Activity Overview
Using a T-Chart, have students compare and contrast the backgrounds, policies, relationship, and actions of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nikita Khrushchev, the elected leader of the Soviet Union after Stalin’s death. By comparing and contrasting the two world leaders, students will be able to connect continuous Cold War policies of both nations, as well as how both nations operated under new leadership. Exiting Truman’s presidency and Stalin’s strict control, tensions deepened between the two countries. Students will be able to explain and analyze how both leaders aimed to gain control in the evolving world.
Students should analyze the following:
- Background
- Foreign Policy
- Domestic Policy
- Actions During the Cold War
Extended Activity
Have students research ahead and compare another American president and Soviet leader, highlighting their policies, backgrounds, and how they functioned as leaders during the Cold War. Remind students that the Cold War stretches from after World War II until the collapse of the Soviet regime in 1991, so there are several choices for comparison.
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 T Chart comparing and contrasting Eisenhower and Khrushchev during the Cold War.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the titles for each cell with "Background", "Foreign Policy", "Domestic Policy", and "Actions in Cold War".
- In one column, describe how each of these pertains to Khrushchev.
- In the other column, do the same for Eisenhower.
- Create an image for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Using a T-Chart, have students compare and contrast the backgrounds, policies, relationship, and actions of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nikita Khrushchev, the elected leader of the Soviet Union after Stalin’s death. By comparing and contrasting the two world leaders, students will be able to connect continuous Cold War policies of both nations, as well as how both nations operated under new leadership. Exiting Truman’s presidency and Stalin’s strict control, tensions deepened between the two countries. Students will be able to explain and analyze how both leaders aimed to gain control in the evolving world.
Students should analyze the following:
- Background
- Foreign Policy
- Domestic Policy
- Actions During the Cold War
Extended Activity
Have students research ahead and compare another American president and Soviet leader, highlighting their policies, backgrounds, and how they functioned as leaders during the Cold War. Remind students that the Cold War stretches from after World War II until the collapse of the Soviet regime in 1991, so there are several choices for comparison.
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 T Chart comparing and contrasting Eisenhower and Khrushchev during the Cold War.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the titles for each cell with "Background", "Foreign Policy", "Domestic Policy", and "Actions in Cold War".
- In one column, describe how each of these pertains to Khrushchev.
- In the other column, do the same for Eisenhower.
- Create an image for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Eisenhower vs. Khrushchev: A New Look
Plan a Collaborative T-Chart Debate in Your Classroom
Engage your students in a lively, structured debate using their T-Charts as evidence. This approach builds critical thinking and encourages active participation.
Assign Roles for Each Student or Group
Designate students or groups to represent either Eisenhower or Khrushchev. This encourages ownership and helps students focus their research and arguments.
Set Clear Debate Guidelines and Questions
Provide students with specific questions or prompts, such as "Whose foreign policy was more effective?". Clear guidelines keep discussions focused and meaningful.
Facilitate the Debate Using T-Chart Evidence
Encourage students to reference their T-Charts when making points. This reinforces the value of organized research and supports claims with facts.
Reflect and Debrief as a Class
Lead a reflection session after the debate. Discuss what students learned, how their perspectives changed, and highlight effective argument strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eisenhower vs. Khrushchev: A New Look
How do you compare Eisenhower and Khrushchev during the Cold War?
To compare Eisenhower and Khrushchev during the Cold War, examine their backgrounds, foreign and domestic policies, and key actions. Use a T-Chart to organize similarities and differences, focusing on how each leader influenced the course of the Cold War.
What is a T-Chart and how can it help students analyze historical leaders?
A T-Chart is a simple graphic organizer with two columns used to compare and contrast topics. For historical leaders like Eisenhower and Khrushchev, it helps students clearly see differences and similarities across categories such as background, policy, and actions.
What were the key differences between Eisenhower's and Khrushchev's foreign policies?
Eisenhower favored containment and military alliances like NATO, while Khrushchev promoted Soviet influence through de-Stalinization and support for communist movements. Their approaches shaped Cold War tensions and global alignments.
How did Eisenhower and Khrushchev's backgrounds influence their leadership during the Cold War?
Eisenhower's military background led to strategic, disciplined decision-making, while Khrushchev's rise from peasantry shaped his populist and sometimes unpredictable style. These backgrounds affected their policies and Cold War actions.
What are some effective activities for teaching about Cold War leaders in high school?
Effective activities include creating T-Charts, engaging in debates, researching leader comparisons, and using visuals to illustrate key events. These help students analyze and connect Cold War leadership to broader historical themes.
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