Paired Texts > Charter of the United Nations

This article discusses modern diplomacy, what it means to deal politically with other nations and maintain these friendships—or at least, to get what your country wants.

George Catlett Marshall (1880-1959) was an American soldier, the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Secretary of State, and the third Secretary of Defense. He was particularly famous for his leadership during WWII. The Marshall Plan was the name given to the United States' plan to rebuild Europe after WWII.

Gerald Ford's presidency began in 1974 – nearly 30 years after the end of WWII. In this speech, Ford discusses Japanese American Internment, or the relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans, during WWII. As Ford states in the speech, "We now know what we should have known then--not only was that evacuation wrong, but Japanese-Americans were and are loyal Americans."

"The Marshall Plan" explains the circumstances surrounding the eponymous proposal, which was designed to facilitate the economic and political growth of Europe following the extensive destruction caused by World War II.

In "The Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations," this informational text explores how the signing of the Treaty of Versailles and the establishment of the League of Nations failed to secure peace.

President Woodrow Wilson's famous "Fourteen Points" were a statement of Wilson's beliefs about how to bring an end to World War I and to prevent war in the future.

In the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights," the United Nations outlines the universal human rights that should be ensured for all people.

In "The Truman Doctrine Speech," President Truman asks Congress for resources to aid Greece and Turkey, allowing them to maintain their freedom during the Cold War.

In Excerpt from Solito, Javier Zamora recounts the days before his harrowing solo migration from El Salvador to California at just nine years old. Pair “Charter of the United Nations” with Excerpt from Solito and ask students to examine the intention of the United Nations’ original charter, to which both the United States and El Salvador were signatories in 1945, as well as how it was applied to El Salvador in the late 20th century. Describe the core principles of the United Nations, according to “Charter of the United Nations.” According to the Charter, what are the key levers for ensuring lasting global peace and human rights? The El Salvador Civil War is crucial to Javier Zamora’s story, and to young Javier’s experience in Excerpt from Solito. Describe Javier’s understanding of the civil war in Excerpt from Solito. Explain how author Javier Zamora’s adult perspective on the war may differ, and why he chose to highlight his nine-year-old self’s understanding of the war. According to “Charter of the United Nations,” was U.S. funding of one side of the El Salvador Civil War acceptable? Explain your response using details from “Charter of the United Nations.”