Alabama Social Studies SS24.US2.18c
The Standard
- SS24.US2.18
- Analyze the shifts in United States foreign policy and challenges to it after the Cold War and into the twenty-first century.
Compare and contrast Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, including why they took place, the domestic political consequences of United States’ involvement in these conflicts, and the international implications for these wars.
2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare why the United States fought in Iraq in 1991 and 2003. They explain how each war affected U.S. politics and relations with other countries, using specific facts.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students link the 1991 war to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the 2003 war to weapons claims and the goal of removing Saddam Hussein. They describe the first war's boost to President George H. W. Bush and the growing opposition to the second war. They distinguish the broad UN-backed coalition in 1991 from the disputed international support for the 2003 invasion.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat the wars as one continuous campaign or say both began because Iraq invaded Kuwait. Some assume weapons stockpiles were found after the 2003 invasion or that both wars had the same UN backing.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Make a two-column chart for 1991 and 2003. For each war, name its cause, one effect on U.S. politics, and one international effect.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs cards reading 'Kuwait invaded,' 'weapons claims,' 'UN coalition,' and 'antiwar protests'; have them sort the cards by war.
Ask: Why did the 1991 war gain wider international support than the 2003 invasion? Have students cite one fact for each.
Play four rounds of 'Which war?' using clues about Kuwait, weapons claims, U.S. public opinion, and UN support; require a reason.
Mark Persian Gulf shipping lanes on a map, then write how a war there could affect prices at a local gas station.
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Related Standards
- SS24.AS.13
Evaluate the ways in which Alabamians and Alabama military installations supported American interests during military conflicts of the Cold War and present day.
- SS24.5.15
Trace the United States’ military involvement in international conflicts since 1980, including those following the September 11 attacks.
- SS24.5.14a
Explain reasons for the United States’ involvement in the Korean War and Vietnam War and describe the involvement of Alabamians in these conflicts.
- SS24.US2.16b
Evaluate how the United States’ increasing involvement in the Middle East during the 1970s affected both the region and the United States itself.
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