Activity Overview
In order to better understand the Truman Doctrine, it's helpful for students to analyze Truman’s own words and principles in regards to how the President wanted to guide foreign policy in response to Soviet influence directly from the document. Using a chart storyboard, students will examine direct quotes and break down what each quote means in their own words. This will help serve as a way for students to connect with the document and better understand how Truman conducted foreign policy.
Students may als consider extending their storyboard to include a third row that outlines the reactions to these ideas, determining whether other countries complied with the proposals and the effects the Truman Doctrine had on foreign relations.
Extended Activity
Have students read and analyze another president’s principles regarding foreign policy. Option and ideas are endless, however some key presidential principles that may be connected include President Bush’s statements post-9/11, as well as immediate presidential policies following Truman.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing excerpts from the Truman Doctrine.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Paste or type three excerpts from the Truman Doctrine into the description boxes in the top row.
- In the row below, summarize and analyze what each quote means in the description boxes.
- Create illustrations for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items to help visualize the analysis.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In order to better understand the Truman Doctrine, it's helpful for students to analyze Truman’s own words and principles in regards to how the President wanted to guide foreign policy in response to Soviet influence directly from the document. Using a chart storyboard, students will examine direct quotes and break down what each quote means in their own words. This will help serve as a way for students to connect with the document and better understand how Truman conducted foreign policy.
Students may als consider extending their storyboard to include a third row that outlines the reactions to these ideas, determining whether other countries complied with the proposals and the effects the Truman Doctrine had on foreign relations.
Extended Activity
Have students read and analyze another president’s principles regarding foreign policy. Option and ideas are endless, however some key presidential principles that may be connected include President Bush’s statements post-9/11, as well as immediate presidential policies following Truman.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing excerpts from the Truman Doctrine.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Paste or type three excerpts from the Truman Doctrine into the description boxes in the top row.
- In the row below, summarize and analyze what each quote means in the description boxes.
- Create illustrations for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items to help visualize the analysis.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Document Analysis: Truman Doctrine
How can I help students connect historical doctrines to current events?
Make history relevant by guiding students to draw parallels between the Truman Doctrine and modern foreign policy decisions. This approach encourages critical thinking and shows how past principles influence today’s world.
Select a recent news article about international relations.
Choose a current event that involves foreign policy challenges or alliances. Ensure the article is accessible for your students’ reading levels and connects to themes from the Truman Doctrine.
Guide students to identify similarities and differences.
Ask students to compare the motivations, language, and outcomes of the Truman Doctrine with the modern event. Facilitate discussion on how leaders communicate goals and respond to global threats.
Encourage collaborative group analysis.
Have students work in small groups to create a simple chart or Venn diagram. Support teamwork as they list key points from both sources, fostering peer learning and deeper understanding.
Invite students to share findings and reflect.
Let groups present their comparisons to the class. Prompt reflection with questions like, “How might history shape our leaders’ choices today?” to help students internalize the lesson’s relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Document Analysis: Truman Doctrine
What is the Truman Doctrine and why is it important in U.S. history?
The Truman Doctrine was a foreign policy announced by President Harry S. Truman in 1947, stating that the United States would support countries resisting communism and Soviet influence. It is important because it marked the start of the U.S. policy of containment during the Cold War and shaped American foreign policy for decades.
How can students analyze the Truman Doctrine using a storyboard?
Students can analyze the Truman Doctrine by creating a storyboard: place direct quotes from the document in the top row, then summarize or interpret each quote in the row below. Adding illustrations helps visualize the analysis and deepens understanding of Truman’s foreign policy principles.
What are some key quotes from the Truman Doctrine to use in a classroom lesson?
Key quotes from the Truman Doctrine include: "It must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples...", "I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to assist free peoples...", and references to resisting armed minorities and outside pressures. Using these helps students connect with the document's main ideas.
What are some effective ways to help high school students understand foreign policy documents like the Truman Doctrine?
Effective methods include primary source analysis, storyboarding quotes and summaries, group discussions, and comparing the Truman Doctrine with other presidential foreign policy statements. Visual aids and real-world examples also help make the concepts more relatable for students.
How did the Truman Doctrine impact international relations after World War II?
The Truman Doctrine significantly impacted post-WWII international relations by establishing the U.S. as a global leader against communism. It led to increased U.S. involvement in Europe and set the stage for the Cold War, influencing alliances and foreign aid strategies worldwide.
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