Compare the protests in Americaduring the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and early 1970s to the Decembrist uprising, whichPierre is involved with at the end of the book. What were the Decembrists protesting? Were there any similarities in the way the Decembrist andVietnamprotests were organized?

The Society of Freemasons, which is so influential inPierre's life, is still an active organization. Investigate the modern-day Masons. Considering the fact that it is still a secret organization, how much information can you find out about them"? How have their practices and goals changed from the time of Tolstoy's novel?

DuringWorld War II, Russiawas an ally of Americaand Great Britain. Yet for most of the twentieth century, AmericaandRussiawere bitter rivals. Research the relationship between the two countries at the time of the novel and report on it. What is America's relationship toRussiatoday?