Cold War Dare 1.0

The year is 1989. As the President of the United States during a transformative time, you are faced with critical decisions. Eastern Europe is defying its Communist leaders, both at home and in the Soviet Union, after decades of oppression. Your role as President includes determining how much support to provide for democratic reform, while risking a potential Soviet crackdown. The outcome of your efforts could either bring democracy to Eastern Europe or set back the cause of freedom for years to come.

This strategy game immerses players in the context of the Bush 41 presidency during the pivotal years of 1989 and 1990. Historical events unfold as Poland legalizes Solidarity, the Berlin Wall falls, and people across nations demand greater freedom and human rights. As President, you must analyze changing situations, assess risks, and make decisions while maintaining strong alliances, fostering relationships with foreign leaders, and advancing the ideals of freedom and democracy. Through gameplay, players can compare their successes and failures to those of President Bush 41.

"Cold War Dare" is an educational outreach product developed by the George Bush Presidential Library. It offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate the complexities of presidential decision-making during this crucial period.

Credits:

• Directed and produced by Dr. Shirley Hammond, Director of Education, George Bush Presidential Library and Museum © 2016, George Bush Presidential Library Foundation
• Game design and development by eduweb
• Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey A. Engel, Consultant; Mary Finch, Audiovisual Archivist; Christopher Pembelton and Zachary Roberts, Archivists