NY Social Studies 11.9c
The Standard
American strategic interests in the Middle East grew with the Cold War, the creation of the State of Israel, and the increased United States dependence on Middle Eastern oil. The continuing nature of the Arab-Israeli dispute has helped to define the contours of American policy in the Middle East.
New York State K–12 Social Studies Framework
Key Idea 11.9
COLD WAR (1945 – 1990): In the period following World War II, the United States entered into an extended era of international conflict called the Cold War which influenced foreign and domestic policy for more than 40 years.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain how Cold War rivalry, support for Israel, oil needs, and regional conflict shaped United States policy. They compare decisions such as recognizing Israel, supporting the Camp David Accords, and responding to armed groups.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can place major events on a timeline and connect each event to a clear American policy goal. They use evidence to explain how security, diplomacy, and access to oil sometimes produced competing priorities.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume American policy had one goal or remained unchanged. They may think the Camp David Accords ended the wider Arab-Israeli conflict. They may also treat Arab states and political groups as a single bloc.
How to Assess It
- Give students three items: Truman's recognition of Israel, the 1973 oil embargo, and the Camp David Accords. Ask them to explain how two items shaped American policy.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have pairs sort source cards on Israel, the Suez Crisis, the 1973 oil embargo, and Camp David, then label each American policy motive.
Discuss which factor most shaped American policy: Cold War rivalry, support for Israel, oil access, or regional security, using two historical examples.
Run a policy adviser game where teams choose responses to four Middle East crises, then defend each choice with a stated American interest.
Read a recent State Department statement on the region, then identify one policy goal that continues from the Cold War era and one change.
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