1. American Foreign Policy

2. Lesson Overview Objectives: AH2.H.6
Understand how and why the role of the United States in the world has changed over time.
AH2.H.7
Understand the impact of war on American politics, economics, society and culture.

3. Big Ideas We Will Explore the Next Two Days
Should the US intervene into other countries’ sovereign affairs?
When is the US justified in its actions?
Whose job is it to police terrorism across the globe?
How is America viewed by World Powers based on its foreign policy actions?

4. Group Activity
Develop a presentation outlining at least 4 major foreign policy events that occurred during the administration of your assigned President
Describe each event
Where did it occur (on the map)?
What was the significance of the event?
How did this event affect the way America is viewed abroad and at home?

5. Rubric for Group Presentation
Rubric for “Group Presentations on Foreign Policy Events”
A – Exceptional
• Presentation portrays more than 4 historical events, appropriate mapping for each event, significance and impact on how American was viewed based on the events.
• Group does additional outside research and incorporates that information into their presentation.
• All group members participate and speak clearly and loudly for entire presentation
Group works cooperatively throughout entire project with no teacher interventions.
B – Above Average
• Presentation portrays 4 historical events, appropriate mapping and significance of each event and makes an attempt at describing how the US was viewed in the world based on events
All group members participate and speak clearly and loudly for entire presentation
Group works cooperatively throughout entire project with no teacher interventions
C – Average
• Presentation portrays 4 historical events, has inaccuracies in mapping and attempts significance of each event but fails an attempt at describing how the US was viewed in the world based on events
Most group members participate and speak clearly and loudly for entire presentation
Group works cooperatively throughout entire project with minimal teacher interventions
D – Below Average
• Presentation portrays 4 historical events, but fails in mapping, does not attempt significance of each event and fails an attempt at describing how the US was viewed in the world based on events
Few group members participate and speak clearly and loudly for entire presentation
Group works somewhat cooperatively throughout entire project with significant teacher interventions
F – Unacceptable
• Does not meet minimum requirements

6. Group 1: Reagan Foreign Policy
Websites for research
Events to research
Iran/Contra Scandal
Strategic Arms Reduction with Soviet Union
US Troops to Grenada
US Airstrikes into Libya (Operation El Dorado Canyon)

7. Group 2: George H. W. Bush Foreign Policy
Websites for research
Events to research
Strategic Arms Reduction with Soviet Union
Persian Gulf War
US Troops into Somalia
US Troops into Panama (Noriega)

8. Group 3: Clinton Foreign Policy
Websites for research
article/clinton-legacy/
Events to research
US Troops support to NATO in former Yugoslavia
US lack of support to UN in Rwanda
Airstrikes into Afghanistan and Sudan (to fight terrorism)
North American Free Trade Agreement

9. Group 4: George W. Bush Foreign Policy
Websites for research
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Events to research
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
PEPFAR
Arms Reduction with North Korea

10. Obama’s Foreign Policy
Ending OIF
Ending OEF
Lack of Action in Syria
Support to Ukraine

11. Obama Foreign Policy
Ending Operation Enduring Freedom: In 2014, US Forces stood down major combat operations in Afghanistan, America’s longest War. Unlike Iraq, US is able to negotiate mutual agreements with GiROA and 10K troops remain in country to support fledgling Afghan military. Maintains US resolve in the fight against terrorism/extremism
Ending Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2011, US Forces completed moving gear and troop presence out of Iraq. Despite a desire to leave 10K troops in Iraq, no SOFA was established and Iraq/US failed on agreement of troops/protections. Soon after, Iraq military falters to ISIS. Extremism on the rise, Calls into question US resolve against terrorism
US Support to Ukraine: In Nov 2014, Russia began an overt expansion of its military & political power by annexing Crimea and supporting Russian separatists in Ukraine. Since that time, the US has supported Ukraine with arms and supported NATO exercises around Russian borders to ensure no further expansion occurs. Congress passes legislation for sanctions against Russian leaders and authorizes the “President to provide Ukraine with defense articles, services, and training in order to counter offensive weapons.” US and world leaders firm against Russian expansion.
US hesitation on Syria: A bloody civil war has been raging in Syria for multiple years (~2011). Use of chemical weapons by the Assad Regime on his own people is documented. US makes several “lines in the sand,” each one is crossed. Plan put forth by SecState Kerry for chemical weapons dismantlement. Lack of international action in Syria has given rise to an emboldened ISIS and a view of US weak on totalitarianism

12. Obama Foreign Policy