Activity Overview
In this activity, students will use a spider map to identify the major components of the Korean War. This will provide perspective on how the Cold War was shaped by the many proxy wars of the 20th century. The Korean War itself was an indirect conflict between the two superpowers, and would reveal both countries’ dedicated stance on preserving and spreading their ideologies and control. Students will be able to connect and explain how this “hot” war directly correlates with the overall Cold War.
Extended Activity
Have students identify and explain the major components of the Chinese Civil War, between Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong. Students should be able to draw connections between the Soviets’ aid to Chinese Communists, and how this also helped influence Soviet aid to the Korean conflict. Students may use a Spider Map to explain the major thematic components behind the war.
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 5W analysis of the Korean War: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will use a spider map to identify the major components of the Korean War. This will provide perspective on how the Cold War was shaped by the many proxy wars of the 20th century. The Korean War itself was an indirect conflict between the two superpowers, and would reveal both countries’ dedicated stance on preserving and spreading their ideologies and control. Students will be able to connect and explain how this “hot” war directly correlates with the overall Cold War.
Extended Activity
Have students identify and explain the major components of the Chinese Civil War, between Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong. Students should be able to draw connections between the Soviets’ aid to Chinese Communists, and how this also helped influence Soviet aid to the Korean conflict. Students may use a Spider Map to explain the major thematic components behind the war.
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 5W analysis of the Korean War: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about 5 Ws: The Korean War 1950-1953
Integrate Primary Sources to Deepen Korean War Lessons
Enhance your Korean War unit by using authentic documents, photos, or letters from the era. Primary sources engage students and help them build critical thinking skills about the realities of conflict.
Select age-appropriate primary sources for your class
Choose clear, accessible documents such as short news articles, propaganda posters, or soldier letters. Preview materials for sensitive content and reading level to ensure they fit your students’ needs.
Design engaging analysis questions
Craft open-ended prompts that ask students to examine, infer, and connect the source to the Korean War’s broader context. Encourage critical thinking by asking, “What does this source reveal about the conflict’s impact on people?”
Guide students through source analysis as a class or in small groups
Model how to examine a source’s author, purpose, and message. Have students discuss observations and record insights on a graphic organizer or in a notebook.
Connect findings to the 5 Ws activity
Ask students to use evidence from the primary sources to support their answers for the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of the Korean War. This reinforces evidence-based reasoning in their analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5 Ws: The Korean War 1950-1953
What are the 5 Ws of the Korean War for students?
The 5 Ws of the Korean War are: Who was involved (North Korea, South Korea, US, China, Soviet Union); What happened (a war over control of Korea); When (1950-1953); Where (Korean Peninsula); and Why (to stop the spread of communism and influence in Asia during the Cold War).
How can students create a 5W analysis of the Korean War?
Students can create a 5W analysis by answering Who, What, When, Where, and Why about the Korean War in a spider map or graphic organizer, including key facts and images for each aspect.
Why is the Korean War considered a proxy war in the Cold War?
The Korean War is a proxy war because it was fought between North and South Korea, but supported by the US and USSR/China, representing a larger struggle between democracy and communism during the Cold War.
What is a spider map and how does it help analyze the Korean War?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually break down topics like the Korean War into key components, making it easier to understand causes, events, and outcomes.
What connections exist between the Chinese Civil War and the Korean War?
The Chinese Civil War influenced the Korean War because Soviet aid to Chinese Communists set a precedent for assisting North Korea, showing how both conflicts were linked through Cold War alliances and strategies.
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