Conflict and Crisis during the Cold War Era:

(a) discuss means “to make observations about something using facts, reasoning, and
arguments; to present in some detail”
(b) describe means “to illustrate something in words or tell about it”
(c) evaluate means “to examine and judge the significance, worth, or condition of; to
determine the value of”
(d) show means “to point out; to set forth clearly a position or idea by stating it and giving
data which support it”

PART II: Thematic Essay – Due Friday, August 14 th

Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing

the task below, and a conclusion.

Theme: Conflict and Crisis during the Cold War Era

During the Cold War era, many regions around the world experienced conflict,
crises, and, in some cases, war. Each of these conflicts or crises had an impact on
the way the Cold War ran its course.

Task:

 Discuss two different conflicts or crises during the Cold War era.
 Describe what led up to each conflict or crisis, how each played out, and
what brought each to their eventual end.
 For each conflict, describe how those nations involved were affected
economically, politically, and socially. Then, compare the conflicts.

You may select any two Cold War era conflicts/crises from your study of world history
and geography. Some suggestions you may wish to consider include the Korean War, the
Vietnam War, civil wars in Africa, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
You are not limited to these suggestions.

Guidelines:
In your essay, be sure to:
 Address all aspects of the Task
 Support the theme of the essay with relevant facts, examples, and details
 Use a logical and clear plan of action
 Introduce the theme by establishing a framework that is beyond a simple restatement of
the Task and conclude with a summation of the theme
Thematic Essay Rubric