Crossroads: High School Curriculum
Unit XI: Leader of the Free World: 1945-1975

Persuasive Essay: U.S. COLD WAR POLICY RATIONALE

Lesson 1

A Persuasive Essay: U.S. COLD WAR POLICY RATIONALE

Instructions: Using the information from both tables as your source, write a persuasive essay that argues the case for one of the policy alternatives below. Your role here is as advisor to President Harry S Truman in 1952. Make sure to consider all factors we have identified: economic, political, ideological, and strategic. After you have made your best case, outline for the President your plans to present this policy to the American people in an acceptable and politically feasible manner.

Alternatives:

1. Military rollback of Soviet territorial gains in Eastern Europe (basically a shooting war between the superpowers).

2. Continue the containment policy as outlined in George Kennan's 1947 memorandum while continuing a military buildup.

3. Unilaterally halt the military buildup. Launch a new diplomatic initiative aimed at establishing lasting peace and friendship between the superpowers.

ESSAY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Analytical thesis statement.

2. At least three factually or logically sound arguments in support of your thesis.

3. Rebuttal of reasonable objections to thesis.