1. What did Churchill mean by the term “Iron Curtain”?

Where specifically, was the

area he referenced in the speech?

2. To what extent was Churchill correct in terming the division of Europe as an

“Iron Curtain”?

3. How did the two sides of the iron curtain differ from each other?

4. Explain the term “fifth column.” What does Churchill mean is going on in
countries such as France and Italy? What is the essence of Churchill’s concerns
about fifth columns?

5. What other areas of the world were threatened by Communism at the time of this
speech?

6. Why is Churchill concerned about the spread of Communism?

7. Analyze the following two statements:

a. “I do not believe that Soviet Russia desires war. What they desire is the
fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines.”
b. “From what I have seen of our Russian friends and allies during the war, I
am convinced that there is nothing they admire so much as strength, and
there is nothing for which they have less respect than for military
weakness.”
What do these statements reveal about Churchill’s views of Russia’s objectives in
1946?

8. What is Churchill’s solution to the problem of Soviet expansion?

9. In Churchill’s view, what should be the future of the “Special Relationship”

forged by Britain and the United States during the war?

10. If you were alive during this time, what would your response be to Churchill’s
speech?