To What Extent Were the Ussr’s Expansionist Ambitions Primarily Responsible for the Outbreak of the Cold War?Following World War 2, There Was a Period of Constant Tension Known as the Cold War. the Cold War Arose Due to

Following World War 2, there was a period of constant tension known as the Cold War. The cold war arose due to the newfound rivalry between the two emerging superpowers, the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics (USSR) and the United States of America (USA). A question that still lingers today is that of who was responsible for the outbreak of the Cold War. A common answer would be the USSR would be responsible, due to their expansionist ambitions. However, I believe that the USSR’s expansionist ambitions were only responsible to a small extent. The USA tried to be “the world’s policeman” and also misunderstood certain events. Hence, I feel that the USA and its imperialistic nature were far more responsible for the outbreak of the Cold War.

    One of the ways the USA asserted their imperialistic nature was via the Truman Doctrine. The Truman Doctrine was announced on 12 March 1947. It was developed based on the need to contain the USSR and the spread of communism. The Truman doctrine served as a turning point as it signaled the point where the USA strayed away from their isolationistic methods to being more involved in foreign affairs. The Truman Doctrine, in essence, provided a “blank cheque policy” to be used by any country that showed signs of being in danger of a communist threat: The USA basically gave itself, and committed to, military obligations to foreign countries after the war, when there was peace. The Truman Doctrine formed part of the USA’s new foreign policy; the idea of ‘containment’, in response to the threat of perceived Soviet and, communist expansionism, to try and curb them. This move by the USA was viewed with contempt by the USSR, also provoking them by labeling the dispute in terms of ideology. The USSR also interpreted the Truman Doctrine as a sign of American expansionism, keeping the USSR on their toes. It is evident that the USA’s want to prevent the spread of communism and basically, coming up with a policy to help countries in... [continues]

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