A Lesson on Détente

Materials

• "Memorandums of Conversation," National Security Archive, George Washington University
• Notes and Excerpts from Nixon’s Meeting with Mao, February 1972, National Security Archive, George Washington University
• "Nixon and Kissinger’s Meeting with Mao Zedong," February 21, 1972, National Security Archive, George Washington University
• "Nixon’s Trips to China," February 22, 23, 24, 1972, National Security Archive, George Washington University
• A Poem for Two Voices (PDF)

Lesson Activities

1. Select appropriate excerpts from the documents provided below for your students.
2. Have students work in pairs to develop a clear definition of "détente" using their textbook or an online encyclopedia.
3. Have students read through these documents and underline any passage that helps to define how the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China were engaging in a relationship  reflecting détente.
4. Conduct a class discussion about the content of these meetings, where students report what they have underlined. Help them to connect these conversations to the concept of détente.
5. Create "A Poem For Two Voices" (See attached) about how Nixon and Kissinger developed, promoted, or encouraged the policy of détente and how Mao responded. Make sure this poem:

• Reflects your feelings, beliefs, and/or point of view
• Has at least 8-10 lines
• Be ready to read your poem out loud to the group.