The Iron Curtain

 

Directions: Students will research and write one reaction paper of approx. 750 words each (approx. 2 pages). *Remember, this is a Gordon Rule class, and, as such, there is a required writing component. The topic of this paper is Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, which he gave after the end of World War II. Churchill, more than any other political figure, saw the coming of the Cold War and warned America to be vigilant and to be proactive against this very real danger. In this reaction paper, you will be provided links to Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, which you can listen to or read, as well as some supplemental YouTube videos that provide some documentary footage and context for the speech.

What is the “Iron Curtain” exactly and why do you think Churchill used this imagery? What were the purposes/motives of Churchill’s speech and how effective was it? Why was warning the United States, specifically, important to Churchill? How persuasive was this speech, in your opinion?

Link to “Iron Curtain” speech transcript: http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/ironcurtain.htm

YouTube videos – live footage:

YouTube video to give you some context:

Each short reaction paper will be graded on the following criteria:

Format/Layout
Content
Quality of Writing

 

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