Khrushchev vs. Eisenhower - Emerging Superpower Leaders in the Cold War
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The Cold War: 1945-1962
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
In the aftermath of World War II, global politics came to be dominated by a struggle between two great powers: The United States and the Soviet Union. These two nations defined the course of history in the second half of the 20th century, and the legacy of their Cold War continues to the present day.
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Storyboard Description
Khrushchev vs. Eisenhower - Using a T-Chart, have students compare and contrast the backgrounds, policies, relationship, and actions of U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nikita Khrushchev, the elected leader of the Soviet Union after Stalin dies. By comparing and contrasting the two world leaders, students will be able to connect continuous Cold War policies by both nations, as well as how both nations operated under new leadership. Exiting from Truman’s presidency and Stalin’s strict control, the Cold War will further deepen tensions between the two countries. This will allow students to be able to explain and analyze just how both leaders aimed to gain control in the evolving post World War II world.
Storyboard Text
- BACKGROUND
- KHRUSHCHEV
- BACKGROUND
- EISENHOWER
- Nikita Khrushchev was born on April 15th, 1894. He was a skilled iron worker, and joined the ranks of the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution in 1918. He became a protegé of Stalin, and was eventually elected to prime minister of Ukraine. After Stalin died in 1953, Khrushchev quickly rose to rank of premier, and instituted a de-Stalinization of the Soviet Union.
- FOREIGN POLICY
- Dwight D. Eisenhower was born October 14th, 1890. As a young man, Eisenhower had a keen interest in military affairs and history. He attended West Point, and was soon recognized for his organizational abilities, as well as commanding abilities. He eventually rose to Commander of the Allied forces, and later in 1952 was elected the 34th president of the United States.
- FOREIGN POLICY
- Khrushchev and his policy towards the west was rocky, yet more progressive than his predecessor, Stalin. However, Khrushchev did conflict with the U.S. over the control over East Berlin, which he refused to give up. In addition, Khrushchev oversaw the launch of Sputnik I, greatly inducing fear from the West. He also improved relations with the communist nation Cuba.
- DOMESTIC POLICY
- Eisenhower ran his campaign on combating, and preventing, the influence of communism in the U.S. and across the globe. Under Eisenhower, he attempted to initiate disarmament between the U.S. and the Soviets, but to no avail. In addition, Eisenhower pledged to support the stoppage of communist threats in Southeast Asia. He also contributed to the nuclear and technological build-up to match the Soviets' progress.
- DOMESTIC POLICY
- INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM: CONNECTING AMERICA
- Domestically, Khrushchev remained true to communist principles. He aimed to increase production and manufacturing throughout the Soviet Union. In addition, Khrushchev oversaw improvements in weaponry and space technologies, including the Soviets' successful detonation of a hydrogen bomb, and the launch of space's first satellite, Sputnik I.
- ACTIONS IN COLD WAR
- In terms of domestic policy, Eisenhower's America flourished. Post-war America under him was strong. Eisenhower also initiated the creation of the Interstate Highway System for both traveling and defensive means. In addition to this, Eisenhower remained staunch on strengthening the space program in NASA, as well as support for science and higher education. He also ended segregation in the military.
- ACTIONS IN COLD WAR
- EUROPE: 1947
- EAST VS. WEST
- CONTAINMENT
- DEMOCRACY
- CAPITALISM
- Throughout the continued Cold War, Khrushchev was instrumental in leading the Soviet Union. While he did aim for peaceful relations with the west, he placed nuclear weapons within Cuba, instigating the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as suppressed anti-communist revolts in Hungary. Furthermore, he also saw the construction of the Berlin Wall, which would come to symbolize the divide in the Cold War.
- For Eisenhower, his actions centered also around aiming at peaceful relations with the Soviet Union; however, his objectives of stopping the spread of communism did take precedent. He helped support the creation of SEATO, which vowed assistance to prevent communist influence in Vietnam. In addition to this, Eisenhower initiated domestic and foreign initiatives to protect the U.S. from potential Soviet attacks.
Image Attributions
- 1000px-Map_of_current_Interstates-2006-07-13 - Mulad - (License Attribution )
- Eisenhower Unveils Marshall Bust - NASA on The Commons - (License No known copyright restrictions )
- Jacob's biscuit factory - National Library of Ireland on The Commons - (License No known copyright restrictions )
- Un-Launched Sputnik era satellite - Tydence - (License Attribution )
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