History 2147/21 Oct Nov 2024

1. Sinking of the USS Maine – Analysis of American and Spanish perspectives on the explosion, media influence, and public reaction.

2. Yellow Journalism and War Hysteria – Examination of newspapers like New York Journal and New York Times in shaping public opinion and political pressure.

3. American Foreign Policy and Justification for War – Role of the Maine explosion in the U.S. decision to go to war with Spain, with evidence from sources.

4. The Marshall Plan and U.S. Aid to Europe – Debates on whether the plan was an economic recovery effort or a tool to counter Soviet influence.

5. Cold War Propaganda and Perception of Aid – Soviet opposition to the Marshall Plan, U.S. arguments for its necessity, and its impact on Europe.

6. Comparison of Sources on U.S. Intentions – Evaluating American, Soviet, and European perspectives on the true purpose of the Marshall Plan in post-war geopolitics.