Research:

Investigate the key political events of the Cold War during the period of the late 1950's. What key events sparked tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union at that time? Be sure to consider events in other parts of the world, such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, southeast Asia and elsewhere. How were the U.S. and Soviet Union behaving at the United Nations? View these events against the backdrop of both superpowers establishing far-reaching espionage networks and spy systems at the same time. (Why would they do that?) Were the American people were kept informed of these events?

Write:

Prepare a 1-2 page summary of political events during this period. Use broad brush strokes to paint a picture of the cold war scene. Steer away from writing about military developments of the time (such as the arms and space races); focus on tensions between the superpowers expressed in political ways, through diplomacy and political actions in other countries.