Context

The Cold War was a period marked by ideological, political, and military tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, the two superpowers after World War II, without direct military conflict. The world, during this period, was divided into two blocks: capitalist, led by the United States, and socialist, led by the Soviet Union. Understanding this division, how it occurred, and the implications for world politics is crucial to understanding contemporary history.

In the first part of this project, we explored the formation of these blocks and the ideological differences that composed them. Now, in the second part, we will delve into the consolidation of these blocks, the tensions that permeated that time, and the consequences of these divisions for the countries that were in the 'peripheral blocks'.

It is important to highlight here the relevance that the Cold War has for our current time. Although the world scenario has changed drastically since the end of the Cold War, the impacts of the geopolitical decisions of that period are still felt in various parts of the world. The division into blocks influenced and still influences international relations, economic policies, and ethnic and regional conflicts.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'Blocks in Conflict: A Cold War Simulation'

Project Objective:

The objective of this activity is to provide students with a deeper and practical understanding of the Cold War, through the simulation of the formation of blocks, their relationships, and tensions. In addition to stimulating collaboration, teamwork, and communication among students, this activity will highlight the importance of political, economic, and military strategies during the Cold War.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members, each group representing a country or block during the Cold War. Each group should research the country/block assigned to them, their alliances, their strategies during the Cold War, and the main events involving that country/block.

Next, each group will negotiate, make alliances, plan strategies, and make decisions as if they were leading their country/block during the Cold War. The teacher will act as a mediator, introducing 'events' (such as economic crises, leadership changes, military conflicts, etc.) so that students can respond and adapt their strategies to these events.

Required Materials:

• Computer with Internet access for research
• Notebook or paper for notes
• Markers or colored pens

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Groups are formed and countries/blocks are assigned to each of them.
2. Over a period of about 2 hours, students research the country/block assigned to them, paying special attention to alliances, conflicts, and strategies adopted during the Cold War.
3. Students discuss and develop strategies for their country/block.
4. In a session of about 2 hours, groups interact with each other, simulating the relationships and tensions of the Cold War. The teacher mediates this session, introducing 'events' and observing the actions of each group.

At the end of the practical activity, each group must produce a report, which will include:

Introduction

In this section, the group should contextualize the Cold War theme and the formation of blocks, explain the relevance and application of this theme in the real world, and describe the objective of the activity carried out.

Development

Here, the group should describe the researched information about the country/block they represented, explain the strategies they adopted and why they chose them, and report on how the simulation unfolded. Reflections on the 'events' introduced by the teacher and how the group adapted to them should also be included.

Conclusions

At this point, students should present the main lessons learned during the activity, the achievements and challenges faced, and how this helped them better understand the Cold War period and the formation of blocks.

Bibliography

Finally, students should list all sources used for research and preparation of the activity, following the rules of bibliographic reference.