Henry Kissinger, America’s most consequential and controversial Secretary of State, died November 29 at the age of 100. He reached the peak of his power in the 1970s and remained highly influential until the very end.
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News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM UP QUESTIONS
- Who was Henry Kissinger?
- When did Kissinger first become an influential figure in international affairs?
- How did Kissinger influence policy during the Nixon administration?
- What are some of the policies that made Kissinger a "villain" in the eyes of many Americans and foreign policy analysts?
- Why did Kissinger continue to influence foreign policy even after he no longer had an official role?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How do you think some of the foreign policy choices pushed or organized by Kissinger will continue to shape the U.S.'s relationship with the rest of the world? Which do you think are most significant or important?
Media literacy: Why do you think the producers of this story sought to interview guests who saw Kissinger as a hero and a villain?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
FOR MORE
What students can do: You can read more about Kissinger's life and legacy here and here.
As a class, examine the following headlines from different publications following Kissinger's death. What similarities and differences do you notice? Why do you think some headlines described his legacy using balanced language and some did not?
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