1. Nineteenth-Century Topic: The Sinking of the USS Maine (1898) - Analysis of different theories on the Maine’s destruction. - Contradictions between US and Spanish inquiries. - Role of media and political figures in shaping public perception. - Use of primary sources, including newspaper articles and official reports. 2. Twentieth-Century Topic: The Berlin Blockade (1948–49) - Soviet motives behind the blockade and its implementation. - The Western Allies’ response through the Berlin Airlift. - Analysis of sources, including newspapers, political cartoons, and official accounts. - Evaluating the likelihood of Western success in overcoming the blockade.