Activity Overview
To better understand Truman’s actions and policies, students will construct a timeline of events and policies that attempted to contain the influence of communism and the Soviet Union. Students should include major events such as the statement of the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, Berlin Airlift, the U.S. joining NATO, and the passage of the McCarren-Walter Act.
This timeline will allow students to explain and analyze actions take abroad and domestically in response to the Soviet threat. Furthermore, it will allow students to be able to chronologically list and define the major events and policies that defined Truman’s policy in the early years of the Cold War.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students create a timeline for another Cold War president, as well as his policies and actions both abroad and at home. This will allow students to make connections and inferences as to how the Cold War developed and influenced American foreign and domestic policy post-Truman’s presidency.
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 timeline outlining events and policies created to contain communism during Truman's presidency.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as needed.
- Identify important policies and events and type them into the title for each cell.
- Write a summary of the event/policy in the description box.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, items, characters, or photos from Photos from Class.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
To better understand Truman’s actions and policies, students will construct a timeline of events and policies that attempted to contain the influence of communism and the Soviet Union. Students should include major events such as the statement of the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, Berlin Airlift, the U.S. joining NATO, and the passage of the McCarren-Walter Act.
This timeline will allow students to explain and analyze actions take abroad and domestically in response to the Soviet threat. Furthermore, it will allow students to be able to chronologically list and define the major events and policies that defined Truman’s policy in the early years of the Cold War.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students create a timeline for another Cold War president, as well as his policies and actions both abroad and at home. This will allow students to make connections and inferences as to how the Cold War developed and influenced American foreign and domestic policy post-Truman’s presidency.
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 timeline outlining events and policies created to contain communism during Truman's presidency.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as needed.
- Identify important policies and events and type them into the title for each cell.
- Write a summary of the event/policy in the description box.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, items, characters, or photos from Photos from Class.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Truman Foreign Policies Timeline
Organize a Classroom Gallery Walk for Timeline Projects
Encourage active engagement by setting up a gallery walk where students display their timeline projects for classmates to review. This allows students to share their research, practice speaking skills, and learn from peers’ perspectives on Truman’s foreign policies.
Prepare student timelines for display
Have students neatly arrange their timeline posters or digital timelines. Remind them to include titles, clear visuals, and concise descriptions for each event or policy so classmates can easily understand their work.
Set up gallery stations around the classroom
Assign each student or group a designated spot to display their timeline. Space out projects to allow for easy movement and viewing during the gallery walk.
Provide students with reflection sheets
Hand out simple sheets for students to jot down two interesting facts and one question about each project they view. This keeps students focused and encourages thoughtful observation.
Guide students as they rotate and interact
Set a timer for each station and encourage students to ask questions or discuss details with presenters. Rotate until all projects have been viewed.
Facilitate a whole-class discussion to debrief
Bring students together to share insights and connections made during the gallery walk. Discuss common themes or unique findings about Truman’s foreign policies and their broader impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Truman Foreign Policies Timeline
What were the key foreign policies of President Truman during the early Cold War?
President Truman's key foreign policies during the early Cold War included the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, the U.S. joining NATO, and the passage of the McCarran-Walter Act. These actions aimed to contain communism and respond to the Soviet Union's influence.
How can students create a timeline of Truman’s Cold War policies in class?
Students can create a timeline by listing major events or policies from Truman's presidency, adding summaries for each, and illustrating them with images or drawings. This can be done digitally or as a poster, and makes for a great presentation or gallery walk activity.
What is the Truman Doctrine and why is it significant?
The Truman Doctrine was a U.S. policy announced in 1947 to provide aid to countries threatened by communism. Its significance lies in its role as the start of America's policy of containment and active involvement in global affairs during the Cold War.
What are some creative alternatives to a standard timeline activity for teaching about Truman’s presidency?
Alternatives include making a timeline poster for a presentation, organizing a gallery walk, or creating a digital timeline with interactive elements and images. These options engage students and cater to different learning styles.
Which Cold War events should be included in a lesson about Truman’s foreign policy?
Essential events to include are the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, the U.S. joining NATO, and the McCarran-Walter Act. These help students understand Truman's role in shaping Cold War policy.
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