Lesson One
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The Cold War Begins
Outcomes
 Students will understand how the end of WWII brought about a bipolar
world, split between communist and capitalist ideologies
 Students will outline a general timeline of international and Canadian
events from 1945 – 1980
 Students will advance read their textbook, chapter 6 to gain background
information on the Cold War Unit
Activities
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“Cold War” – check student’s prior knowledge by having them discuss
what this term means. Include any terms they think are relevant. Be
sure to address ideas of domino theory & containment.
Hand out “Cold War Unit Outline”. Go over briefly.
Play Power Point – “We Didn’t Start the Fire”. Students can watch and
jot down any “cold war terms” they hear.
Hand out on the UN and Cold War Crises. Go over the functions of
each body. Students are to take notes on Canadian participation in
this international body
“Duck & Cover”. Hand out information on “Nuclear Threat”. Go
through with students.
Show segment of “The Atomic Café” to enhance students’
understanding and appreciation of the fear that was instilled in
America during this era of anti-communism. Play the “air raid siren”
sound and we can “duck and cover” as a class!
Chapter Questions Assignment. Each student receives a copy of
various chapter 6 questions that will give them advance knowledge for
upcoming lessons. Quiz on this general knowledge will occur in a few
classes from now.
Materials
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Cold War Unit Outline
ledger size paper
Cold War ledger outline template
We Didn’t Start the Fire Power Point
Chapter 6 questions
THE UNITED NATIONS & PEACEKEEPING
 aims to facilitate co-operation in international law, international security,
economic development, and social equity
Security Council
USA, Russia, UK, China
& France
-5 permanent members
-each of which can veto any UN resolution
General Assembly
Made up of all 192
member states
-this is the forum where members discuss issues
-they vote on resolutions brought forth by members
Economic & Social Council
Made up of 54
members elected for 3
year terms
-promotes international economic development and
social cooperation
-all members are eligible for election, but “1st World”
states have been favoured over the years
Secretariat
Made up of thousands
of clerks, interpreters,
translators and techs
-carries out the administrative tasks for the UN
International Court of Justice
aka “The World Court”
-15 permanent judges
are elected
-makes rulings on disputes submitted by member
nations
-the UN oversees specialized agencies (UNICEF, WHO, IMF, ILO), providing assistance and aid
around the world
-John Humphrey, a Canadian, is given some credit for drafting the original Charter of the UN
-Canada continues to be very active in the UN’s peacekeeping efforts
The Nuclear Threat in the 21st Century
The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War won the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. They were asked to describe the effects of a one
megaton nuclear explosion.
General Effects: human casualties stem from 3 sources of injury: the blast
effects of the explosion; the burns resulting from direct exposure to the
intense heat; and the radiation released by a nuclear detonation
Ground Zero: explosions create a 3000 foot deep crater that is 1200 meters
in diameter. All life and structures are obliterated
0-1 mile: within one second, the atmosphere ignites into a fireball more
than a half mile in diameter. The surface of the fireball radiates nearly 3
times the light and heat of the sun. It rises to a height of 6 miles or more.
All life below is extinguished in seconds.
1-3 miles: the flash and heat radiate outward at the speed of light, causing
severe burns. A blast wave of compressed air follows slightly more slowly,
reaching 3miles in about 12 seconds. From the blast wave, most buildings
collapse. Debris carried by winds of 250mph inflict lethal injuries. At least
50% of the people in the area die immediately.
3-6 miles: the direct heat radiating from the explosion causes 3rd degree
burns to exposed skin, and the blast wave destroys small buildings. A
firestorm begins to develop, consuming all oxygen, sucking it out of
underground stations and asphyxiating the occupants. Shelters become
ovens and fatalities are likely to approach 100%
6-12 miles: The shock wave reaches a distance of 8 miles approximately 40
seconds after the explosion. People directly exposed to the electromagnetic
radiation suffer 2nd degree burns.
Radiation Casualties: In the immediate proximity, injuries resulting from
radiation have little significance because most will have died from fatal burn
and blast injuries. At greater distances, radioactive fallout becomes a major
source of short-term and medium-term health problems.