It's Important to Know about India (Ainslie T. Embree); (2) Early Indian History (Richard H. Davis); (3) Modern Indian History (Marc…

Presents a secondary lesson reviewing U.S.-Chinese relations from 1900 until the end of the Korean War. Suggests that the United States made several diplomatic mistakes during that period. Includes step-by-step teaching procedures, a timeline, and a short student reading. (CFR)

One in a series of booklets whose purpose is to stimulate greater and more effective understanding of world affairs among Americans, this seven-chapter report examines the political, economic, and anomalous positions of North and South Korea in the international system. "Traditional Legacies" traces the historical development of the two…

Cartoons, text, questions, and activities encourage students to link the present with the past, to look at colonialism from the perspective of the colonized, and to see how the global economy perpetuates the trade structures begun during the colonial era. After exploring colonialism in the past, early contacts by Europeans with other cultures, the…

This unit, designed for grades 9-12, includes a teacher's guide and 30 accompanying slides. Teachers don't need special knowledge of Japanese history; sufficient background information is provided. The activities can be adapted for other grade levels. The unit is intended for five class periods of 50-minutes each with supplementary activities to…

Designed for classroom teaching, this document contains articles on the new constitutions of Japan, South Korea, and the Philippine Islands which were modeled in part on the U.S. Constitution. These countries' experiences with constitutional government are examined, and whether or not the U.S. Constitution can be a suitable model for other…

This booklet examines the emergence of the two Korea's and implications for their unification. By tracing the philosophical development of the nations and shared ideas and values, the booklet attempts to explain policy issues faced by the nations and other world powers in dealing with them. Chapters include: (1) "Legacies from the Past";…

This briefing book provides background information on current foreign policy issues. This edition discusses the following major issues: (1) "U.S. in a New World: What Goals? What Priorities?"; (2) "United Nations: What Role in the New World?"; (3) "Germany's Role: In Europe? In the Atlantic Alliance?"; (4)…

Discusses contact between the United States and Japan. Comments that the history of the relationship is a long one that becomes increasingly interdependent. Describes the relationship as characterized by a disparity of power and interest now shifting toward Japan. Emphasizes that changes in the relationship have always depended on the world…

Suggests teaching about the Chinese government's 1989 suppression of student protesters at Tiananmen Square. Argues that the lesson can aid students understanding of the role of student protest in shaping China's history and interactions with the rest of the world. Offers strategies and questions for student research including reasons for the…