Length
60 minutes
Curriculum Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including analyzing how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term over the course of a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist No. 10).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.5
Analyze in detail how a complex primary source is structured, including how key sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text contribute to the whole.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.6
Evaluate authors' differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors' claims, reasoning, and evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
Materials
Instructions
- Begin this lesson by asking students to discuss their thoughts about the Vietnam War.
- Now, explain that this lesson will explore causes and the impact of the Vietnam War.
- Distribute the The Vietnam War: Causes, Conflicts & Effects lesson, play the video, pause at 02:39, then start the following discussion:
- Why was the Vietnam War considered a proxy war?
- Define trusteeship and containment and discuss their relevance in this lesson.
- Describe President Eisenhower and Truman's influence during this time period.
- Explain the purpose of the Geneva Conference and Southeast Asia Treaty Organization.
- Next restart the video, pause at 07:35, then ask the following:
- Discuss how the United States supported South Vietnam.
- Explain President Kennedy's stance and impact on the Vietnam War.
- Describe the challenges faced by the United States in 1963.
- Why was President Johnson reluctant to send ground troops to fight the war?
- Based on the question above, did President Johnson change his opinion? Explain.
- Describe General William Westmoreland's three-phase plan.
- Afterward, play the remainder of the video and ask these questions:
- Describe the Tet Offense and its impact on Americans.
- What impression did the Tet Offense leave in American minds?
- Describe how the war ended.
- Now, display the lesson quiz and ask students to write down the answer, then review.
Activity
- Prior to class, search the internet and identify a digital timeline tool.
- Began this activity by asking students to discuss suggestions on how the Vietnam War could have been prevented.
- Now, explain that this exercise will further solidify their understanding of the war's events.
- Divide the class into five groups and assign one of the following time periods to each:
- 1950 - 1954
- 1955 - 1959
- 1960 - 1964
- 1965 - 1970
- 1971 - 1975
- Explain the website the class will use for the digital timeline.
- Ensure groups include relevant visuals and short audio and video, if available.
- Then ask each group to create their digital timeline outlining the major events that occurred during their assigned time period.
- Afterward, allow each group to present their timeline in chronological order.
