Activity Overview
In this activity, students will explain policies and actions initiated domestically under Truman, as well as their effect on the American people and culture. Using a grid storyboard, students will be able to see how President Truman went into action in terms of securing America at home, and attempting to protect American interests and people from the communist threat. This will also give a broader, expansive perspective as to how Truman handled ideas of containment at home.
Extended Activity
Have students research the Patriot Act of 2001. Students should analyze and research components of this bill, passed post-9/11. Aiming at making America safer, the Patriot Act gave greater abilities for the federal government to investigate potential terrorist threats, a thematic idea that also exists in Truman’s domestic policies surrounding the communist threat that existed here immediately after WWII.
For more about the Cold War, don’t forget to check out our Cold War lesson plans.
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 showing the cause and effect of domestic policies under Truman on the American people and culture.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify different policies, events, and actions taken.
- In the top row, write a summary of the policies, events, and actions.
- In the bottom row, describe the effect of the policies, events, and actions.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will explain policies and actions initiated domestically under Truman, as well as their effect on the American people and culture. Using a grid storyboard, students will be able to see how President Truman went into action in terms of securing America at home, and attempting to protect American interests and people from the communist threat. This will also give a broader, expansive perspective as to how Truman handled ideas of containment at home.
Extended Activity
Have students research the Patriot Act of 2001. Students should analyze and research components of this bill, passed post-9/11. Aiming at making America safer, the Patriot Act gave greater abilities for the federal government to investigate potential terrorist threats, a thematic idea that also exists in Truman’s domestic policies surrounding the communist threat that existed here immediately after WWII.
For more about the Cold War, don’t forget to check out our Cold War lesson plans.
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 showing the cause and effect of domestic policies under Truman on the American people and culture.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify different policies, events, and actions taken.
- In the top row, write a summary of the policies, events, and actions.
- In the bottom row, describe the effect of the policies, events, and actions.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Truman\'s Domestic Policy: The Communist Threat at Home
Plan a class debate on the impact of Truman's domestic policies
Encourage critical thinking by organizing a class debate where students argue different perspectives on Truman's domestic policies. This activity helps students engage deeply with historical analysis and supports respectful discussion skills.
Assign student roles for balanced debate perspectives
Assign students to represent various stakeholders, such as government officials, everyday citizens, or civil rights advocates. This ensures multiple viewpoints are covered and helps students understand the complexity of policy impacts.
Guide students to research primary and secondary sources
Direct students to investigate both primary sources (like speeches or news articles from the era) and secondary analyses to prepare evidence-based arguments. This builds research and analytical skills.
Set clear rules and structure for the debate
Outline debate rules, time limits, and respectful disagreement guidelines. Structure helps maintain focus and ensures every voice is heard.
Facilitate thoughtful reflection after the debate
After the debate, lead a reflection session where students share what they learned and how their perspectives may have changed. This reinforces understanding and encourages metacognitive growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Truman\'s Domestic Policy: The Communist Threat at Home
What were President Truman's main domestic policies to counter the communist threat at home?
President Truman's main domestic policies aimed at countering the communist threat included the Loyalty Program, which screened federal employees for communist ties, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigations, and the Smith Act prosecutions. These actions were intended to identify and curb suspected communist influence within the United States after World War II.
How did Truman’s domestic anti-communist policies affect American society and culture?
Truman’s anti-communist policies led to increased suspicion, loyalty oaths, and a climate of fear known as the Red Scare. Many Americans faced investigations or job loss due to alleged communist ties, impacting civil liberties and fostering distrust in communities.
What is a simple lesson plan or activity for teaching Truman’s domestic policies on communism?
A simple lesson is to have students create a cause-and-effect storyboard that shows how Truman’s domestic policies were developed and their impact on American people and culture. Students can identify policies, summarize actions, and illustrate effects to visually connect historical events.
How does the Patriot Act of 2001 compare to Truman’s anti-communist policies?
Both the Patriot Act of 2001 and Truman’s anti-communist policies expanded government powers to investigate threats—terrorism post-9/11 and communism after WWII. Each sparked debates about the balance between national security and civil liberties in America.
What is the best way to visually teach the impact of Truman’s domestic policies?
The best way is using a grid storyboard or chart where students list policies in one row and show their effects below. This visual approach helps students clearly connect actions to outcomes and encourages deeper analysis of historical cause and effect.
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