U Thant: Third Secretary-General of the United Nations
U Thant: Third Secretary-General of the United Nations
Learning objective
Items in this lesson
U Thant: Third Secretary-General of the United Nations
Learning objective
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson you will understand the significance of U Thant's role as the first non-Scandinavian and Asian Secretary-General of the United Nations. At the end of the lesson you will be able to describe U Thant's contributions to international diplomacy, including his role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Congo secessionist insurgency. At the end of the lesson you will be able to discuss U Thant's stance on the Vietnam War and his influence on the entry of newly independent states into the UN.
What do you already know about U Thant?
Early Life and Education
U Thant's background in Burma. Education and early influences. Entry into politics.
Diplomatic Career
Roles in the Burmese government. Permanent Representative to the UN.
Tenure as Secretary-General
Appointment after Dag Hammarskjöld's death. First non-Scandinavian and Asian Secretary-General.
Cuban Missile Crisis
Crucial role in mediating the crisis. Importance of diplomacy.
Congo Insurgency
Operation Grandslam. Ending the secessionist insurgency.
Criticism of the Vietnam War
Public stance against the war. Impact on public opinion and policy.
Influence on the UN
Incorporation of newly independent states. Expansion of the UN's role.
Definition List
U Thant: A Burmese diplomat who served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. Cuban Missile Crisis: A 1962 confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba. Operation Grandslam: A UN military operation ordered by U Thant to end a secessionist insurgency in Congo. Secretary-General: The head of the United Nations, responsible for carrying out the organisation's administrative
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