THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR
THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR
(1945-50)
Definition: Martyn Walker calls it the “civil war of the human race” about the balance of global power, with an ideological element. It was the indirect conflict between the USA and USSR that went on from 1945-1991. And it was expressed in everything from an arms and space race to chess tournaments - and even ice hockey matches.
The Long-Term Reasons
Many regard the Cold War as having roots going back decades before the end of WWII in 1945.
Both sides did things that made the other mistrust them from the period 1917-1945.
Ideological Differences
The Cold War has often been seen as an ideological struggle between two mutually incompatible systems: capitalism and communism. Though this is a vast over-simplification, ideology did play a role. Ambrose and Brinkley certainly see its significance: “ideology cannot be ignored. Men like Truman, Harriman and Kennan were appalled by Russian brutality and Communist denial of the basic Western freedoms”.
USA
USSR
Leadership
Election System
Economy
Freedoms
Note-Taking Exercise On ‘The Cold War – Beyond Ideology’ By Gregory Slysz
Read the article and makes notes on the following longer-term reasons for the Cold War. Remember you must summarise as clearly and concisely as possible the arguments employed by the various historians mentioned.
1. What is Slysz’s basic argument?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What is John Gaddis’ view on when the Cold War began?
______________________________________________________________
3. Give two actions by Stalin that suggest he was a ‘tricky customer’
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What does John Lukacs basically say about Stalin’s attitude towards ideology?
(1945-50)
Definition: Martyn Walker calls it the “civil war of the human race” about the balance of global power, with an ideological element. It was the indirect conflict between the USA and USSR that went on from 1945-1991. And it was expressed in everything from an arms and space race to chess tournaments - and even ice hockey matches.
The Long-Term Reasons
Many regard the Cold War as having roots going back decades before the end of WWII in 1945.
Both sides did things that made the other mistrust them from the period 1917-1945.
Ideological Differences
The Cold War has often been seen as an ideological struggle between two mutually incompatible systems: capitalism and communism. Though this is a vast over-simplification, ideology did play a role. Ambrose and Brinkley certainly see its significance: “ideology cannot be ignored. Men like Truman, Harriman and Kennan were appalled by Russian brutality and Communist denial of the basic Western freedoms”.
USA
USSR
Leadership
Election System
Economy
Freedoms
Note-Taking Exercise On ‘The Cold War – Beyond Ideology’ By Gregory Slysz
Read the article and makes notes on the following longer-term reasons for the Cold War. Remember you must summarise as clearly and concisely as possible the arguments employed by the various historians mentioned.
1. What is Slysz’s basic argument?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What is John Gaddis’ view on when the Cold War began?
______________________________________________________________
3. Give two actions by Stalin that suggest he was a ‘tricky customer’
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What does John Lukacs basically say about Stalin’s attitude towards ideology?