Lesson Plan

The Cuban Missile Crisis

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Cold War tensions led to hostile actions. Scholars use primary sources to understand the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis during President Kennedy's administration. The lesson provides primary sources and a graphic organizer to help academics understand what led to the crisis and how it resulted in the removal of nuclear weapons from Cuba. Historians also participate in group discussion to understand how the fear of communism and nuclear weapons shaped the event and its outcome. 

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Instructional Ideas
  • Compare President Kennedy's and Eisenhower's responses to Cold War tensions  
  • Have learners create a political cartoon about the Cuban Missile Crisis 
Classroom Considerations
  • Lesson takes one to two class periods 
Pros
  • Lesson includes an assessment to gauge pupils' understanding 
  • Resource includes background information to help educators guide the lesson 
Cons
  • None