Who was more to blame for starting the Cold War, the USA or the USSR?

OR ‘Stalin was annoyed with the USA because Truman had not informed him of the use of the atomic bomb on Japan. Stalin was convinced the US would use the bomb to gain world-wide power and so started work on producing one. This caused the USA to feel threatened.’ ‘Stalin refused to allow Soviet controlled coun tries to accept aid as he thought the real purpose was for the USA to

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2016 paper 3 variant 2

the historian who wrote it? Use the extract and your knowledge of the Cold War to explain your answer. [40] Interpretation/Approach The main interpretation is that both the USA and the USSR were to blame for the Cold War. This is a post-revisionist interpretation. Showing understanding of the Big Message at L5 will require demonstration using the extract of the culpabi lity BOTH of the USA and the USSR

(A/s) History May/June 2016 paper 3 variant 2

The way the US interpreted the actions of the USSR was hugely significant; there were two possible views, and the US chose to view the USSR as an ideologically-driven, expansionist state. However, this historian thinks the US was wrong, and that the Soviet Union was essentially cautious and pragmatic. Given that the historian appears to be placing greater blame on the US for the breakdown of post-war relations, candidates

(A/s) History May/June 2016 paper 3 variant 1

Question paper found on page 4 / 20 pages total, pdf

the interpretation and approach of the historian who wrote it? Use the extract and your knowledge of the Cold War to explain your answer. [40] Interpretation/Approach The L5 Big Message will put the USA at the centre of the interpretation, and argue, at the least, that the USA was more responsible than the USSR, though a properly developed argument that the extract is revisionist is possible. The main interpretation

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2009 paper 1

war is in the making. From a letter sent by the US President Truman to his Secretary of State, January 1946. (a) What did Stalin gain from the Yalta conference? [5] (b) Why did tensions between the USSR and the Western Allies increase at the Potsdam conference? [7] (c) Who was more to blame for starting the Cold War, the USA or the USSR? Explain

(IGCSE) History May/June 2009 paper 1

Question paper found on page 4 / 20 pages total, pdf

war is in the making. From a letter sent by the US President Truman to his Secretary of State, January 1946. (a) What did Stalin gain from the Yalta conference? [5] (b) Why did tensions between the USSR and the Western Allies increase at the Potsdam conference? [7] (c) Who was more to blame for starting the Cold War, the USA or the USSR? Explain

(A/s) History May/June 2016 paper 3 variant 3

for blame being shared, or for neither being to blame, or that the USSR was to blame. Some will, however, argue that it does, i.e. that it is post- revisionist or traditionalist. This can be no better than L3. Glossary: Traditional/Orthodox interpretations of the Cold War were generally produced early after WW2. They blame the Soviet Union and Stalin’s expansionism for the Cold War. Revisionist

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2017 paper 3 variant 1

the interpretation and approach of the historian who wrote it? Use the extract and your knowledge of the Cold War to explain your answer. Interpretation/Approach The extract focuses on Truman, so the Big Message must be on Truman. The main interpretation is that it was Truman who made a post-war settlement between USA and the USSR impossible, because of his misunderstanding/over-simplified view of relations between the USA and the

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2016 paper 3 variant 3

for the most insightful answers to argue that it is post-post-revisionist (i.e. blaming the USSR but not blind to the shortcomings of the USA). Glossary: Traditional/orthodox interpretations of the Cold War were generally produced early after WW2. They blame the Soviet Union and Stalin’s expansionism for the Cold War. Revisionist historians challenged this view and shifted more of the focus onto the United States, generally through

(A/s) History May/June 2018 paper 3 variant 1

the Cold War, 1941–1950 3 What can you learn from this extract about the interpretation and approach of the historian who wrote it? Use the extract and your knowledge of the Cold War to explain your answer. Interpretation/Approach The main interpretation is that the USA bears most of the blame for the Cold War as a result of its own expansionism, and for exaggerating the Soviet threat to

(A/s) History May/June 2019 paper 3 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 18 / 56 pages total, pdf

