History – Cheap Research Essays

1. If you watch Truman, concentrate on that part of the four-hour-long film that covers the period from 1945, when Truman became president, through the end of Truman’s second term. Pick either A or B to write about, not both:
A. In the aftermath of World War II, the United States made a conscious decision not to fall back into isolationism. In what ways did both the Roosevelt and Truman administrations let the world know that? How and why did the Cold War emerge in the wake of World War II? Describe the steps taken by the U.S. government to oppose Communist expansion in Europe and Asia (be sure to cite the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan—both in the textbook—as well as the film.) American involvement in Cold War conflicts around the globe eventually produced a great deal of criticism both inside and outside the United States (you may look up that criticism either on the web or in the textbook). Commitments to defend other nations are expensive and often backfire—as we see today in the Middle East: The 9/11 attacks and the rise of ISIS are directly related to previous American involvement there. Wrap up your essay by commenting on whether or not the United States made the right choices after World War II. There’s no one “right” way to respond, because the human community is huge and constantly changing, and what works in one situation might not work in another. That’s why being president is a very difficult job, one that requires a great deal of patience and impulse control.