The Cold War and “The Miracle on Ice” Webquest

by Mr. Collins

 

Introduction

           

At the conclusion of World War II, the Cold War erupted between the two superpowers, the Soviet Union and the United States. For close to forty five years, the two countries were at the brink of war.  War nearly began several times, but the threat of nuclear warfare kept this conflict cool. There was the Berlin Airlift in 1949 and the “Thirteen Days” in October of 1961.  Fortunately there were no shots fired during either incident.  This was a very difficult time for both countries, especially for those who lived in the United States. In 1980. the economy was very poor, gas prices were very high, the Soviets had just invaded Afghanistan and the Americans could not do anything about it. Over 60 Americans were also taken hostage in Iran.  The country needed something to feel positive about.

 

In February of 1980, the Cold War shifted its attention to upstate New York for the Winter Olympics.  A group of nobodies soon captured the hearts of the American public and gave them something to feel good about.  The 1980 United States Olympic Hockey team were thought to be overmatched going into the Olympic Games, but they shocked the world.  In the semi-final game, they beat the Soviet Union, who was considered the best team in the world. That game became known as the “Miracle on Ice.” Following that game, they beat Finland to capture the gold medal.  This became known as the greatest moment in the history of sports of the Twentieth Century. The Americans had something to feel positive about again, as this team rekindled their sense of nationalism.

 

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Task

 

The Cold War was a very frightening time for everyone involved because they all were uncertain.  There were several conflicts which almost resulted in war. 

 

1.  Identify and analyze TWO events during the Cold War that nearly resulted in war and how the United States avoided firing shots. 

 

 

2.  It was the United States victory over the Soviet Union that changed the feeling on the home front.  Explain the lasting effect that this victory had in the America during the remainder of the Cold War.

 

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Resources

 

The library has bound editions of Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report from around 1967 onward.  These magazines are from the actual time period and have complete photographs! (PRIMARY DOCUMENTS)

Tip:  Use the web or an encyclopedia to look up the date of the event (i.e. February 22, 1980) and find the magazine that comes after that date.

Cold War Websites (for background information):

The Cold War Museum

CNN Website on the Cold War

History Learning Site (by a UK professor)

Encarta's Encyclopedia Site

Cold War International History Project

 

Miracle on Ice websites:

Miracle on Ice Tribute Page (not affiliated with the United States Olympic Committee or USA Hockey but well-researched)

Lake Placid Olympic Region

Miracle on Ice - About.com

Note: The Wikipedia page on "Miracle on Ice" has a section which is under dispute.  Do not use this as a source. 

 

Books available in the Library:

909.82 ISA   Cold War : an illustrated history, 1945-1991

909.82 JEN   The century for young people

355.02 BEY   Nuclear weapons and the Cold War

973.92 CHA  The unfinished journey : America since World War II

796.48 BUR  Great moments in the Olympics

 

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Process

Complete the following written assignment in the standard format for the class. Type a five paragraph essay as discussed at the beginning of the school year.

 

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Evaluation

You will be graded according to the standard rubric for the class.

  

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Conclusion

Famous American sportscaster Al Michaels, described Americans' knowledge of hockey prior to the "Miracle on Ice" as this: "People didn't know the difference between a blue line and a clothes line."  Besides their knowledge of hockey, their attitudes changed that day as well.