The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and its NATO allies on one side, and the Soviet Union and its allies on the other side, following World War II. Here are some ideas you could include in your journal related to story elements and point of view:
1. **Story Elements**:
- **Setting**: Describe the post-World War II landscape with countries divided into two major blocs, each with conflicting ideologies – capitalism and communism.
- **Characters**: Introduce key figures like the American president at the time (such as Truman or Eisenhower) and Soviet leaders (like Stalin or Khrushchev) who played crucial roles in shaping the Cold War.
- **Conflict**: Explore the ideological, political, and economic differences that fueled the tensions between the two superpowers, leading to proxy wars and a nuclear arms race.
2. **Point of View**:
- **First-Person Perspective**: Write from the viewpoint of a civilian living through the era, experiencing fear of nuclear war or the impact of government policies on daily life.
- **Third-Person Perspective**: Narrate events from the standpoint of a journalist covering key Cold War events like the Cuban Missile Crisis or the construction of the Berlin Wall, providing insights into the global impact.
By incorporating these elements and perspectives into your journal, you can create a rich narrative that captures the complexities and significance of the Cold War period.
