Lesson
International Trade
Guiding question
What are the benefits of free trade?
For all of human history, people have desired things that people in distant lands possessed in abundance. From Australian opals to Chinese silk, Greek olive oil to French wine, Peruvian textiles to Florida oranges, from South African diamonds to Cuban tobacco, we have always wanted access to the best things different places around the world have to offer.
Guiding Questions
- What are the benefits of free trade?
- What are the benefits of protectionism?
- What factors influence development of trade policy?
Objectives
- Students will evaluate benefits and drawbacks of free trade.
- Students will consider moral dilemmas related to free trade.
Materials
Student Handouts
Educator Resources
Lesson Components

ActivityHandout A: International Trade Graphic Organizer
An activity to help students define terms related to international trade and explore the benefits and drawbacks of various policy decisions.
EssayInternational Trade Essay
For all of human history, people have desired things that people in distant lands possessed in abundance. From Australian opals to Chinese silk, Greek olive oil to French wine, Peruvian textiles to Florida oranges, from South African diamonds to Cuban tobacco, we have always wanted access to the best things different places around the world have to offer.
Lesson plan
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Key Terms
- Marketplace
- Free trade
- Protectionism
- Sanctions