Curated OER
Debating Iraq
Students analyze the main themes of President Bush's UN Speech and discussion of the NewsHour report on the Iraq Debate. In this debate lesson, students answer pre-listening questions and view a transcript of the speech. In groups of two...
Curated OER
Presidential Briefing
In this comparative government activity, students follow the steps provided to form a National Security Council and then brief the President on long-term goals for the nation. Students prepare written briefs with charts and graphics that...
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Peace Becomes Cold War, 1945 1950
A discussion of historical events that led to the Cold War from the perspective of the U.S. Army. Particular emphasis is placed on military leadership and policy.
Other
Business Executives for National Security
"Business Executives for National Security (BENS) - a national, nonpartisan organization of business leaders who apply the lessons of their successful businesses to making our country safer and more secure." Topics include: What's New,...
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Rice on Iraq, War and Politics
Transcript of an interview of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice in September of 2002, discussing President George W. Bush's ideas about moving the US into war against Iraq.
US National Archives
National Archives: The National Security Council
This National Archives and Records Administration site lists information about the National Security Council. Students can access information about speeches, staff, documents, and more.
Mount Holyoke College
International Relations: Nsc 68: United States Objectives for National Security
Primary source document of the National Security Council Document 68. (NSC-68)
C-SPAN
C Span Classroom: Teaching About National Security and Surveillance
Learning module and lesson plan which examines whether or not the federal government should monitor phone and internet activity to protect the security of the United States. Comprehensive materials including C-SPAN videos and related...
Other
Center for Strategic & International Studies
"The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a public policy research institution dedicated to analysis and policy impact." Site gives student information and research on topics of national and international security.
Other
Foreign Policy Association
The FPA is an "organization founded in 1918 to educate Americans about significant world issues that have an important impact on their lives." Gives students an opportunity to take part in activities through the Great Decisions program.
Other
The Council on Foreign Relations: Model Diplomacy
Model Diplomacy is a free and highly adaptable simulation focusing on timely foreign policy issues. This site provides background information, policy options, and a hypothetical decision point for students to role-play and discuss....
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: American Diplomacy
An on-line magazine that provides "Commentary, Analysis, and Research on American Foreign Policy and Its Practice." Also contains articles from actual ambassadors and diplomats in the Foreign Service.
iCivics
I Civics: Convene the Council
In Convene the Council, students take on the role of President of the United States and respond to world events with the support of their National Security Council.
The White House
The White House: National Security & Defense
Read general information about the establishment of the National Security Council, current staff, and its function within the government.
Federation of American Scientists
Fas: Report of the Independent Counsel for Iran/contra
This page from the Federation of American Scientists links to all chapters of the "Final Report of the Independent Counsel for Iran/Contra Matters" released by the Independent Counsel Office.
Other
The Henry L. Stimson Center: Homepage
"The Henry L. Stimson Center is an independent, nonprofit, public policy institute committed to finding and promoting innovative solutions to the security challenges confronting the United States and other nations in the twenty-first...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Atomic Fears and the Arms Race
Looks at the nuclear arms race in the 1950s as the United States and the USSR both stockpiled nuclear weapons. Includes 1951 propaganda video showing schoolchildren how to 'Duck and Cover' in the event of a nuclear attack. [9:15]
PBS
Pbs: The Iran Contra Affair
This site from PBS provides a good summary of the Iran-Contra Affair. This is a summary of how this event is covered in the PBS film " The American Experience".
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise
Jewish Virtual Library: Iran Contra Affair
This site describes Israeli involvement in the sale of arms to Iran. The persons involved in the funding are indicated.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Domestic Challenges
The American soldiers returning from World War I had a huge impact on the economy. Read about President Truman's domestic policies and find out about the surprise of the election of 1948.