STANFORD HISTORY EDUCATION GROUP
Cold War Central Historical Question:
Who was primarily responsible for the Cold War – the United States
... [Show More] or the Soviet Union?
Explain the differences between communism and capitalism.
Capitalism is an economic ideology that values free market and laissez-faire, a policy that government should have minimal, if any involvement in business affairs. Communism is often considered its opposite. It values tight government control over the press, market, and economy.
Explain how the US and Soviet Union were allies in WWII.
Both nations fought on the Allied side during the second World War – they fought alongside each other against the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan), which were swiftly taking control of almost all of Europe.
After WWII, Europe was in ruins, and former colonial empires were crumbling. How did this set the scene for increased competition between the two superpowers, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
Because of Europe’s weakened state post-war and post-Nazi occupation, in both its economy and its government, the Soviets saw the years following the defeat of the Axis powers as the right moment to attempt to take control of once-Nazi-occupied European countries and spread its ideal of Communism. The U.S., vehemently opposed to Communism as a Capitalist and democratic state, sought to “contain” Communism and prevent its spread to anywhere else in the world. The difference in their values created great tension between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R and set the stage for the Cold War.
The Soviet Red Army remained in Eastern Europe after the war, which led to the Soviet Bloc. At the same time, the United States developed policies of containment — in particular, the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan. Explain these terms in detail.
The Marshall Plan was an arrangement to send financial and military aid to weakened European states post-Nazi-occupation to push back Soviet entrenchment. The Truman Doctrine established this plan, stating that should they fail to provide aid to these countries, the effects would be felt equally in the East and the West.
Who was started the Cold War, the United States or the Soviet Union?
The Soviet Union started the Cold War by trying to invade and occupy weakened post-war European states to spread Communism.
Look at the documents below and answer the following questions:
Who was primarily responsible for the start of the Cold War? What evidence do you have to support your claim?
Both states are equally responsible for the Cold War – the U.S. for its self-righteousness in stunting Soviet growth and its preparation for the Cold War, which it considered inevitable; and the Soviets by preying on nations debilitated by the war to spread its political and economic philosophies. This hypothesis is supported by both nations viewing each other as tyrannical and imperialistic.
Which of these documents do you believe is most trustworthy? Why?
These documents, save for Document D, are all written by American or Soviet politicians, making them biased. Because Document D is a personal letter from an American politician that isn’t meant to be a public treatise, it is most likely the least biased and the most reliable.
Did anyone’s hypothesis change? How and why?
Mine did – As an American, I jumped to the conclusion that the Soviets were at fault, without considering that other nations potentially view the U.S.’ actions in its preparation for the Cold War and its “protection” of states susceptible to Soviet invasion as self-righteous and hypocritical, as they would see America as just as imperialistic and power-hungry as the Soviets.
What other evidence would you need to strengthen your claim?
Other evidence that may help strengthen my claims would be telegrams, letters, and speeches from politicians that aren’t American or Soviet to gain perspective as to how other countries view both nations and their interests.
Timeline of the Early Cold War
1945: February 4-11 - Yalta Conference
1945: August 6 - United States first used atomic bomb in war 1945: August 8 - Russia enters war against Japan 1945: August 14 - Japanese surrenders, ending World War II 1946: March - Winston Churchill delivers "Iron Curtain" speech 1947: March - Truman announces Truman Doctrine 1947: June - Marshall Plan is announced 1948: February - Communist takeover in Czechoslovakia 1948: June 24 - Berlin blockade begins 1949: July - NATO treaty ratified 1949: May 12 - Berlin Blockade ends 1949: September - Mao Zedong, a communist, takes control of China 1949: September - Soviets explode first atomic bomb 1955: May – Warsaw Pact
Document A: The Iron Curtain Speech
(Modified)
It is my duty, however, to place before you certain facts about the present position in Europe. From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia; all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject, in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and in some cases increasing measure of control from Moscow. In a great number of countries, far from the Russian frontiers and throughout the world, Communist fifth columns are established and work in complete unity and absolute obedience to the directions they receive from the Communist center. I do not believe that Soviet Russia desires war. What they desire is the fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines. But what we have to consider here today while time remains, is the permanent prevention of war and the establishment of conditions of freedom and democracy as rapidly as possible in all countries.
Source:
Excerpt from the “Iron Curtain Speech” delivered by Winston Churchill, March 1946 in Fulton, Missouri.
Iron Curtain Speech
1. Who was Winston Churchill? Why would Americans trust what he has to say about the Soviet Union?
Winston Churchill was leader of Great Britain during World War II, and considered one of the greatest British leaders of the 20th century. An experienced and insightful politician, he aligned himself and his country with Western ideals and interests, and was a resolute ally to the U.S. during the war.
2. What does Churchill claim that the Soviet Union wanted?
He believes that the Soviets want not war but the “fruits of war” and the territorial gain and political expansion that comes with victory.
Document B: The Truman Doctrine
(Modified)
The United States has received from the Greek Government an urgent appeal for financial and economic assistance. Greece is in desperate need of financial and economic assistance to enable it to resume purchases of food, clothing, fuel, and seeds. The very existence of the Greek state is today threatened by the terrorist activities of several thousand armed men, led by Communists, who defy the government's authority. . . . Greece must have assistance if it is to become a self-supporting and self-respecting democracy. The United States must supply this assistance. . . . No other nation is willing and able to provide the necessary support for a democratic Greek government. One of the primary objectives of the foreign policy of the United States is the creation of conditions in which we and other nations will be able to work out a way of life free from coercion. It is necessary only to glance at a map to realize that the survival and integrity of the Greek nation are of grave importance in a much wider situation. If Greece should fall under the control of an armed minority, the effect upon its neighbor, Turkey, would be immediate and serious. Confusion and disorder might well spread throughout the entire Middle East. . . . Should we fail to aid Greece and Turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far reaching to the West as well as to the East. The free peoples of the world look to us for support in maintaining their freedoms. If we falter in our leadership, we may endanger the peace of the world. And we shall surely endanger the welfare of this nation. Great responsibilities have been placed upon us by the swift movement of events.
Source:
Excerpt from the “Truman Doctrine Speech,” delivered by President Truman to Congress on March 12, 1947. [Show Less]