During World War II, the Soviet Union was portrayed as a key ally in the fight against fascism through posters, films, and newspaper headlines. But by the late 1940s, that alliance had shifted, and the Soviet Union was seen as an enemy. While the U.S. and Soviet Union never fought directly, they spent decades locked in a propaganda war. Media such as films, radio, newspapers, political cartoons, and comics played a major role in shaping how Americans saw the Soviet Union and communism. This activity challenges students to explore the question: Can the media define an enemy? By analyzing various sources, students will consider how the media influenced public perceptions of the Soviet Union and fueled anti-communist sentiment in the U.S.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Can the media define an enemy?
Standards
D2.His.2.9-12. Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.
D2.His.16.9-12. Integrate evidence from multiple relevant historical sources and interpretations into a reasoned argument about the past.
Instructional Snapshot
Class will start with a discussion of Source A, a World War II poster. The teacher will help students consider the poster’s message and its connection to the war. The class will then briefly talk about how, shortly after World War II ended, the Cold War began, turning former allies into enemies almost immediately (5 minutes). Students will then examine a set of sources, keeping track of how each one portrays the Soviet Union and communism. They will focus on questions like: What message is this source sending about the Soviet Union? What words, images, or techniques are used to get that message across? How might this have shaped public opinion during the Cold War? (15 minutes). In small groups, students will discuss the question: Can the media define an enemy? (10 minutes). Finally, each group will create a list of ways the media presented the Soviet Union as an enemy during the Cold War (10 minutes).
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE: Watch the video clips and examine the print sources, creating a list of messages conveyed about the Soviet Union and communism.
DELIBERATE: Engage in a discussion about the compelling question: Can the media define an enemy?
PRODUCE: Develop a list of ways the media portrayed the Soviet Union as a threat to the United States during the Cold War.
Sources
Cold War Source Set, Library of Congress
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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