The Origins and Development of the Cold War, 1941–1950 3 40 Interpretation / Approach The main interpretation is that in the immediate post-war period both sides gave the other reason for suspicion, but the USA bears more blame than the USSR for this. Showing understanding of the Big Message will involve discussion of both these aspects. The extract seems to place greater blame on the USA and Truman

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2013 paper 1 variant 3

for each point) e.g. ‘The USSR and the USA did not trust each other.’ ‘Stalin wanted to spread communism.’ ‘The USSR wanted to avoid any future attacks.’ ‘Eastern Europe was communist controlled.’ ‘Stalin set up Cominform and Comecon.’ ‘There was the Berlin Blockade.’ ‘The USA wanted to promote capitalism.’ ‘The USA introduced economic aid to Europe.’ ‘The USA had an atomic

(A/s) History May/June 2018

Examiner report found on page 29 / 42 pages total, pdf

the interpretation showed that the Allies were to blame for the Holocaust. The weakest answers paraphrased points in the extract, or wrote about the Holocaust with no reference to the extract. Section C – The Origins and Development of the Cold War, 1941–1950 The central argument of the historian who wrote this extract is that the USA bears most of the blame for the Cold War as a result

(IGCSE) History May/June 2014 paper 1 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 23 / 77 pages total, pdf

The USSR and the USA were both to blame for the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. Level 0 No evidence submitted or response does not address the question [0] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge [1] e.g. ‘Both countries were to blame because they followed different ideas.’ Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes reasons [2] (One mark

(A/s) History May/June 2017 paper 3 variant 1

the interpretation and approach of the historian who wrote it? Use the extract and your knowledge of the Cold War to explain your answer. Interpretation/Approach This extract is about US diplomacy at the end of the war. The main interpretation is that the Americans failed to make the most of the real opportunities that were open to them, but this does not mean they were to blame for the Cold War. Showing

(A/s) History May/June 2019 paper 3 variant 3

Examiner report found on page 7 / 14 pages total, pdf

The Origins and Development of the Cold War, 1941–1950 3 Interpretation/Approach The main interpretation is that the atomic bomb had the effect of intensifying the Cold War, and the USA bears some element of blame for this (but NOT blame for causing the Cold War). Showing understanding of the Big Message will involve discussion of both these aspects. The extract can be seen as critical of the

(A/s) History May/June 2005

to explain directly which of the three developments had the best claim to starting the Cold War. Knowledge was then deployed to support and sustain the case made. A number of candidates took the view that none of the three incidents constituted the start of the Cold War. The best of these answers were able to explain which of the three developments did not constitute the start of the Cold War as well as

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2019 paper 3 variant 2

Specimen mark scheme found on page 7 / 16 pages total, pdf

or both for the Cold War. This extract is a post-revisionist interpretation, and any developed attempt to argue another label should not be awarded more than L3. Glossary: Traditional/Orthodox interpretations of the Cold War were generally produced early after the Second World War. They blame the Soviet Union and Stalin’s expansionism for the Cold War. Revisionist historians challenged this view and shifted more of the focus onto the United

(A/s) History For examination from 2015 paper 4

the view that the globalisation of the Cold War was caused by the American policy of containment, it could be argued that the USA saw communism as a threat to the free market economy on which the USA depended for its trade and economic prosperity. Containment was designed to prevent the spread of communism. After the fall of China to communism in 1949, the USA became convinced that there was a monolithic

(IGCSE) History May/June 2012 paper 1 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 23 / 77 pages total, pdf

the start of spreading Communism around the world and responded with the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan which was to help the vulnerable European economy suffering from the after effects of war. The USSR saw this as a threat.’ ‘Churchill, in a speech in the USA, viewed the lack of free elections in Eastern Europe and the setting up of Communist controlled buffer states around the USSR like an iron curtain descending

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2013 paper 1 variant 3

Question paper found on page 6 / 24 pages total, pdf

the cartoon, and then answer the questions which follow. An American cartoon commenting on Stalin’s expansionist ambitions. (a) What did Stalin gain from the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences? [5] (b) Why did the USA-USSR alliance begin to break down in 1945? [7] (c) ‘The USA and the USSR were equally to blame for the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with this

