The history of the Cuban Missile Crisis - Matthew A. Jordan by TED-Ed

What are nuclear threats? Why do they disrupt peace?

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Deconstruct the term ‘nuclear threat’ by explaining what it means in regards to threats of warfare. You will look at the history of the cold war to understand where this terms comes from and its significance. 

Follow this Process:

  1. Watch USA vs USSR Fight! The Cold War: Crash Course World History #39 and The History of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

  2. Create a timeline of the cold war gathering key dates and events from the videos you watched individually. Be sure to include every single point that uses the term ‘nuclear threat’ or ‘nuclear bomb/weapon’.

  3. Brainstorm answers to the following questions: How would you define a nuclear threat? How destructive can a nuclear threat potentially be? Why is a large scale nuclear threat one of the biggest contributors to disrupting peace?

  4. Summarise your timeline and brainstorm of answers to the questions into a poster (or other means to publish and share) that condenses your timeline, placing an emphasis on the cuban missile crisis and the terror/disruption of peace that was present during this time.

  5. Present your poster explaining to your audience why you believe nuclear threats disrupt peace and an example of a nuclear threat in our history (the cuban missile crisis).

  6. Take action and decide how you will perceive the danger of weapons of mass destruction in warfare. Why do we need to support disarmament for the safety and security of society?

  7. Capture and share your presentation to inspire others.

Educator Notes

To provide further challenge:

  • Require groups to take inspiration from the cuban missile crisis, but instead conduct their own research on another event from the cold war to use as an example in their presentation.

  • Compare these crises with current day threats and get students to investigate the possible causes and possible solutions.

  • Statistics, quotes, case studies and key figures are expected to be included.


To simplify:

  • Work in groups of three to share the workload of research and brainstorming.

Groups are not required to present a case study of the cuban missile crisis, and can focus on presenting about the definition of nuclear threats and their potential for mass destruction.