To answer this assessment correctly, students must identify the event depicted in an iconic historical photograph and clearly explain why the event is historically significant. For the first question, successful students will identify this as an air drop in the Berlin Airlift. For Question 2, successful students might elaborate on one or more of the following:
- The operation provided desperately needed supplies to West Berlin, preventing it from being absorbed into the Soviet orbit.
- The prolonged effort helped end the Soviet blockade of West Berlin.
- The operation was a major diplomatic success for the United States in the Cold War. The United States, Britain, and France protected Berlin without directly confronting the Soviet Union, and by projecting ingenuity and resolve, the United States gained favor among potential Cold War allies.
Level: Proficient
Question 1
Student clearly and specifically identifies the event depicted in the photograph.
Question 2
Student clearly and specifically explains why the event is historically significant.
Level: Emergent
Question 1
Student provides correct information related to the event but does not clearly identify the significant event.
Question 2
Student correctly elaborates on the event but does not clearly explain why the event is historically significant.
Level: Basic
Question 1
Student does not correctly identify the event.
Question 2
Student does not provide a correct or relevant explanation for why the event is historically significant.