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2015

Examiner report found on page 35 / 47 pages total, pdf

to actually blaming it for the Cold War is much more dubious. Nonetheless, better answers focused on the idea that the historian’s interpretation had aspects that were critical towards the USA. Of course, there were also answers claiming that the extract was post-revisionist, but this conclusion was perhaps the hardest of all to justify, as the historian was so obviously focused on the USA rather than the USSR, whereas post

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2014 paper 3 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 11 / 16 pages total, pdf

the two superpowers, the USA or the USSR, was more responsible for ending the period of détente of the 1970s? Arguments that the USA was responsible might include – • USA adopted a more hostile approach to the USSR from about 1976 • Conservatism gained strength in the USA and it viewed the increasing influence of the USSR in the Third World as further evidence of Soviet expansionism (e

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2002

Examiner report found on page 10 / 17 pages total, pdf

the collapse of the USSR. This, they argued, showed how important Eastern Europe was to the USSR in the 1980s and, by implication, in the 1940s. This meant that the revisionists ’ explanation for the outbreak of the Cold War was strengthened. Though rather convoluted, as well as being hard to prove, the argument was accepted as a valid attempt to answer the question. The important

(A/s) History May/June 2018 paper 4 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 12 / 15 pages total, pdf

the USA that there was a plot, orchestrated by the USSR, to spread communism globally. The USA therefore adopted the policy of containment (and, at times, roll back) to prevent this. Convinced that Stalin was behind North Korea’s invasion of the South, the USA became involved in what was essentially a regional, nationalistic war, thus globalising the Cold War. Concerned about the ‘domino effect’, the USA also

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2019 paper 1 variant 3

Mark scheme found on page 32 / 94 pages total, pdf

The USA’s response to Stalin’s actions was also to blame for the Cold War. The Truman Doctrine offered support to any free people struggling to avoid communism. The Marshall Plan was set up to help the vulnerable European economy suffering from the after effects of war. Stalin saw this as aggressive and refused to allow Soviet bloc countries to accept aid. He thought the real purpose was for the USA to

(A/s) History May/June 2019 paper 4 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 15 / 15 pages total, pdf

the Cold War in the period from 1956 to 1979? The Middle East was a strategically important area in the context of the Cold War. Located at the crossroads between the West, the Communist Bloc and Third World Asia and Africa, the Middle East also provided oil, a product which was vital to both sides in the Cold War. As a result, both the USA and the USSR sought

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2006

Examiner report found on page 7 / 15 pages total, pdf

Cold war to break out from 1945. Question 3 Which of the two superpowers, the USA and the USSR, was more responsible for the globalisation of the Cold War? This was also a very popular question. The vast ma jority of candidates were able to address the question directly and offered explanations of where the USA and the USSR helped globalise the Cold War. References were made to the Korean War

(A/s) History May/June 2017

Examiner report found on page 29 / 43 pages total, pdf

the Holocaust with no reference to the extract. Section C: The Origins and Development of the Cold War, 1941-50 The central argument of the historian who wrote the extract is that, whilst the USA certainly failed to make the most of the diplomatic opportunities open to them, this does not mean they were to blame for the Cold War. The most successful candidates were able to read the first

(A/s) History May/June 2010 paper 3 variant 2

the view that neither the USA nor the USSR wanted a Cold War to develop in Europe in the years 1945 –1949. Candidates have the opportunity to assess the r easons for the origins and development of the Cold War, in the years 1945 –1949, in relation to the historical debate on the issue. The assertion in the question may lead candida tes to discuss the

(IGCSE) History May/June 2006 paper 1

Examiner report found on page 7 / 14 pages total, pdf

was to help the vulnerable European economy suffering from the after effects of war. The USSR saw this as a threat.’ ‘The fact that the USA had the atom bomb encouraged Stalin to rush through the Soviet response and the arms race had started.’ ‘The USA and USSR held different ideologies of capitalism v communism and actions led to suspicion and hostility as they drifted apart at the end of the war

