U.S. History - Cold War & Civil Rights

Immerse high school students in the transformative postwar era with this curated collection of 8 Readers’ Theater scripts, exploring the Cold War's ideological clashes, military engagements in Korea, Cuba, and Vietnam, landmark civil rights battles from school desegregation to bus boycotts and marches, ideological evolutions in Black Power, and the Watergate scandal's erosion of trust. Each script immerses grades 11–12 students in historical dramas, embodying leaders like Truman, Kennedy, King, Malcolm X, and Nixon while analyzing themes of containment, activism, justice, and accountability through integrated primary sources. Perfect for AP and advanced history classrooms, these resources foster deep engagement with the era's tensions and triumphs, complete with editable scripts, guides, worksheets, and quizzes to enhance critical thinking and debate skills.

Can the struggles for freedom and accountability in postwar America guide today's battles against division and distrust?

Scripts in This Collection

  1. The Iron Curtain & Truman Doctrine (1947)
  2. The Korean War (1950–1953) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
  3. The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
  4. The Vietnam War and Protests (1955–1975)
  5. Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
  6. Montgomery Bus Boycott & Civil Rights Act of 1964
  7. March on Washington & Malcolm X (1963–1960s)
  8. Nixon and the Watergate Scandal (1972–1974)

 

Why Teachers Love This Collection

  • All eight scripts align to CCSS for Grades 11-12 history & literacy.
  • Built-in vocabulary, quizzes, and Google-Slides worksheets—ready for immediate use.
  • Flexible lengths (9–10 pages each) fit 1–2 class periods or quick sub plans.
  • Dramatic roles give every learner a voice while boosting collaboration.

Standards Alignment

CCSS CCRA.R.1 | CCSS CCRA.R.2 | CCSS CCRA.W.2 | CCSS CCRA.SL.1 | CCSS CCRA.L.4
CCSS RH.11-12.1; RH.11-12.2; RH.11-12.6; RH.11-12.7