Since 1945: Origins of the Cold War

1. What is the impression of U.S.-Soviet relations conveyed in these documents? Why?

The impression I get is that the U.S. Soviet relations are rocky. America tried to stay out of all the controversy at first but eventually were sucked in, at one point, the U.S. was bragging to the Soviets and although they seemed unfazed by it, secretly they impressed.

2. What actions/responses taken by both the U.S. & U.S.S.R. led to the onset of the Cold War

The U.S. was the only power that was able to provide economic aid after the war, the fact that the United States had money was what made the U.S.S.R. strive harder to be a dominant country, the Soviets demanded for 10 million in reparations which could have created tension from not only America but other countries.

3. Is one country more to blame than the other? Why or Why not?

No, I believe that the countries dragged into this war were forced to, to protect what was theirs and to show others that they were strong, the Soviet Union started it and the blame should remain on them, although in their minds they might have been trying to protect what little they had after they had been damaged in the World War.

4. How did each country secure their sides? How did they literally create their spheres of influence?

The Americans, British and Soviets secured their sides by splitting up Germany and Berlin into four occupation zones, in the two “Big Three” conferences. France took over control in the fourth Zone.

5. Were their actions entirely selfish or selfless?

Their actions weren’t selfish, or selfless, while all the countries involved in dividing Germany might have realized that in the end it might be a good choice economically, militarily and politically. America, Britain, France and the Soviets divided Germany to protect the world from further damage. To control the Germans in every way was a very powerful thing and it obviously was in the wrong hands.

6. What connection was made between economic dislocation & communism?

Economic dislocation with essentially means a weak economy and therefore make the idea of communism more appealing, having everything be equal.

7. Why containment?

Containment was a way that made it seem as though the U.S. was on the offensive side and kept everyone calm and put together instead of going back on everything they said.

8. How "successful" was the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan was successful, even though Europe was already on the road to recovery, it showed that the U.S. was there to help the countries that wanted to be helped. It gave ideas to the Europeans for the future on how to deal with their economic woes, the Marshall Plan also helped by unsettling the communists economy in Europe .

9. Was the Cold War inevitable? Why or Why not?

No, because another country like the USSR would have stood up to what they wanted and it might have been taken as far as the Cold War was because the USSR were very prepared, but there still would have casualties, and more economic troubles, allies and enemies.