Lesson Plan

U.S. Foreign Policy and the Iran-Contra Affair: Was Oliver North a Patriot, a Pawn, or an Outlaw?

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If you had to write a song about Oliver North, would it be a ballad or a dirge? If you had to put him on a trading card, would he be a hero or the bad guy? Young historians decide for themselves after examining documents from the Iran-Contra Affair, including congressional testimony, private communications, and speeches. The thought-provoking resource includes primary sources and scaffolding resources, such as charts and timelines.

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Learners need some background on the Cold War and the Iranian Revolution before beginning the lesson
Classroom Considerations
  • Use as an in-depth exploration of the foreign policy of the Reagan administration
  • Some items require the ability to play an audio clip
Pros
  • Resource helps unpack a complicated history
  • Assessment options are creative and fun for pupils
Cons
  • At least one link is no longer valid in the assessment items