(A/s) History May/June 2004

the impact of the Cold War. This meant they had to consider how the context of US-USSR rivalry and disputes affected the regional disputes between Arabs and Israelis. The superficial analysis is to argue that the USA backed Israel and the USSR the Arabs, thus making the regional dispute more unstable. Most avoided this second danger as well. The reality was more complex. In the 1956 Suez crisis, the

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2010 paper 3 variant 3

the Cold War was centred largely on Europe and Asia. They may state that the Korean War made the Cold War more global by extending it beyond Europe into the Far East and South East Asia. However, the Cuban Missile Crisis extended the Cold War into the Americas and, after 1962, the Cold War was extended to Africa and the Middle East. Moreover, the Cuban Missile Crisis saw the USA

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2017 paper 3 variant 3

Mark scheme found on page 15 / 20 pages total, pdf

the historian who wrote it? Use the extract and your knowledge of the Cold War to explain your answer. Interpretation/Approach The extract focuses on the USA, so the Big Message must be about the USA. The main interpretation is that the USA was determined to impose its economic system on the post-war world, and that the failure to coerce or seduce the Soviet Union into co-operation led to the policy

(A/s) History May/June 2017 paper 4 variant 2

to destroy this balance. Moreover, the costs of maintaining the arms race were having devastating effects on the economies of both the USA and the USSR. This was particularly evident in the USSR, whose satellite states were facing economic problems leading to political unrest. The need to reduce the risk of future war therefore pushed both the USA and the USSR towards détente. At the same time, countries in Western Europe

(A/s) History May/June 2004 paper 3

to resolve. As the USA tended to side with Israel, so the USSR supported the Arabs, the so-called ‘progressive forces’. This support from both superpowers usually involved the provision of the latest military hardware to both sides, which made them less willing to settle, more willing to risk war. This can be seen especially in the period preceding the Yom Kippur war. And once a war was over, the

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2012 paper 3 variant 2

the Berlin Blockade etc. The USA saw these events as clear evidence of Soviet expansionism, which needed to be checked by initiatives such as the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan. The ‘post-revisionist’ view that the Cold War was caused by misunderstandings between the super powers (e.g. the USA failing to understand the USSR’s need for security from Western Europe; the USSR’s failure to understand the USA’

(A/s) History May/June 2004 paper 1

to resolve. As the USA tended to side with Israel, so the USSR supported the Arabs, the so-called ‘progressive forces’. This support from both superpowers usually involved the provision of the latest military hardware to both sides, which made them less willing to settle, more willing to risk war. This can be seen especially in the period preceding the Yom Kippur war. And once a war was over, the

(A/s) History May/June 2004 paper 6

to resolve. As the USA tended to side with Israel, so the USSR supported the Arabs, the so-called ‘progressive forces’. This support from both superpowers usually involved the provision of the latest military hardware to both sides, which made them less willing to settle, more willing to risk war. This can be seen especially in the period preceding the Yom Kippur war. And once a war was over, the

(A/s) History May/June 2004 paper 5

Examiner report found on page 18 / 42 pages total, pdf

to resolve. As the USA tended to side with Israel, so the USSR supported the Arabs, the so-called ‘progressive forces’. This support from both superpowers usually involved the provision of the latest military hardware to both sides, which made them less willing to settle, more willing to risk war. This can be seen especially in the period preceding the Yom Kippur war. And once a war was over, the

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2010

the USA responded with the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the Berlin Blockade and NATO, all of which helped to develop the Cold War. In order to ensure balance, such responses argued that the hypothesis could be challenged by reference to the revisionist view that the USA was not only responsible for developing the Cold War, but also for starting it. This argument was supported by reference to Truman’s strongly anti

(IGCSE) History Feb/March 2017 paper 4 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 17 / 17 pages total, pdf

to the outbreak of war in 1956 was the role of Britain? Explain your answer. YES Britain had withdrawn funding to Nasser who sided with communist USSR during Cold War hostility; Britain had been arming Israel since 1949 and co-owned Suez Canal which was vital to trade; Britain conspired with France and Israel who would launch a surprise attack in Sinai; Anthony Eden forced to resign, etc. NO

