Classwork for Wednesday 4/22/2009

Do Whatcha Know!

In 1959, a young communist rebel named Fidel Castro led a revolution in Cuba, overthrowing the government and the dictator who ran the country. He immediately made the country communist, taking over U.S. businesses for the Cuban government and allying the country with the Soviet Union.

1. Why would this make Americans nervous? Explain your answer.
2. If you were the President, how would you deal this new issue?

Intro to New Material
we watched two short videos about the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Learn about each event by clicking on its name.

Guided Practice
Answer the following questions in complete sentences; avoid using the words "it," "they" and "he."

1. What was the Bay of Pigs invasion? Was it successful?
2. Explain the events of the Cuban missile crisis. How did it end?
3. What do these events have to do with the Cold War, if they’re in Cuba?

Independent Practice
President Kennedy had a huge decision to make about how to approach nuclear weapons in Cuba, and he didn't make the decision alone. Choose one of Kennedy's advisers at this wonderful Web site. Read his opinion carefully, then answer these two questions in one paragraph or more.

1. What options does this adviser suggest?
2. Which option does the adviser think is the best? Why?

Learning Log
1. List 3 different options for dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis.
2. Explain the 2 most important facts that you learned about the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban missile crisis.
3. Explain the 1 policy option that you think was the best option during the Cuban missile crisis and why.

What would you do, if you were JFK?

You decide what to do about the Cuban Missile Crisis. This is a neat interactive history game. Check it out!