On October 1, 1949, the Chinese People's Consultative Conference enacted the "organic law" that formally created the People's Republic of China; the following day notes were delivered to consular offices in Peking stating that the new government considered it necessary that they establish regular diplomatic relations with all countries…

Describes a political science class that focused on the interconnections between the Iran-Contra political scandal and United States Latin American policies. The class considered relevant aspects of that foreign policy as well as presidential leadership styles, congressional inquiries, bureaucratic politics, and public opinion. Briefly reviews the…

This student booklet and teacher's guide analyze the roots of the conflict resulting in the Yugoslav War in 1991 and examine the impact nationalism is having on European stability. The first section of the student booklet defines nationalism and traces its prominent role in inciting World War I and World War II. The second section describes how…

Reviews U.S. interventionism from the Truman administration to the Reagan administration. Assesses how intervention has been initiated, justified, and prolonged in the past, stating that future policy must be based upon historical realities rather than on ideology, inherited doctrines, resolutions, or vague treaties. (GEA)

This student booklet and teacher's guide examine the causes and the aftermath of the disintegration of the Soviet Union. The first two sections of the student booklet briefly summarize the Cold War and describe the unfulfilled promises of Mikhail Gorachev's "perestroika," the rising discontent among the people, and the birth of…

Using primary documents, maps, and visual data, this lesson packet describes how President Dwight Eisenhower working at his Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, farm, which is on the Historic Register of Historic Places, used personal diplomacy to help ease the tensions of the Cold War. The lesson materials can be used in U.S. history units on the Cold War,…

Criticizes the current historical interpretation (promoted by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. and Oliver Stone) that President John F. Kennedy intended to withdraw from Vietnam if elected to a second term. Maintains that the preponderance of historical evidence suggests that Kennedy intended to exit Vietnam only after a military victory. (MJP)

The Atlantic Council, in response to a need expressed by United States teachers for a guide to contemporary resources on Euorpe, commissioned this annotated bibliography limited to works in English which will serve as a stimulus to reflection by educators on how to more adequately present contemporary Europe and its values to United States…

Traces the often chaotic restructuring of European national boundaries from before World War I to after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Offers a concise and interesting overview of the political, economic, and military events that shaped modern Europe. Includes seven detailed maps showing shifting boundaries and alliances. (MJP)

Provides an insightful look at the administrative and negotiative processes that accompanied the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Although John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev both worked to avoid nuclear war, the stress and exhaustion of the negotiating process created serious blunders. Eventually both sides backed away from nuclear annihilation. (MJP)

Provides an excellent annotated bibliography concerning the post-World War II situation in Germany and the origins of the Cold War. Many of the books listed incorporate a wide range of primary sources including, memoirs, diary entries, newspaper accounts, and official documents. Some of the annotations include teaching suggestions. (MJP)

Presents results of a survey of the teaching about nuclear history at U.S. colleges and universities. Reports the existence of a well-established and extensive literature, a focus on nuclear weapons or warfare, and a concentration on nuclear citizenship, therapy, or eschatology for courses outside of history departments. Discusses individual…

Summarizes the sometimes confusing and contradictory efforts of the John F. Kennedy administration to encourage the development of democratic political processes in Latin America. Although sincere, Kennedy's efforts often were stymied by resistance from the local power structure and his own Central Intelligence Agency. Eventually, anti-communist…