The End Of The Soviet Union 1991: The Cold War
This module describes the youth revolt of the late 1960s. It introduces the formation of the New Left and the counterculture movement and its discontent with the Vietnam War. The module then shows how the demands for civil rights spread to women, Hispanics, and the gay community. It examines the rise of Richard Nixon and his foreign policy achievements and domestic policies. The mixed report on Vietnam was coupled with strong gains in opening communications with China. However, Nixon's administration shattered under the weight of the Watergate revelations. The module includes a brief discussion of the Ford and Carter years and moves on to discuss the 1980s and the presidency of Ronald Reagan. It traces the impact of the growing conservatism and explains the reasons behind the end of the Cold War and the rise of the fight against terrorism.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize the expansion of civil rights activism and the anti-Vietnam War movement.
- Identify the cultural and political backlash that began with President Nixon.
- Assess the Nixon and Carter presidencies, Watergate, and the end of the war in Vietnam.
- Characterize Ronald Reagan and Republican conservatism in the 1980s.
- Identify reasons for the Cold War and why it ended