Activity Overview
The formation of NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in 1949 was in direct response to the events of World War 2. Understanding why it was formed and what the United States' role in the organization will provide students with a deeper understanding of how global alliances are formed. Students will use a spider map to answer the 5 Ws in response to the formation of NATO. They should also examine how the alliance played a pivotal role in the U.S.'s attempt to contain the ideas and influence of communism.
Students should answer the following questions:
- WHO Joined NATO?
- WHAT is NATO?
- WHEN did the United States Join NATO?
- WHERE is NATO?
- WHY did the United States Join NATO?
Extended Activity
Have students research and explain other world organizations that the U.S. is a part of, including NATO today, or another global organization such as the United Nations (also a product of post WWII global initiatives). This will help serve as a thematic connection to global organizations, American foreign policy, as well as how these organizations have helped serve as foundations to other American presidents foreign policy.
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 formation of NATO: 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
The formation of NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in 1949 was in direct response to the events of World War 2. Understanding why it was formed and what the United States' role in the organization will provide students with a deeper understanding of how global alliances are formed. Students will use a spider map to answer the 5 Ws in response to the formation of NATO. They should also examine how the alliance played a pivotal role in the U.S.'s attempt to contain the ideas and influence of communism.
Students should answer the following questions:
- WHO Joined NATO?
- WHAT is NATO?
- WHEN did the United States Join NATO?
- WHERE is NATO?
- WHY did the United States Join NATO?
Extended Activity
Have students research and explain other world organizations that the U.S. is a part of, including NATO today, or another global organization such as the United Nations (also a product of post WWII global initiatives). This will help serve as a thematic connection to global organizations, American foreign policy, as well as how these organizations have helped serve as foundations to other American presidents foreign policy.
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 formation of NATO: 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 Truman Presidency: NATO 5 Ws Activity
How to Facilitate a Class Debate on NATO’s Impact Today
Engage your students in a lively classroom debate to deepen their understanding of NATO’s current role. This activity encourages critical thinking and connects history to present-day global issues.
Choose a relevant debate question about NATO’s role
Select a thought-provoking question such as, “Should the United States continue to be a leading member of NATO?” or “Has NATO outlived its usefulness in the modern world?” This sets a clear focus for your classroom discussion.
Assign student roles and research teams
Divide the class into groups supporting different perspectives. Assign roles such as speakers, researchers, and note-takers to involve everyone. Clear roles help students stay organized and engaged.
Guide students in gathering evidence and preparing arguments
Encourage each group to use textbooks, credible online sources, and class notes to collect facts, statistics, and historical examples. This ensures arguments are informed and balanced.
Set ground rules and structure the debate
Explain the format (opening statements, rebuttals, closing arguments) and set respectful discussion guidelines. Structure creates a safe space for sharing ideas.
Reflect and connect debate outcomes to classroom learning
After the debate, lead a class discussion on what students learned and how their perspectives may have changed. This step reinforces key concepts and critical thinking skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Truman Presidency: NATO 5 Ws Activity
What is NATO and why was it formed after World War II?
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance created in 1949 to provide collective security against the threat of Soviet expansion after World War II. It was formed to promote peace, deter aggression, and unite Western nations in defense.
Who were the original members of NATO?
The original members of NATO in 1949 included the United States, Canada, and ten Western European countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
Why did the United States join NATO?
The United States joined NATO to help contain the spread of communism, support European recovery, and create a unified defense system against potential Soviet aggression during the early Cold War period.
How can students create a 5Ws analysis of NATO's formation?
Students can make a 5Ws analysis by answering: Who joined NATO, What is NATO, When did it form, Where is it based, and Why was it established. Using a spider map, they can visually organize their answers and add images for each W.
What are other global organizations the U.S. is part of besides NATO?
Besides NATO, the U.S. is a member of several global organizations, including the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Bank. These groups support international cooperation, security, and development.
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