Thank you! My students haven’t stopped talking about the experience and remain completely blown away!

Dr. Bryan Vizzini, West Texas A&M University

Welcome to The White House Decision Center (WHDC). This unique educational program provides students first-hand experience in crisis management, world affairs, political science, and history.

Set in a recreated West Wing,The WHDC program significantly enhances the content of history, political science, communication studies, business, public affairs and leadership courses by providing information and experiences hard to convey in the classroom. Participants step into the roles of President Truman and his advisors to tackle some of the greatest challenges faced by any world leader.

The WHDC challenges your students’ abilities to quickly synthesize complex information gleaned from the now-declassified primary sources that President Truman and his advisors read, work cooperatively in teams, resolve conflicts creatively, formulate recommendations, make and defend critical decisions, negotiate win-win solutions and lead like a head of state.

Scenarios offered include:

  • Ending the War with Japan
  • Addressing Postwar Civil Rights in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Reacting to the Soviet Blockade of Berlin
  • Responding to the Communist Invasion of South Korea
  • Addressing the End of the British Mandate in Palestine

WHDC Scenarios

Ending the War with Japan Description

It is August 1945. The United States and its allies defeated Hitler and Mussolini in Europe, but the war in the Pacific rages on. President Truman, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other key advisors are vigorously debating how to end the war with Japan quickly with as few casualties as possible. Should the U.S. remove or maintain the unconditional surrender term? Is the blockade, a land invasion, or a combination of the two the best way to end the war? Should atomic weapons, a new tool in the U.S. military arsenal, be used? Gather your advisors and review the most recent intelligence. The fate of the world is yours to decide.

Addressing Postwar Civil Rights in the U.S. Armed Forces Description

It is July, 1948 President Truman is running for election and the Democratic convention is July 12-15, and Democrats are not in agreement with the President’s stand on civil rights. Although they successfully fought the Nazis and their racist ideology in Europe, African Americans serving in the postwar military are still limited to only certain roles and opportunities. The developing violence and civil rights crisis in America deeply troubles President Truman, who has called his advisors together to decide how to address postwar civil rights. How can this administration stop violence again African American veterans and citizens and push the country closer to the ideology that all men are created equal? Besides military options, what other solutions does President Truman have the power to make: economic pressures, diplomatic decisions, passed legislation? Gather your advisors together and figure out how to end racial injustice while staying within the powers granted to the Executive Branch by the U.S. Constitution. The fate of the country is in your hands.

Reacting to the Soviet Blockade of Berlin Description

The year is 1948. The Soviet Union has imposed a blockade on West Berlin, cutting off all land and rail routes. More than 2.5 million people risk mass starvation, and the power of the Western Allies is called into question. It is the first crisis of the Cold War. Should the U.S. use military power or diplomacy to support the Berliners? Does the newly passed Marshall Plan cover rescue efforts or will Congress be able to block legislation and support? Along with the humanitarian aspect, how can this administration keep the spread of Communism in check while expanding the role of Democracy in war ravaged Europe? Gather your advisors and review the most recent intelligence. The fate of the world is yours to decide.

Responding to the Communist Invasion of South Korea Description

It is June 1950. World War II ended five years ago, and Americans are tired of war. President Truman is at home in Independence, MO when he receives a phone call from his Secretary of State who informs him that Communist North Korea crossed into Democratic South Korea. Korea is split in two and South Korea is a fragile democracy. The United States supports South Korea’s government but is it ready to enter into another military conflict? Does the new U.S. approach on foreign policy, based on on the Truman Doctrine, apply to democratic countries in Asia or just in Europe? What role does the newly formed United Nations play in an international conflict? What are the dangers of the spreading of U.S.S.R supported Communism and is it the role of the United States to stop that spread? Gather your advisors and review the most recent intelligence. The fate of the world is yours to decide.

Addressing the End of the British Mandate in Palestine Description

It is May, 1948, and the British government has almost completed the withdrawal of their troops from Palestine after announcing the end of the British Mandate in December, 1947.Their exit opens a void in power in the region that will affect 1.9 million Arabs, Jews, and Christians living in Palestine and displaced people fleeing to Palestine. It will also impact relationships between Arabs and Jews, the authority of the United Nations, control of strategic oil reserves, and the balance of power in the Cold War. Should the United States recommend that Palestine be turned over to the United Nations under a trusteeship? Should we advocate in the United Nations a two-state solution: Palestine and Israel? What about the displaced Jews in Europe, three years after World War II and their longing for a homeland? If a Jewish state is created and war ensues, does the United States bear responsibility? What about the intentions of the Soviet Union? Gather your advisors and review the most recent intelligence. The fate of the world is yours to decide.

YOU’RE JUST 3 STEPS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE

STEP 1: CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

  • 2- to 5-hour sessions offered Monday through Saturday
  • Office hours or after hours
  • Catering and open bar, optional
  • $25 per person for groups or 6-72 (minimum charge: $450)

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR DECISION

  • Ending the War with Japan
  • Addressing Postwar Civil Rights in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Reacting to the Soviet Blockade of Berlin
  • Responding to the Communist Invasion of South Korea
  • Addressing the End of the British Mandate in Palestine

STEP 3: REQUEST RESERVATION NOW!

WHDC Director | Sadie Troy, Education Specialist
Email
| thewhitehousedecisioncenter@gmail.com
Phone | 816.268.8241

Virtual simulations available.

“I teach a lot of academic literature on the presidency and my lectures expand on those, but students see how the presidency might work in a pressure-cooker. They are required to assimilate material quickly and effectively, formulate an argument, articulate and defend that argument, and form a consensus or something close to it. Great experience for them—and for me, as an educator—to see that in action.” –Drury University