The Cold War Red Scare Lesson
Learning objectives
In this lesson, students will examine the causes and effects of the Second Red Scare in America, exploring how Cold War fears about communism led to government investigations and public trials that produced widespread civil rights abuses. They will also investigate the roles of figures like Senator Joseph McCarthy and FBI director J. Edgar Hoover in fuelling anti-communist paranoia across American society during the late 1940s and 1950s. Students will have the opportunity to achieve this through choosing their own method of learning, from reading, source analysis, research, and video watching options, as well as the chance to engage in extension activities. This lesson includes a self-marking quiz for students to demonstrate their learning.
How would you like to learn?
Option 1: Reading
Step 1: Download a copy of the reading questions worksheet below:
Step 2: Answer the set questions by reading the following webpage:
Option 2: Source analysis
Step 1: Download a copy of the source analysis worksheet below:
Step 2: Answer the set questions by using the following sources:
Option 3: Internet research
Download a copy of the research worksheet below and use the internet to complete the tables.
Option 4: Watch video
Step 1: Download a copy of the viewing questions worksheet below:
Test your learning
Extension activities
Resources for subscribers
