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Handshake

Part 1 - Rivalry, Mistrust & Accord (The Cold War)

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World Map

Case study 1: Japanese Expansion In East Asia 1931-41 (The Global War)

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Chart Increasing

Case Study 2: German & Italian Expansion 1933-40 (The Global War)

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Medal

Part 2 - Leaders & Nations (The Cold War)

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Radioactive

Part 3 - Cold War Crises (The Cold War)

The Cold War saw tension between two global superpowers: USA &amp; USSR. Their different ideologies and mutual distrust led to decades of political and military tension. Let&#39;s dive deep into what historians say about it!

<ul>
	<li>
	Dollar Imperialism: USA&#39;s attempt to win East European states with economic aid.

	<ul>
		<li>Real-world example: Imagine if a rich neighbor started giving money to your friends to make them his friends. How would you feel?</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Post-WWII Situation

	<ul>
		<li>USA: Economic boom 💰</li>
		<li>USSR: Economic strain 😓</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	USA&#39;s &quot;Aggressive&quot; Actions

	<ul>
		<li>Open trade policies</li>
		<li>Marshall Plan (economic aid to rebuild Europe)</li>
		<li>New currency in Western Germany zones</li>
		<li>NATO&#39;s establishment (military alliance)</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Nuclear Superiority: USSR feared USA&#39;s nuclear power.
	</li>
	<li>
	Historian&#39;s Take

	<ul>
		<li>John Gaddis: Speaks of Stalin&#39;s paranoia, viewing the West as a constant threat.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Orthodox/Traditional View (1950s-60s)

	<ul>
		<li>Main Argument: USSR started the Cold War.</li>
		<li>Reasons
		<ul>
			<li>USSR&rsquo;s expansionist nature because of Marxist theory (spreading revolution).</li>
			<li>USSR violated Yalta &amp; Potsdam agreements.</li>
			<li>Control of Eastern Europe and spreading Communism with Moscow as center.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Defenders: WH McNeill, H Feis.</li>
		<li>Quote: &ldquo;Marxism&ndash;Leninism gave the Russian leaders a view of the world in which the existence of any non-Communist state was by definition a threat to the Soviet Union &hellip;&rdquo; - Arthur M Schlesinger, Jr.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Revisionist View

	<ul>
		<li>Main Argument: USA was the instigator of the Cold War.</li>
		<li>Reasons
		<ul>
			<li>Dollar diplomacy: USA&rsquo;s aim to secure markets and trade.</li>
			<li>USA&rsquo;s traditional open-door policy from the 19th century.</li>
			<li>Fun Analogy: USA trying to sell its products (capitalism) and USSR not buying it!</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Defenders: William Appleman Williams, Gabriel and Joyce Kolko, Thomas Patterson.</li>
		<li>Interesting Point: Some believe Stalin was pragmatic and wanted security, and would&#39;ve compromised if the USA did too.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Radical Thesis

	<ul>
		<li>Idea: The nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was the USA&rsquo;s first move in the Cold War, not just the ending of WWII.</li>
		<li>Supporters: Gar Alperovitz, inspired by physicist PMS Blackett.</li>
		<li>Provocative Thought: The bomb was to intimidate Soviets more than to defeat Japan.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Remember, historians love debates! The above views are interpretations, not absolute truths. The Cold War, like any historical event, is multi-faceted and complex. Understanding these perspectives will help you critically analyze and form your own view.

Unveiling Cold War Truths: USSR's Fear Vs. USA's Dollar Imperialism

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Standard Level

History SL

Part 1 - Rivalry, Mistrust & Accord (The Cold War)

Unveiling Cold War Truths: USSR's Fear Vs. USA's Dollar Imperialism

Table of content

🌏 Overview

🇷🇺 USSR's fears

Unlock the Full Content!

Part 1 - Rivalry, Mistrust & Accord (The Cold War)

Unveiling Cold War Truths: USSR's Fear Vs. USA's Dollar Imperialism

Table of content

🌏 Overview

🇷🇺 USSR's fears

Unlock the Full Content!