COLD WAR
What role did the constant state of militarism and the costs of keeping up with the U.S. military buildup have on the Soviet economy?
Week 7 Discussion: Cold War and Communism
Option 1: Examine the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1980s. Include the following in your discussion:
What were the main reasons for the collapse?
What role did the constant state of militarism and the costs of keeping up with the U.S. military buildup have on the Soviet economy?
What role did uprisings and rebellions in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and East Germany (among others) have on the sudden collapse of the USSR?
Option 2: Examine communism and socialism.
We hear so often today that socialism and communism are the same thing. Examine the similarities and differences between the two.
Why do so many Americans seem to hate even the word “socialism”?
We already employ some socialism in this country today (and for the past several decades). Examples include libraries, police departments, public education, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, public parks, roads/highways, and so on. How do these services factor into arguments for or against socialism?
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least one peer. At least one of your responses should be to a peer who chose an option different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
Writing Requirements
Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)
Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source)
APA format for in-text citations and list of references
Grading
This activity will be graded using the Discussion Grading Rubric. Please review the following link:
Link (webpage): Discussion Guidelines (Links to an external site.)
Answer preview what role did the constant state of militarism and the costs of keeping up with the U.S. military buildup have on the Soviet economy?
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