Truman's Domestic Policy: The Communist Threat at Home

In this activity, students will explain policies and actions initiated domestically under Truman, as well as their effect on the American people and culture. Using a grid storyboard, students will be able to see how President Truman went into action in terms of securing America at home, and attempting to protect American interests and people from the communist threat. This will also give a broader, expansive perspective as to how Truman handled ideas of containment at home.

Extended Activity

Have students research the Patriot Act of 2001. Students should analyze and research components of this bill, passed post-9/11. Aiming at making America safer, the Patriot Act gave greater abilities for the federal government to investigate potential terrorist threats, a thematic idea that also exists in Truman’s domestic policies surrounding the communist threat that existed here immediately after WWII.

For more about the Cold War, don’t forget to check out our Cold War lesson plans.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard showing the cause and effect of domestic policies under Truman on the American people and culture.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. In the title boxes, identify different policies, events, and actions taken.
3. In the top row, write a summary of the policies, events, and actions.
4. In the bottom row, describe the effect of the policies, events, and actions.
5. Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
6. Save and exit when you're done.