Nixon's domestic policies aimed to solve several issues including the Vietnam War and the relationships with China and the U.S.S.R. Using a spider map, students will outline, define, and explain the foreign policies initiated by Nixon during his presidency.
This activity serves as a great way to provide students with a background from which they can analyze and synthesize how Nixon conducted foreign affairs as a whole, including his role in the continuing Cold War. Teachers may pre-select which major policies define his foreign agenda. Below are some suggested topics that students can also select from.
Extended Activity
Have students create a 5 Ws spider map on one specific foreign policy. Students should define and explain the major points of why such policy was initiated, as well as what effect it had on the American government, public, and global relations. This will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of Nixon’s policies as a president, as well as place his actions into a broader historical and global context.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Create a spider map outlining the foreign policies Nixon initiated during his presidency.