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2004 paper 3

Question paper found on page 3 / 12 pages total, pdf

the Cold War in the period 1950 – 80? This is perhaps more challenging than the us ual thematic question on globalisation of the cold war, especially if it is to be answered well. The quote challenges the orthodox view of the cold war, which is to see the regional conflicts as part of and, by implication, caused by the struggle for mastery between the USA and the USSR. The

(IGCSE) History May/June 2019 paper 1 variant 1

to the Italian invasion of Abyssinia justified? Explain your answer. [10] 7 Many issues divided the wartime allies after the end of the Second World War. (a) What was the Berlin Airlift? [4] (b) Why was it harder for the Allies to reach agreement at Potsdam than it had been at Yalta? [6] (c) Who was more to blame for the Cold War, the USA or

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2016

Examiner report found on page 33 / 45 pages total, pdf

for Teachers some demonstrated little sense of the extract as a whole. For instance, it was quite common to see responses which argued that the first paragraph was post-revisionist, the second was revisionist and the third traditional. While sub-messages about how the USA and USSR were to blame were identified and supported in such answers, there was little attempt to develop an overview of the argument. Although most answers contained

(A/s) History May/June 2008 paper 3

the USSR was more responsible than the USA for the outbreak and development of the Cold War in the period from 1945 to 1949. Candidates have the opportunity to assess the reas ons behind the outbreak of the Cold War in relation to the roles of the two superpowers. In doing so, candidates can link their analysis with the on-going historical debate on the causes of the Cold War.

(A/s) History May/June 2011 paper 3 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 10 / 15 pages total, pdf

to whether the hypothesis is to be supported or not 4 How far were Arab-Israeli relations affected by the Cold War between 1956 and 1979? Candidates will be expected to show knowledge and understanding of the Arab-Israeli issue between the Suez War of 1956 and the Camp David peace agreement of 1979, and to deploy this in order to evaluate the impact of the Cold War

(A/s) History May/June 2011 paper 3 variant 1

Timor etc. • Middle East: – at crossroads between the West, the Communist Bloc and Third World Asia and Africa – oil – involvement of USA and USSR Characteristically, the best responses will • be focused and provide more than one example • analyse/evaluate both the spread of the Cold War and the reasons for it • reach a reasoned conclusion as to why the Cold War was globalised www.theallpapers.com

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2015

Examiner report found on page 18 / 33 pages total, pdf

the point of view of the cartoonists. Both Sources E and F display disapproval with Soviet actions. Candidates who explained that this disapproval was the main thing these two cartoons have in common, performed well. Less successful answers compared the provenance or the sub-messages of the cartoons, for example the Soviet Union wants to control Eastern Europe or the Soviet Union was worried by, or opposed to, the Marshall Plan.

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2013 paper 3 variant 3

Question paper found on page 5 / 8 pages total, pdf

the Cold War. The USA was directly involved in Korea and Vietnam, whereas the USSR was not. The Cuban crisis was caused by US over-reaction to Castro. In the name of protecting the world from communism, the USA supported non-democratic governments. The USA’s nuclear weapons programme helped to globalise the Cold War – e.g. Khrushchev claimed that one reason for placing Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba was to

(A/s) History May/June 2006 paper 3

the growth of nationalism within the USSR was the main cause of its collapse by 1991? 6 Discuss the view that in the period from 1950 to 1980, the nuclear arms race did more to stabilise the Cold War than to destabilise it. 7 Why, throughout the Cold War era, was the capitalist world economy so frequently in crisis? 8 Assess the impact of decolonisation on newly-independent

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2011 paper 1 variant 2

was seen by the USA as the beginning of a Soviet attempt to spread communism around the world.’ OR e.g. ‘In July 1945 the Americans had successfully tested an atomic bomb. Truman had not told Stalin about this before using the bomb and the USA refused to share the secret of how to make atomic bombs. Stalin interpreted this secrecy to mean that the USA would use the atomic bomb

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2008 paper 1

the start of spreading communism around the world and responded with the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan which was to help the vulnerable European economy suffering from the after effects of war. The USSR saw this as a threat.’ ‘The fact that the USA had the atom bomb but failed to tell Stalin encouraged Stalin to rush through the Soviet response and the arms race had started.’ OR ‘The USA and USSR

