question

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.

The prompt I’d like you to answer in this short paper is the following: 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?

"Iron Curtain" speech transcript: Iron Curtain Transcript (Links to an external site.)

The "Iron Curtain" speech LIVE event (the video is supplemental and is not required) can be located here:

Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech - 1946 | Today In History | 5 Mar 17 (Links to an external site.)

Criteria:

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

• Format/Layout
• Content
• Quality of Writing

Special Note:

Concerning citation styles, such as MLA, Chicago, or APA format, I do not mind which format you use, as long as you are consistent throughout your papers. If you arenot consistent in your citations and works cited page/references, I will deduct points. Please remember to carefully document all your sources in your quotations and in your works cited/references page.