The civil war improved the economy of the north, but harmed the economy of the south. The south relied heavily on agriculture/ producing cotton on slave worked plantations. The civil war led the slaves to finally be freed thus sending many southern farmers into poverty.
You could start off with the news report about how Soviet and U.S almost started another war due to a missile crisis with Cuba or how soviet's government is different from ours. Basically compare and contract Soviet and U.S.
Hopefully this can get you a head start
Have a great day :)
