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2022 Theme Narrative: Debate and Diplomacy in History Throughout the 2021–2022 academic year, National History Day (NHD) students will explore the theme of Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences. Some topics might be stories of debate and diplomacy, while others might cover debate with little diplomatic effort or diplomacy without debate. Students must investigate to determine whether one or both of those themes are present in their narrative. Think of debate and diplomacy as a chess game. Several pieces are on the board, each with its unique talents and abilities. Some moves are aggressive and designed to advance the player one step closer to checkmate. Other actions involve the sacrifice of certain game pieces to advance. Debates are formal or informal meetings where people argue opposing views. Some debates involve two sides, while others involve three (or more) perspectives. Diplomacy usually involves negotiating, compromising, and communicating with people or nations to find a nonviolent solution. Debate and diplomacy can occur independently or be intertwined. Can diplomacy lead to new debates? Can debates lack diplomacy? Students must also consider the successes, failures, and consequences of debates or diplomatic exchanges. Were they successful, and for how long? Did they fail to resolve the issues or have unintended consequences? It is important to consider the short-term and long-term impact of different events or exchanges on history. Students need to determine the legacies and consequences, good and bad, of the debates and diplomatic actions they choose. They must ask questions about successes, failures, and consequences to drive analysis. What do we consider a successful debate or diplomatic endeavor? Can a failure turn into a success or vice versa? In the study of debate and diplomacy, key moments stand out, such as the Iran-Contra Affair (1985–1987), the Lincoln Douglas debates (1858), or U.S. neutrality during the Great War (1914–1918). But what other instances of debate and diplomacy have defined international relationships, brokered or ended peace, and helped us better understand the past? Consider the many different topics surrounding the Cold War (1947–1991). The Cold War exposed many social and cultural issues in the Soviet Union and the United States. Students might explore the Berlin Blockade (1948-1949), the Cold War’s first crisis. Soviet Premier Josef Stalin blocked U.S., French, and British railway, road, and water access into West Berlin, hoping the western powers would surrender the city. What was the initial impact of this action? How might the events have launched the U.S. and its allies into another war? How did this crisis affect the diplomatic relationship between western powers and the Soviet Union? Students might explore other Cold War topics such as the Truman Doctrine (1947), the Korean War (1950-1953), the Kitchen Debates (1959), or the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962). Who was involved? Were these events instances of successful diplomacy, or were they diplomatic failures? How did their success or failure affect the relationship between the Western and Eastern blocs during the Cold War? Others might look at how New Zealand established itself as a diplomatic force during World War II and its active involvement in building the United Nations (1945). Before World War II, New Zealand maintained only one foreign outpost in London, England. What changed for New Zealand? What new alliances did New Zealand establish? How did treaties involving New Zealand, such as the ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, United States) Defence Treaty in 1951 and SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) in 1954, influence New Zealand’s status as a world power? Why did New Zealand seek to establish relationships with the United States, Canada, and Asian countries? What happens when diplomatic relations fail? Following the German invasion of Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) in 1938, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain few to Berchtesgaden, Germany, to meet German Chancellor Adolf Hitler. Chamberlain’s goal was to appease Hitler and de-escalate the growing unrest in Europe. What diplomatic agreement resulted from this meeting? What happened when actors involved no longer wished to follow the guidelines set forth? What was the impact on Czechoslovakia? What were the ultimate consequences of appeasement? How did it set in motion a domino effect that led to World War II? Students might look at diplomatic challenges that have reappeared throughout history. Following World War I, President Woodrow Wilson proposed a League of Nations. Why did President Wilson develop the League? Was it successful, or did it fail? Did the League have power on a world scale? How was the League diferent from the United Nations established in 1945? What patterns or trends do we notice in diplomatic exchange? Students interested in Asia might explore the tensions between China and Japan throughout history. How has the relationship between these two nations changed over time? Consider the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) or the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). Did these wars lead to diplomatic relationships between the two countries? Were they successful, or did they fail? 
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