Shaping the Post-War World: Human Rights and the Birth of Israel

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video examines the profound shift in United States foreign policy following World War II, specifically focusing on the emergence of international human rights. It connects the atrocities of the war, including the Holocaust and the use of atomic weapons, to the creation of new global institutions and legal frameworks intended to prevent future catastrophes. The narrative explains the founding of the United Nations, the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the definition of genocide. The video also delves into the complex geopolitical landscape of the post-war era, covering the United States' role in the establishment of the State of Israel. It explores the competing motivations behind US support, ranging from humanitarian concerns and religious connections to Cold War strategy against Soviet influence. Crucially, the video presents multiple perspectives, acknowledging both the Jewish historical claim to the land and the Palestinian experience of displacement (the Nakba), as well as critiques regarding colonialism and self-determination. Designed for high school history classrooms, this resource serves as an excellent primer for units on the Cold War, international relations, or human rights. It encourages students to think critically about the tension between national sovereignty and international oversight, and how historical decisions continue to shape modern geopolitical conflicts. The inclusion of pause points and graphic organizer prompts makes it ready-made for interactive note-taking and classroom engagement.