Intro to Unit 9: Capitalism vs Communism

Capitalist or Communist?

Lesson Objectives

Essential Question:

What are the major differences between capitalism and communism?

Cold War Introduction

A fight between two world superpowers!

After World War II, a new chapter in history began called the Cold War. Instead of a traditional war with battles, it was a competition between two powerful countries: the United States and the Soviet Union. Lasting from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, the Cold War affected how countries interacted, shaped their rules, and left a lasting impact on people worldwide.

The Cold War was mainly a clash of ideas. The United States believed in democracy and capitalism, while the Soviet Union followed communism. Although there was no direct fighting between the two, they competed in other ways like proxy wars, spying, and building lots of nuclear weapons that made the world nervous.

Cold War Introduction

This time influenced not just politics but also how people lived, worked, and thought. The world got divided into two sides – the Eastern Bloc led by the Soviet Union and the Western Bloc led by the United States. This division affected friendships, conflicts, and the power balance globally.

In our journey through the Cold War, we'll explore where it started, important events, and the main players. From big ideas clashing to races to outer space, from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Cold War changed the world in ways that still matter today. Come with us to learn about this interesting and complicated time in history!

Capitalist vs. Communist

Before we begin on our guided instruction lessons, it is imperative to know the major differences in the ideologies (democracy and communism) of the two major superpowers of the world: the United States and the Soviet Union.

Let's Get Started with a quiz...

1. The quiz you are about to take will tell you if you are pro-capitalism OR pro-communism

2. Answer honestly!

3. Keep track of how you answer the questions

Poll

Question 1: Your stance on poverty in society is...

• The government should do everything in its power to help the poor, including financial assistance

• The poor should seek out help from charities and try their best to find good employment to make more money

Poll

Question 2: Your stance on unemployment is…

• Individuals should be responsible enough to find new employment and work harder to acquire new job skills if needed

• People who are unemployed should receive public help to find new employment

Poll

Question #3 Your stance on the government is…

• It should make all decisions for its people and tell them how to live their lives

• It should regulate business and give people the choice in how they want to live their lives

Poll

Question #4 Your stance on the wealthy in society is…

• They usually have worked hard for their money and deserve to use that money as they wish

• They usually take advantage of those with less money and something should be done to spread the wealth

Poll

Question #5 Your stance on businesses is…

• They should be free of government intervention and be allowed to make as much profit as possible

• The government should be heavily involved and regulate how the business operates

Open Ended

Using the key, tally up the number of communist responses and capitalist responses you selected. Reflection:

1. What was your total?

2. Did you have more capitalist or communist responses

3. Did it surprise you?

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxsNU7ZZAlU

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxsNU7ZZAlU

Scenarios

Analyze each of the six sources on the padlet.
Determine whether the individual lives in a capitalist, communist, or a mixed society!

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Draw

Highlight in BLUE the features of a capitalist society.

Highlight in RED the features of a communist society

Exit Ticket

Communism and capitalism are two different economic systems.

In a capitalist society, businesses and industries are privately owned, and the prices for goods and services are determined by the market. There is a focus on individual success and wealth accumulation.

In contrast, communism is a system where the government owns all businesses and industries. The idea is to eliminate wealth inequality by distributing resources equally among people. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, and they shape countries and societies in unique ways.

Multiple Choice

Which system promotes private ownership of businesses?

• communism

• capitalism

Multiple Choice

In a capitalist economy, who makes decisions about prices and production?

• the government

• private individuals and companies

Multiple Choice

What does communism seek to eliminate?

• wealth inequality

• government control

Poll

I feel confident explaining the difference between capitalism and communism.

• Yes! I can do it!

• Maybe? I need to look at the information again.

• I'm lost. Help!