Russia and the United States: Perspectives from History—Choices for Today

Part I offers an historical overview of U.S. relations with the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. There are three lessons aligned with Part I: 1) Orientation and Compelling Questions, 2) Examining Assumptions about U.S. and Soviet Cold War Policy, and 3) U.S. and Soviet Propaganda.

Part II surveys the economic and political changes that Russia has undergone since the Soviet collapse. There is one lesson aligned with Part II: Political Geography of Russia.

Part III concentrates on the leading challenges facing U.S. policymakers with respect to Russia and its neighbors, with special emphasis on the war in Ukraine. There is one lesson aligned with Part III: NATO and the War in Ukraine.

Students view a slideshow that helps them to gain familiarity with the history of the relationship between Russia and the United States from the early twentieth century to the present. They learn about and construct open-ended “compelling questions” which prepare them to work thoughtfully on this important topic.

Students examine U.S. Ambassador George Kennan's 1947 Foreign Affairs article and a 1946 telegram from Soviet Ambassador Nikolai Novikov to the Soviet leadership. Students identify the assumptions and beliefs that formed the basis of U.S. and Soviet diplomats’ views and the implications of these assumptions and beliefs on their policy recommendations.

After examining Soviet posters and a U.S. comic book, students analyze the impact of propaganda on international politics.

Students practice map-reading skills and consider how geography affects international politics.

Students analyze primary source documents that demonstrate multiple perspectives about NATO expansion and the war in Ukraine.

The Options Role Play is a key lesson in the unit. Students explore, debate, and evaluate multiple perspectives on U.S. foreign policy toward Russia and cooperate with classmates in staging a persuasive presentation.

Synthesis Lesson: Students articulate their own opinions on U.S. foreign policy toward Russia based on newly acquired knowledge, personally held values, and historical understanding. They then gather evidence and write a letter to elected officials.