(A/s) History May/June 2011 paper 3 variant 3

Mark scheme found on page 6 / 7 pages total, pdf

the USA was more responsible than the USSR for the outbreak and development of the Cold War in the period from 1945 to 1949. The question requires candidates to display knowledge and understanding of the causes and early development of the Cold War in Europe, and to deploy this in order to address the validity of the hypothesis. Candidates may refer to the historical debate regarding the causes of the Cold

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2006 paper 3

the collapse of the USSR affected the histor ical debate about the origins of the Cold War? Candidates have the opportunity to discuss the challenging nature of historical interpretations of the origins of the Cold War. They may be able to explain that since 1945 there have been a variety of interpretations concerning the origins of the Cold war. They may state that the traditional/orthodox interpretation, which was dominant from the

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2014 paper 1 variant 2

Question paper found on page 6 / 20 pages total, pdf

for Russia, but one of life and death. Stalin speaking to Churchill and Roosevelt at Yalta in 1945. (a) What was discussed, in relation to Poland, at the Yalta Conference? [5] (b) Why did tensions between the USSR and the Western Allies increase at the Potsdam Conference? [7] (c) ‘The USSR was to blame for starting the Cold War.’ How far do you agree

(A/s) History May/June 2004 paper 6

the traditional thesis or part of the post-revisionist explanation for the outbreak of the Cold War. The former sees the USSR as causing the Cold War, the latter that the two superpowers misread each other’s aims and intentions. Thus traditionalists argue that, in 1945-9, the USA had to act to contain an ideologically driven, expansionist USSR. The best and most significant example of this view was Kennan’

(A/s) History May/June 2004 paper 3

Examiner report found on page 22 / 42 pages total, pdf

the traditional thesis or part of the post-revisionist explanation for the outbreak of the Cold War. The former sees the USSR as causing the Cold War, the latter that the two superpowers misread each other’s aims and intentions. Thus traditionalists argue that, in 1945-9, the USA had to act to contain an ideologically driven, expansionist USSR. The best and most significant example of this view was Kennan’

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2010

The USSR was responsible for starti ng the Cold War, but the USA was responsible for developing it’. How far do you agree with this view of events from 1945 to 1949? It was clear that most candidates had impressive knowledge of the causes of the Cold War and the surrounding historical debate. The best responses were produced by candidates who were able to sustain a balanced argument which was

(A/s) History May/June 2018 paper 4 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 13 / 15 pages total, pdf

the Cold War was over (Malta 1989). Given the parlous state of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev had little option but to attempt reform in the USSR and seek negotiations with the West. In addition to the USSR’s dire economic and political situation, Gorbachev faced enormous pressure from the USA. Reagan’s policy of militarised counter-revolution demonstrated the USA’s determination to pursue the Second Cold War on all

(A/s) History May/June 2013 paper 3 variant 2

for example in Southeast Asia). The USSR, while not directly involved in the Korean War, had given ‘permission’ for the North to attack the South, while both the USSR and the PRC played significant roles in the Vietnam war, supplying the Vietcong with the weaponry necessary to achieve victory. In Cuba, the USSR created greater tension by placing nuclear weapons close to the USA itself. Also the USSR exploited post

(A/s) History May/June 2004 paper 5

the traditional thesis or part of the post-revisionist explanation for the outbreak of the Cold War. The former sees the USSR as causing the Cold War, the latter that the two superpowers misread each other’s aims and intentions. Thus traditionalists argue that, in 1945-9, the USA had to act to contain an ideologically driven, expansionist USSR. The best and most significant example of this view was Kennan’

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2011 paper 3 variant 3

to the USSR, which had a vested interest in keeping Germany weak. The Berlin Blockade and Cominform could be seen as defensive strategies by the USSR, while it was the USA that was exploiting the political and economic weaknesses of Europe. The post-revisionist view argues that it was misunderstandings and mistrust between the USA and the USSR which led to the Cold War. Both superpowers assume that the other was seeking to

