The Start of the Cold War DBQ

Students will analyze 16 documents (7 are images), answer 16 historical context questions, complete a sorting chart, and write a DBQ essay about the Cold War's early days (1946 through the early 1950s). There are 12 essay prompts for students to choose from (one allows for the class or teacher to make one of their own) and 3 bonus documents. The answers are included where appropriate and the initial analysis part would be great for a sub!  ***Some of the sourcing is generalized so that students have to place it in the historical context/event themselves.***

 Sample questions include:
--Could the Cold War have been predicted from Document 2, why or why not?
--What was the purpose of Document 4 and how did it reflect the nature of the Cold War at the time?
--Does Document 8 support or oppose the early Cold War arms race and why?
--Explain a cause and effect of Document 11.
--Provide an academic term which most directly aligns with Document 13 and explain why you chose it.
--What is posing such a threat to American peace and why according to Document 14?
-- Explain the difference in Japan and Russia’s post-war historical context which provides clarity to Document 16.

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