Title: The Eagle Flies Above The Iron Curtain

Cameron McCoy

Title: The Eagle Flies Above the Iron Curtain

Thesis: The United States has many similarities to that of Russia surprisingly, but the inverse of that is also true. We have similar backgrounds and cultures as opposed to what popular belief might indicate, but I shall also explore with you the areas in which we have vast differences. I shall discuss Russian military power, cultural trends, governmental policies, and ethical beliefs in general as they relate to the United States in terms of being the same, somewhat similar, or completely different in entirety.

1) Introduction

a) Thesis: The United States has many similarities to that of Russia surprisingly, but the inverse of that is also true. We have similar backgrounds and cultures as opposed to what popular belief might indicate, but I shall also explore with you the areas in which we have vast differences. I shall discuss Russian military power, cultural trends, governmental policies, and ethical beliefs in general as they relate to the United States in terms of being the same, somewhat similar, or completely different in entirety.

b) Over the years the roles of both of these countries has changed dramatically. Russia has gone from aggressive Cold War power house to a more conservative nation with sprinkles of democracy laced throughout the country. On the other hand the United States has taken somewhat of an opposite approach and become more internationally involved. Since the nineteen fifties the United States has had its hand in every major international conflict or discrepancy; be it our involvement in Vietnam, our support of the rebels from Afghanistan during the Russian invasion, or so on. Nobody thought we could take it up a notch, but in light of the removal of dictators due to American pressure from countries such as Egypt, Libya, Ukraine, and Iraq I would say passed expectations. In this was Russia and America have somewhat moved in different directions.

2) Comparing American and Russian history

a) Russian early history is riddled with lack of progress

b) Russia in its early years had very little contact with the outside world, they were heavily isolated

c) America after winning it’s freedom was subjected to harsh economic times at first

d) Nations would refuse to recognize the United States as a legitimate country in the beginning and this caused little international trading and little prosperity.

3) Contrasting American and Russian history

a) Historically Russia has been an international symbol of communism, anti-individualism, and fear.

b) Historically Russia is considered the big player when it comes to