Rocky IV (1985): A Cold War Study Activity & Complete Movie Guide

This product's purpose is twofold: 1) introduce students to the propaganda and beliefs Americans held during the Cold War, 2) to provide a viewing guide with Cold War connections for Rocky IV. The movie “Rocky IV” was made in 1985 during a period of the Cold War when tensions were boiling between the United States and the Soviet Union (USSR). The film pits the world-boxing champion Rocky Balboa (an American) against the Russian, Ivan Drago (supported by the Soviet Union). The movie reflects Cold War attitudes and many people consider it propaganda intended to portray the Soviet Union as evil and as cheaters. During the movie, the American hero Rocky is able to overcome the odds against him and not only defeat the bigger, stronger Russian, but also win over the people of the Soviet Union at the same time.

As students watch the movie, they will be asked to analyze some of the situations in the movie using thier “Cold War” glasses (there are a total of five Cold War connections). The movie is more than just a boxing drama; it is a movie about the major attitudes and beliefs Americans held during the Cold War. In short, the movie encapsulates some of the fears that Americans held about the Soviet Union. Lastly, after the movie you will be asked to make some connections to the Cold War conflicts and to use supporting evidence from the movie to justify your answers.

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Introductory reading

Cold War reading

Student version

Teacher version