8th+Grade+Assignment

8th Grade Research Paper: The Cold War  The Cold War was a nearly 60-year period of competition between the Democratic United States and Communist Soviet Union. Though the U.S. and Soviet Union never actually fought each other, the “war” took place through actions, military build-up, and “satellite wars” (i.e., Korea, Vietnam) which affected the lives of people across the globe.  As part of your final assessment in both your Social Studies and ELA classes, you will be researching a topic from the Cold War era and are expected to write a research paper for the 4th quarter. Your work on this paper will take place in both your Social Studies and English classes.  Below is a list of umbrella topics and specific issues to help guide you in your research. Be aware you will need to create a thesis statement based upon your research. **Topic 1: Soviet vs. American Ideologies** Democracy conflicts with the ideas of Communism. **Topic 2: Cold War Military Conflicts** The Cold War was not actually "cold." **Topic 3: The Cold War at Home** The Cold War had a dramatic effect on American policy. **Topic 4: The Effects of Cold War Technology** Technological advancements affect society. **Issues to focus on (choose at least one):** Democracy vs. Communism ... Truman Doctrine ... Marshall Plan ... Berlin Airlift ... NATO ... Warsaw Pact ... Arms Race ... Iron Curtain ... Presidential Policies ... Domino Theory ... The Korean War ... The Vietnam War ... Bay of Pigs Invasion ... McCarthyism ... Espionage ... Peace Movement ... Culture: Music ... Space Race ... Nuclear Power ... Berlin Wall