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The Korean War has often been referred to as the "Forgotten War" because it has been overshadowed by other twentiethcentury military confrontations. By researching local history and popular culture of the time, students can explore how Americans reacted to the conflict. Through this research, they learn about the experiences and perspectives of ordinary people, as well as prominent policy makers and military leaders. Internet research provides access to primary documents and contact information for libraries, museums, and veterans groups.
Objectives
By selecting appropriate projects, students can come to comprehend the history of the Korean War and its impact. They can learn how to collect and analyze historical sources that offer varying viewpoints. An interdisciplinary approach could involve teachers of different subjects cooperating to develop a Korean War unit to study such areas as history, literature, journalism, geography, mathematics, drama, art, and sociology.
Preparation
Students will need access to secondary sources that provide narrative, analysis, and chronology of the Cold War era. There are numerous books on the war, including some excellent short surveys, and several Korean War encyclopedias that focus on battles, leaders, and topics. Community and state histories are also helpful in providing a framework of the war. Copies of 1950s maps of Korea and the geographical areas-town, county, and state-where the students live are also useful.
Primary Activity
Various projects can assist students in discovering their community's Korean War experiences. They may prefer to videotape a documentary; to script and present a play; or to write a short story, poem, or song about their community during the Korean War. They may also paint a Korean War mural for their community, photograph veterans, or develop a museum display. Regardless of the medium, they should strive to accurately document the community's response to the Korean War and how the characteristics of their region influenced public reaction and patriotism.
Students should consult local newspapers and conduct oral history interviews with residents to determine how their communities were affected by the war, who fought in it, and why. They should contact local libraries, historical societies, and museums for documents such as soldiers' letters. These sources will help them determine how the war is remembered and interpreted today.
Questions students might wish to explore include: How did life...