Development of the Cold War
How far do you agree with the view that superpower misjudgements account for the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-53?
The term Cold War has been used to describe the period of extreme tension between the capitalist USA and communist USSR. Many historians argue that the main reason for the development of the Cold War was the misunderstandings between the two superpowers. This view is further supported by Source 7 who states that, “American decision-makers misread Soviet security interests in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe as proof of Soviet Expansionism.” However this view is opposed by Source 8 who, similar to revisionist historians, argues that the main driving force behind the development of the war was Stalin and his aggressive foreign policy; “Ruthless police methods and intensive communist propaganda.” However there had been many events in which Stalin has proved this traditionalist view incorrect in which he refrained from using force to gain power. Many of his actions were misread, as suggested by Source 7, and it can evidently be seen that it was these misunderstandings that caused an increase in tensions and led to the development of the Cold War.
During the 1940s, Stalin tried very hard to ensure the safety of the USSR however his actions were misjudged and as supported by Source 7, it was these miscalculations that contributed to the development of the Cold War. During the 20th Century, Russia was invaded by Germany three times and these invasions created a sense of paranoia for Stalin. He therefore sought to keep Poland under the influence of the USSR in order to prevent another attack from Germany. Due to its geographical position, Poland was a very good route for Germans to use in case of an attack and therefore by seeking to place Poland under the leadership of a Communist government, Stalin was attempting to eliminate any threat towards the safety of the USSR. However as stated by Source 7, “The American decision-makers misread
The term Cold War has been used to describe the period of extreme tension between the capitalist USA and communist USSR. Many historians argue that the main reason for the development of the Cold War was the misunderstandings between the two superpowers. This view is further supported by Source 7 who states that, “American decision-makers misread Soviet security interests in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe as proof of Soviet Expansionism.” However this view is opposed by Source 8 who, similar to revisionist historians, argues that the main driving force behind the development of the war was Stalin and his aggressive foreign policy; “Ruthless police methods and intensive communist propaganda.” However there had been many events in which Stalin has proved this traditionalist view incorrect in which he refrained from using force to gain power. Many of his actions were misread, as suggested by Source 7, and it can evidently be seen that it was these misunderstandings that caused an increase in tensions and led to the development of the Cold War.
During the 1940s, Stalin tried very hard to ensure the safety of the USSR however his actions were misjudged and as supported by Source 7, it was these miscalculations that contributed to the development of the Cold War. During the 20th Century, Russia was invaded by Germany three times and these invasions created a sense of paranoia for Stalin. He therefore sought to keep Poland under the influence of the USSR in order to prevent another attack from Germany. Due to its geographical position, Poland was a very good route for Germans to use in case of an attack and therefore by seeking to place Poland under the leadership of a Communist government, Stalin was attempting to eliminate any threat towards the safety of the USSR. However as stated by Source 7, “The American decision-makers misread