Context

The "Cold War" was an intense period in human history, occurring after World War II and lasting until the early 90s. This period was marked by various political crises, armed conflicts, and ideological conflicts between two world superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. Both countries sought to expand their political, economic, and military influences around the world, culminating in a tense "peaceful coexistence," permeated by indirect conflicts such as the Vietnam War.

In the "peaceful coexistence," although there was no direct military confrontation between the two superpowers, political and military tension was constant. The arms race and the space race are clear examples of this. Disputes were fought on different levels, with the ideological and technological spheres being the most evident.

The Vietnam War was one of the most emblematic conflicts of this period. It took place from 1955 to 1975 and was a direct result of the containment policy of communism implemented by the United States during the Cold War. Considered one of the deadliest conflicts of the 20th century, the war brought profound consequences for the Vietnamese population and became a strong symbol of resistance to American imperialism.

At the same time, a strong social movement was taking place not only in the United States but in several other countries as a form of protest against the Vietnam War. This social movement, often led by young university students, used various forms of expression, such as music and art, to oppose the war and U.S. involvement in it.

Students will be able to delve deeper into these topics using the following resources:

1. "The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1914-1991" by Eric Hobsbawm.
2. Documentary: "The Vietnam War," available on the Netflix platform.
3. "The Cold War: A New History" by John Lewis Gaddis.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "The Cold War and Its Reflections: A Journey through Peaceful Coexistence, the Vietnam War, and Social Movements"

Project Objective

This project aims to allow students a deeper understanding of the Cold War period, from peaceful coexistence to conflicts such as the Vietnam War, and the consequences of these events on the formation of social movements at that time.

Detailed Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group must create a board for a race game, whose path will represent the key events of the Cold War, culminating in the Vietnam War and ending in the social movements. The board must also include challenges that players must overcome, based on real historical events.

Required Materials

1. Cardboard or any other recyclable material for creating the board.
2. Paper and pencil for the elaboration of questions and answers.
3. Pieces to serve as pawns (can be coins, bottle caps, etc.).
4. Dice.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Research: Students must research in-depth about the Cold War period, peaceful coexistence, the Vietnam War, and the social movements of that time.
2. Game Design: Students must create the game board, using the knowledge acquired in the research. The board should represent the timeline of events, with spaces representing key events.
3. Challenge Development: The board spaces must contain challenges. These can be questions about the represented events or tasks that represent political dilemmas of the time.
4. Rule Creation: Students must establish the rules of the game, including how players advance, how challenges are faced, and what the final goal of the game is.
5. Test Game: Students must play the game, seeking to better understand the represented historical events and test if the rules are clear and fair.
6. Report: Each group must prepare a detailed report on the project, including the research conducted, the game design, the rule creation, and the experience of playing the game.

Project Deliverables

In addition to the game board, each group must deliver a detailed report, in written format. The report should include:

1. Introduction: Presenting the theme, relevance, and real-world application, as well as the objective of this project.
2. Development: Detailing the research conducted, the methodology used, as well as the game board construction, rule creation, and the playing experience.
3. Conclusion: Highlighting the main points learned, the practical application of the concepts, and a personal evaluation of the experience.
4. Bibliography: With the references used in the research.

This report aims to add reflection and structure to the practical experience lived by the students. By writing about the activity, they have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and reflect on the concepts learned.