(A/s) History May/June 2004 paper 1

Examiner report found on page 33 / 43 pages total, pdf

the traditional thesis or part of the post-revisionist explanation for the outbreak of the Cold War. The former sees the USSR as causing the Cold War, the latter that the two superpowers misread each other’s aims and intentions. Thus traditionalists argue that, in 1945-9, the USA had to act to contain an ideologically driven, expansionist USSR. The best and most significant example of this view was Kennan’

(A/s) History May/June 2017

or paraphrased points in the extract without engaging with the historian’s interpretation, and second those that wrote about the Cold War with no reference to the extract, but answers falling into the latter of these two categories were very rare. Section C: The Origins and Development of the Cold War, 1941-50 The central argument of the historian who wrote the extract is that the Cold War was the consequence

(A/s) History May/June 2013 paper 3 variant 3

Mark scheme found on page 19 / 54 pages total, pdf

to Soviet expansionism, the USA instituted the Truman Doctrine to protect Western Europe and the Marshall Plan to facilitate economic rebuilding. Post-revisionists would argue that both the USA and the USSR were merely seeking to ensure their own security, and that they misunderstood each others’ motives. 3 ‘The Cold War was globalised between 1950 and 1980 despite the fact that neither the USA nor the USSR had expansionist

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2004 paper 1

the context of the Cold War America was concerned that the USSR was trying to draw them into nuclear war.’ ‘Khrushchev wanted to test the USA to see how strong they really were.’ ‘There was potential for a war and for over a week the world was on the brink of nuclear war.’ ‘USSR wanted the missiles as bargaining power to get the USA to remove its missiles from Turkey.’

(IGCSE) History May/June 2017 paper 1 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 32 / 90 pages total, pdf

the USSR was even more concerning as it led to trade deals, arms supplies and military advice. This would give the USSR influence in America’s ‘own backyard’ at a time of the Cold War.’ 2–3 Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes reasons (One mark for each identification/description) e.g. ‘The USA lost influence and control over Cuba.’ ‘The USA had supported Batista, who had been

(A/s) History May/June 2016 paper 4 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 12 / 14 pages total, pdf

the ‘evil empire’; by allowing US nuclear missile bases in Britain, she was imposing further pressure on the USSR. Unable to match the USA’s military expenditure, the USSR had no choice but to call an end to the arms race and the Cold War. With the pressure which his policies imposed on the USSR clearly working, Reagan was prepared to negotiate with Gorbachev. Unjustified – Support for the ‘triumphalist’

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2010

Examiner report found on page 26 / 42 pages total, pdf

the policy of containment which was to shape future American actions. Together with the Marshall Plan and American determination to protect it s own economic interests, the Truman Doctrine set the USA on a path of formal opposition to the USSR and c ould be seen as marking the start of the Cold War. To achieve balance the best responses suggested t hat the Cold War had alr eady started before the introduction of

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2016 paper 4 variant 3

Mark scheme found on page 9 / 17 pages total, pdf

the ‘evil empire’ were portrayed as the reason for the USSR’s sudden willingness to negotiate under Gorbachev. The implication of this view is that the Cold War would have ended sooner if the USA had continued to put pressure on the USSR rather than seeking détente. Despite lengthy negotiations, the SALT Treaties had no real impact on the nuclear arms race, both superpowers continuing to develop new and more efficient

(A/s) History May/June 2005 paper 3

Mark scheme found on page 6 / 10 pages total, pdf

the three events properly mark the start of the Cold War. 3 Who or what was responsible for the globalisation of the Cold War? The prime suspects will be the leaders of the superpowers, the USA and the USSR – and perhaps China. The USA’s responsibility might be evident in NSC-68 (April 1950), which argued the need to counter Soviet ‘design for world domination’ and ‘Soviet

(A/s) History May/June 2015 paper 4 variant 2

Examiner report found on page 9 / 19 pages total, pdf

the time, Helsinki was seen as evidence of the weakness of the USA, especially following its withdrawal from Vietnam, which paralleled the negotiations in Helsinki. The Accords can be seen as a defeat for the USA and Western Europe becaus e they had to accept the borders which had been established during and after the end of the Second World War. In particular, Helsinki recognised the absorption into the USSR of the

