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Explain two of the following: • The importance of the USA's development of the atomic bomb for relations between the superpowers in the years 1945-49 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 3
Explain two of the following: • The importance of the USA's development of the atomic bomb for relations between the superpowers in the years 1945-49. • The import... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: • The importance of the USA's development of the atomic bomb for relations between the superpowers in the years 1945-49 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
The importance of the USA's development of the atomic bomb for relations between the superpowers in the years 1945-49.
Answer
The development of the atomic bomb by the USA fundamentally transformed international relations in the immediate post-World War II period. Key points include:
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Strategic Advantage: The successful testing of the atomic bomb in July 1945 gave the USA a significant military advantage and altered the balance of power during negotiations, notably at the Potsdam Conference. This led to increased tension as the USSR felt threatened by this new capability.
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Arms Race Initiation: The USA's possession of nuclear weapons prompted the Soviet Union to accelerate its own nuclear program. This began a nuclear arms race, which became a defining feature of the Cold War, as both powers sought to outdo each other in terms of military capabilities.
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Impact on Foreign Policy: The USA utilized its atomic capabilities as a deterrent, leading to a more aggressive stance towards the Soviet Union. This included the establishment of a 'buffer' of allied nations in Eastern Europe to prevent Soviet expansionism, significantly impacting global geopolitics.
Step 2
The importance of the Bay of Pigs incident for relations between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Answer
The Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961 was a crucial event for escalating tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union. Important points include:
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Failed Military Action: The invasion, intended to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba, ended in failure. This not only embarrassed the USA but also boosted Soviet perceptions of American weakness, leading to intensified Soviet support for Cuba.
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Confrontational Stance: The incident resulted in a more confrontational relationship between the superpowers. The USA’s support of anti-communist actions was met with increased Soviet military assistance to Cuba, which included the deployment of nuclear weapons.
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Khrushchev's Influence: The failure reinforced Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev's belief in the co-existence strategy, yet it also strengthened his resolve to counteract American influence, culminating in the Cuban Missile Crisis, a direct confrontation between the two powers.