If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

World History Project - 1750 to the Present

Course: World History Project - 1750 to the Present > Unit 8

Lesson 2: The Cold War | 8.1
Arts and humanities
World History Project - 1750 to the Present
End of Empire and Cold War
The Cold War | 8.1
© 2023 Khan AcademyTerms of usePrivacy PolicyCookie Notice

BEFORE YOU WATCH: USA vs USSR Fight! The Cold War

Google Classroom
Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below (next in the lineup!). If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.

First read: preview and skimming for gist

Before you watch, you should skim the transcript first. The skim should be very quick and give you the gist (general idea) of what the video is about. You should be looking at the title, thumbnails, pictures, and first few seconds of the video for the gist.

Second read: key ideas and understanding content

Now that you’ve skimmed the video transcript and taken a quick peek at the video, you should preview the questions you will be answering. These questions will help you get a better understanding of the concepts and arguments that are presented in the video. Keep in mind that when you watch the video, it is a good idea to write down any vocab you read or hear that is unfamiliar to you.
By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:
  1. What evidence does John Green use to argue that the Cold War was a “clash of civilizations”?
  2. Why does John Green argue that the Cold War actually started during World War II?
  3. What was the Marshall Plan?
  4. What is M.A.D.?
  5. What are some examples John Green gives of Soviets and Americans fighting each other indirectly?
  6. What were the “three worlds”?
  7. What were glasnost and perestroika?

Third read: evaluating and corroborating

Finally, here are some questions that will help you focus on why this video matters and how it connects to other content you’ve studied.
At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:
  1. John Green does not deal explicitly with decolonization in this video. Can you see any ways that decolonization is still a part of the story he tells? How would this video be different if he talked about decolonization as a central part of the Cold War story?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to watch! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished watching.

Want to join the conversation?

Log in