The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026, a milestone that offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey. While much focus is on domestic events, America’s story is deeply intertwined with its foreign policy and global interactions. From the nation’s founding to today’s interconnected world, international relations have significantly influenced America’s history and its citizens’ lives.
To delve into this fascinating subject, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is hosting a webinar that promises to be an enlightening journey through time. Led by Dr. James M. Lindsay the Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, and Kristin Stelfox CFR’s Curriculum Content Lead, the session will explore how foreign policy has shaped America’s role on the world stage.
The Global Lens on American History
This webinar offers a unique perspective on American history, focusing on the nation’s foreign policy from 1776 to the present day. By examining key moments and decisions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how international relations have influenced America’s development and its global standing.
The session is designed to enrich instruction across various courses, including U.S. history, world history, civics, government, geography, international relations, economics, global studies, and current events. By adopting a foreign policy perspective, educators can help students think critically about America’s evolving role in the world.
Resources for Educators
The webinar will introduce educators to a wealth of free, ready-to-use resources from CFR Education. These include an interactive timeline spanning 250 years of U.S. foreign policy and in-depth teaching collections featuring curated primary sources and classroom discussion activities.
Participants will learn practical strategies for using primary sources and discussion-based activities to foster historical inquiry, critical thinking, and civic engagement. These resources and strategies can be easily integrated into existing curricula, making them valuable tools for educators at all levels.
Expert Insights and Adaptable Resources
Whether you’re planning lessons connected to America’s 250th anniversary or looking for new ways to connect the past to the present, this webinar offers expert insight and adaptable resources. The session is designed to be of interest to middle and high school teachers, librarians, school leaders, and district leaders.
Attendees will have the opportunity to earn a CE certificate making this webinar a valuable professional development experience. By joining this conversation, educators can gain new perspectives and tools to enhance their teaching and engage their students in the study of U.S. foreign policy.
