International treaties have played a central role in diplomatic history since the rise of the modern nation state. Since the end of World War II, more treaties have been formed than in the preceding four centuries. The year 2001 marks the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. This unit provides students with historical knowledge of the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the global issues that influenced its signatories (United States and Japan) in 1951. Through role-playing activities, analysis of primary sources, and writing assignments, students develop a solid understanding of the early Cold War era. They learn about the Treaty's long-term implications through a discussion on contemporary war, grievance-related issues, and by reading speeches by U.S. and Japanese government officials. The introduction provides an overview; gives a rationale and unit goals; discusses linkages to History-Social Science Standards for Public Schools; notes materials and equipment needed; suggests grade levels and subjects; and addresses activities sequence, time needed, homework, and small-group roles. Lessons in the unit are: (1) "Postwar Era and the Origins of the Cold War"; (2) "Perspectives on the San Francisco Peace Treaty and Conference: Using Primary and Secondary Sources"; (3) "Contemporary Issues: The San Francisco Peace Treaty and the Question of War Responsibility"; and (4) "Epilogue: The San Francisco Peace Treaty and U.S.-Japan Relations." Appended are the full text of the San Francisco Peace Treaty; figures related to Japan's postwar reparations; 36 general and geography-specific references, and references for each lesson. (BT)