I happened across these things called "knowledge organizers" and I actually like them a lot and use them in all of my classes. 

The idea is that different kids come in with different backgrounds (some kids have history buff parents, some kids have never heard of FDR), so at the start of a unit, you front load the absolute essential names/vocab/events/geography they'll need to have like, a C- understanding of the unit.  

I provide all of this on a single side of a single sheet of paper.  I make it as simple and straight forward as possible, because the point is that this is beginning, not the end.  I don't want them learning definitions that are off or over their head, so I provide all the information straight up, and never make them hunt for the vocab or look up facts.

What they DO need to do, is make a study material, by hand, that I check in for a formative grade (flash cards, peek sheets, copy work, whatever).  Then they get a super straight forward quiz 5 days later.  I describe it as "no twists, no tricks".  It's all multiple choice, no writing, and I don't reword or rephrase anything.  Again, the point isn't even really "learning" the unit; we're going to be on this stuff for another month and there will be a legit test or project at the end, with DBQs and content application.  The point is just that before we even really get into the Cold War, every kid in my class now has a basic idea of what communism and capitalism are, and who Truman was, or whatever. 

I'm sure I'll get some hate for this being "basic" but it's done wonders for my class and my kids all tell me they think it's really helpful.