Superpowers Dbq

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Recommended: Conflict between the Soviet Union and America

The following essay will critically analyse the battle of two superpowers, the USA and USSR, who represented opposing ideologies, capitalism and communism, which followed the end of World War II in 1945 to the death of Mao Zedong in 1976. Utilising a selection of writings and visual references this essay will explain how capitalism in the USA and communism in the USSR caused a power struggle and prolonged tension between these superpowers and that although there was significant land gain it was predominantly intended to promote a single social, economic and political order throughout the world. The below essay will therefore discuss, using relating primary and secondary sources that land gain was an inevitable result but not the driving force behind the Cold War.

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World War II not only highlighted the tension between the USSR and the USA but also left Europe’s economy and land in a devastated state. (Source C). Europe required a …show more content…

(Source E). The Warsaw Pact focused on Military and political control which was supported by most communist countries. (Source E). The Soviet Unions approach to gaining a communist following was more aggressive and troop were placed all around eastern Europe. Source E). Their aim was to alter all policies and gain control over militaries. This was direct response to NATO as the Soviet Union needed to gain influence over Europe on the same scale as the USA had done. (Source E). NATO was an offensive tactic to gain popularity while The Warsaw Pact was formed as a means of defence. (Source E). The response of Warsaw Pact made the predominant intention to spread an ideology as opposed to gain land evident as the threat to their ideology was the loyalty created and the rapid control over Europe. (Source

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