During the early decades of the Cold War, U.S. leaders believed that if one nation fell to communism, its neighbors would quickly follow. This idea of a chain reaction was known as the “Domino Theory.” This idea shaped American foreign policy for nearly half a century and influenced its involvement in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Even after the end of the Cold War, it could be argued that the Domino Theory evolved into a new, aggressive foreign policy called "The War on Terror." One could even argue that the Cold War is still not over, as Russia and Ukraine are still in conflict.

To help students understand this concept in a concrete, experiential way, this lesson uses a dynamic volleyball game variation in which a single missed touch can trigger a chain reaction, mirroring the Domino Theory. One ball hitting the ground untouched can eliminate an entire side, illustrating how a single event can trigger a chain of consequences, like in Cold War fears of dominoes falling. Through fast-paced play, students feel the tension, interdependence, and chain reactions that mirror the fears and assumptions underlying U.S. foreign policy at the time.

Materials:

• A large playing area (gym or field)

• If in a gym:

o Volleyball net

o Volleyball court lines • If outside:

o Outdoor volleyball net
o Cones, rubber disc dots, or lines to show the playing area

Minimum Number of Students Needed: You can play this game with as few as six students or three per side; it's perfect for a traditional six students per side, but the beauty of this game is that it works really well for super huge classes (50+)!

Prior Knowledge: This lesson could be used to introduce the concept of the Domino Theory, specifically, but the students should have been introduced to United States history and the Cold War. This game could also be used to wrap up a unit on U.S. history centered on the Cold War because students get a visceral experience of the rising tensions of the time.