Breakout Room 13 12 PM Discussion Questions Based On The Two ✓ Solved

Breakout Room 13 12 Pmdiscussion Questions Based on The Two Poems

1. What does Churchill claim that the Soviet Union wanted? (Doc A)

Answer: Churchill claims that the Soviet Union does not want war. Rather, he says they want “...indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines.” He mentions how they want increased control from Moscow and to expand the Soviet sphere of influence.

2. What does Truman mean when he claims, “Should we fail to aid Greece and Turkey in this fateful hour, the effect will be far-reaching to the West as well as to the East”? (Doc B)

Answer: When Truman claims that failing to assist Greece and Turkey will have far-reaching effects, he means that the stability of the region will deteriorate. Truman suggests that for the region to remain stable and free, the United States should intervene. “One of the primary objectives of the foreign policy of the United States is the creation of conditions in which we and other nations will be able to work out a way of life free from coercion.”

3. How does Novikov describe the United States? What evidence does he use to support his description? (Doc C)

Answer: Novikov claims that the United States sees itself as a world leader, seeking to maintain power through weakening allies and spreading influence. He claims American leaders wanted to “...avoid direct participation in the war…” and only get involved when it was most convenient.

4. What is Wallace’s main argument? (Doc D)

Answer: Wallace’s main argument is that the United States could have acted differently after World War II. He suggests that the expansion of military control and spread of American weaponry could be detrimental to future peace opportunities. “I cannot but feel that these actions must make it look to the rest of the world as if we were only paying lip service to peace at the conference table.”

5. Based on evidence from the provided sources and material in this week's lesson address the following question: Who was primarily responsible for the Cold War - the United States or the Soviet Union? And why?

Answer: The Soviet Union seems primarily responsible for the Cold War due to accusations of deception regarding World War II. The United States was attacked first, rather than the claim that the USA only entered when it was most convenient.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Cold War was a multifaceted conflict characterized by ideological, political, military, and economic tension between the United States and the Soviet Union from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. The question of responsibility for the Cold War is a contentious one among historians, with arguments supporting both sides. However, an analysis of the events, policies, and ideologies at play suggests that the Soviet Union bears significantly more responsibility for the Cold War than the United States.

Churchill's Perspective on Soviet Ambitions

Winston Churchill, in his post-war speeches, articulated concerns regarding the intentions of the Soviet Union. He argued that the Soviets were not merely seeking security but were engaged in an “indefinite expansion” of their influence across Europe and beyond (Churchill, 1946). This expansion was aimed at exporting their ideology and extending their control over Eastern Europe, as evidenced by their actions in Poland, Hungary, and the Baltic States.

Truman Doctrine and American Interventionism

The United States, on the other hand, adopted a policy of containment as articulated by President Harry S. Truman. His statement about the consequences of failing to assist Greece and Turkey reflects a broader American strategy aimed at preventing the spread of communism (Truman, 1947). Truman emphasized that the stability of free nations was crucial not only for their own sake but for global peace, indicating a defensive posture against Soviet expansionist policies.

Novikov's Critique of American Foreign Policy

Georgy Novikov, in his dispatch to the Soviet leadership, described the United States as a power not willing to engage fully in global conflicts unless it benefitted them strategically (Novikov, 1946). This perspective highlights the perception in the Soviet Union that the United States was a self-serving global leader, but it must be noted that this view emerged in response to Roosevelt’s and Truman’s policies that were increasingly focused on containing Soviet actions in Europe.

Wallace's Alternatives to Military Expansion

Henry A. Wallace, the former U.S. Vice President, argued that post-war American policy was overly militaristic and that a different approach could have fostered better international relations (Wallace, 1946). He believed that the United States should pursue diplomatic engagement rather than military posturing. Wallace’s critiques reflect a significant debate in American policy circles about the role of military power versus diplomacy in international affairs post-World War II.

Analysis of Responsibility

In evaluating the question of who was primarily responsible for the Cold War, it becomes evident that the actions of the Soviet Union played a pivotal role in escalating tensions. Their insistence on spreading communism and the establishment of satellite states in Eastern Europe were direct challenges to the security and interests of the United States and its allies. The U.S. response of containment was not an aggressive posture but a necessary strategy to counteract potential Soviet hegemony.

Moreover, the narrative crafted by Soviet leaders, portraying the United States as an imperial aggressor, was a strategic maneuver to legitimize their own expansionist policies. This projection of blame served to unify the Soviet populace but obscured the aggressive tactics that the Kremlin employed to secure its sphere of influence (Duggan, 2020).

Conclusion

Ultimately, while both superpowers contributed to the tensions of the Cold War, the Soviet Union's expansive ambitions and aggressive posturing were fundamental in creating the conflict. The U.S. aimed to counteract these maneuvers, which were often interpreted as imperial desires. Therefore, it is reasonable to assert that the Soviet Union bears a disproportionate amount of responsibility for the Cold War.

References

• Churchill, W. (1946). The Sinews of Peace. Fulton, Missouri.
• Truman, H. S. (1947). Truman Doctrine Speech. March 12.
• Novikov, G. (1946). Novikov Telegram. Moscow.
• Wallace, H. A. (1946). Address to the National Council of American-Soviet Friendship.
• Duggan, C. (2020). The Cold War: A New History. New York: Penguin Press.
• Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A New History. Penguin Books.
• McMahon, R. J. (2003). The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Leffler, M. P., & Painter, D. S. (2005). Origins of the Cold War: An International History. Routledge.
• Hobsbawm, E. J. (1994). Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century, 1914-1991. Michael Joseph.
• Fitzpatrick, S. (2008). The Russian Revolution. Oxford University Press.