Teaching the Cold War using a comparative approach

This paper offers a new interpretive approach for teaching the Cold War in American high school and college classrooms. The shift away from a world system based on bipolar competition between the United States and Soviet Union for spheres of influence toward a new system more heavily dependent on cooperation regarding global issues requires a re-evaluation of the political socialization of American children. Use of the comparative approach can help in that process.;After presenting an introductory overview of methods of civic education in the United States and a review of the traditional interpretations of the Cold War, an attempt is made to find similarities and differences in the Russian and American historical experience upon which students can develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between the two countries.;The heart of the thesis is found in Chapters Four and Five which cover the post-World War II years most commonly referred to as the Cold War. The thesis is that the super power behaved similarly in advancing their national interest and in developing hostile perceptions of their rivals. It is hoped that taking into consideration the role of the physical and cultural environment and perceptions on how the decision-making process occurred will add depth to students' understanding of the Cold War.