How individuals interpret the justifications for historical war can have a large effect on how they see modern warfare. In the social studies classroom, particularly in the U.S. context, so much of what educators focus on in regard to war are the events of World War II. This focus on the Second World War is understandable. However, it could also…

Presents an exercise that can help students understand the concept of national interest and deal better with foreign policy issues. Students use a chart with information about the United States and 10 other countries to answer questions such as what criteria the United States should use to select allies. (SR)

Maintaining that baseball presents a view of American society in microcosm, this article reviews the Cold War history of American baseball, showing how the statements and concerns of the players and managers reflected popular values of that era. (JDH)

Presents an interview of the authors regarding their forthcoming book, including biographical sketches of Dean Acheson, Averell Harriman, Robert Lovett, George Kennan, John McCloy, and Charles Bohlen, all charter members of the post-World War II foreign policy establishment. (JDH)

The political influence of liberal reformers and philosophers at the time of World War I is discussed. (JD)

Presents passages from the memoirs of Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev which reveal their recollections regarding the famous "Kitchen Debate." Provides activity suggestions which help students analyze the contrasting points of view presented. (JDH)

States that autobiographies such as Patricia Hampl's may be the best source of information for revealing the effects of the Cold War on the American psyche. Maintains that such works may help counteract the narrow and naive view of superpower relations youth gain from such movies as "Rocky" and "Rambo." (JDH)

Examines John F. Kennedy's negotiations with Egypt's Gamel Abdel Nasser as he attempted to improve U.S.-Arab relations and prevent the spread of Soviet influence in the Middle East region. States that Kennedy's failure to meet his Middle Eastern objectives resulted from his inability to reconcile the many factions dividing the Arab world. (GEA)

Provides discussion questions, activity suggestions and sample quotes to provoke further examination of the Cold War era values evidenced in the baseball subculture (see SO 515 377, "Baseball and the Cold War: An Examination of Values). (JDH)

This critical analysis of Sino-American relations reviews historical events since World War II, summarizes United States policy toward the Peoples Republic of China and contends that improved relations with China should be a goal. Review of Communist China's activities reveals that: 1) an aim seems to be to expand power and influence but not…

Notes the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Spanish-American War and recommends an interdisciplinary study of that conflict. Discusses various aspects of the war (yellow journalism, imperialism, military campaigns) that could be integrated into the study of history, government, and literature. Includes a list of comparison topics and learning…

Examines the role played by Puerto Rico in the Spanish-American War. Although fighting on the island lasted only 19 days, it resulted in the the United States assuming possession of Puerto Rico as a commonwealth. Discusses the ongoing effects of this on the economy, and the movement toward statehood. (MJP)

Presents an incisive overview of the historical writing concerning the Spanish-American War by U.S. historians. Summarizes and comments on some of the seminal works by Walter LaFeber, Paul Kennedy, and Louis A. Perez. Their works consider the conflict from the perspectives of international relations, domestic politics, and various ideologies. (MJP)

Reviews the historical writing of Spanish historians on the Spanish American War. While this conflict marked the emergence of the United States as a world power, it is considered by many Spanish scholars as a turning point in the decline of the colonial empire. Includes extensive end notes. (MJP)