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Give two reasons why the Cold War began after World War II - Junior Cycle History - Question 1 - 2007
Question 1
Give two reasons why the Cold War began after World War II. Write an account of one named major crisis in the Cold War between USA and USSR during the period, 1945-... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Give two reasons why the Cold War began after World War II - Junior Cycle History - Question 1 - 2007
Step 1
Give two reasons why the Cold War began after World War II.
Answer
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Different Political Systems: After World War II, the ideological divide between the capitalist West, led by the United States, and the communist East, led by the Soviet Union, became prominent. The fundamental disagreement over political and economic systems contributed significantly to escalating tensions.
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Atomic Secrets and Distrust: Another factor was the atomic bomb. The United States' decision to keep atomic technology secret from the Soviet Union created a climate of suspicion. The Soviets felt they could not trust the West, leading to a race to develop their own nuclear capabilities.
Step 2
Write an account of one named major crisis in the Cold War between USA and USSR during the period, 1945-63.
Answer
One notable crisis during the Cold War was the Berlin Blockade (1948-1949). Following World War II, Germany was divided into four zones controlled by the US, the UK, France, and the USSR. The capital, Berlin, also divided similarly, became the focal point of Cold War tensions.
In June 1948, the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on all ground routes to West Berlin in response to the merger of the US, UK, and French zones. This blockade aimed to force the Allies out of the city and solidify Soviet control.
The US and its allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, supplying West Berlin through planes, which led to the blockade's eventual lifting in May 1949. This crisis not only exemplified the conflict between the superpowers but also solidified the division of Berlin into East and West, setting the stage for future confrontations.