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2008

to the date parameters menti oned in the question and wrote lengthy passages on the development of the Cold War in Europe in the period before 1950. The question allowed candidates the opportunity to cons ider the factors underlying the globalisation of the Cold War. One such factor was the US fear of a global communist conspiracy which was dominated by the USSR and Communist China. The belief that the So viet

(A/s) History May/June 2008

Examiner report found on page 7 / 14 pages total, pdf

the view that the USSR was more responsible than the USA for the outbreak and development of the Cold War in the period from 1945 to 1949. This question was the most popular on the examination paper. The assertion in the question suggested a link to the historical debate on the origins and developm ent of the Cold War for the years 1945 to 1949. It referred to

(A/s) History May/June 2016 paper 4 variant 3

Mark scheme found on page 10 / 14 pages total, pdf

the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima was aimed at warning the USSR as much as it was intended to bring about the surrender of Japan. There is a third school of history concerning the origins of the Cold War, namely post-revisionism. This argues that the Cold War was more a result of misunderstandings on both sides rather than deliberate intent from either the USSR or the USA to expand their power

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2012 paper 3 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 9 / 11 pages total, pdf

for both the USSR and the USA, while the security of the PRC was threatened by US action in both Korea and Vietnam. Decolonisation in Africa offered potential for superpower exploitation of expensive resources, while the power of the USA and the USSR within the UN depended on securing the support of the newly independent members. In challenging the hypothesis, it could be argued that the globalisation of the Cold War was characterised

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2014 paper 3 variant 3

Mark scheme found on page 9 / 16 pages total, pdf

the USA to become involved in the globalisation of the Cold War, seeking to ensure that newly-independent states supported the West rather than the Soviet bloc. The USSR’s international power was also threatened by calls for reform of the UN. It is clear from Source C that many UN member states resented the power held by the USSR and the USA and the threat to world peace which Cold War rivalry created

(IGCSE) History May/June 2014 paper 1 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 23 / 77 pages total, pdf

OR disagreement [3–5] e.g. ‘The USA interpreted the Soviet takeover of Eastern Europe as the start of spreading communism around the world and responded with the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan, which was to help the vulnerable European economy suffering from the after effects of war. The USSR saw this as a threat to their security.’ OR e.g. ‘The Soviets introduced a blockade of Berlin but the

(A/s) History May/June 2016

Examiner report found on page 44 / 45 pages total, pdf

to very high marks. 10 To what extent was the USA responsible for the onset of the ‘Second Cold War’? Less successful answers often gave long lists of possible reasons why either the US or the USSR could be blamed for causing the Second Cold War but no developed answer. The evidence was there, but it the candidates did not then go on to make a judgement in response to the question

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2007

Examiner report found on page 8 / 16 pages total, pdf

to the possibl e reunification of Germany. Misjudgement could also account for the USSR response to the Marshall Plan. Henc e, this led to the Soviet refusal to allow states such as Czechoslovakia to join. Also in direct re sponse to the assertion in the question ‘many candidates referred to the long term reasons for hostility between the USA and the USSR. Such contextual information went back to the Bolshevik Revolution of

(A/s) History May/June 2011

Examiner report found on page 23 / 39 pages total, pdf

the opportunity to describe the various views in the histor ical debate which surrounds the causes of the Cold War (traditional, revisionist etc.). In adopting such an approach, many lo st sight of the question, producing narrative accounts of the historical debate with littl e explicit reference to whether the USA was more responsible than the USSR for the outbreak and developm ent of the Cold War. Characteristically, such responses tended

(A/s) History May/June 2012 paper 3 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 7 / 10 pages total, pdf

to prevent the USSR gaining a foothold in the East. ‘Post-revisionist’ historians argue that it was the failure of the two superpowers to understand each other and their respective policies (e.g. American reasons for wanting a strong Germany, Soviet reasons for wanting a weak Germany) that led to the Cold War. 3 To what extent was the Soviet Union responsible for the globalisation of the Cold War in the

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2009

Examiner report found on page 13 / 25 pages total, pdf

to underachieve on this question. Question 3 ‘The USSR was more responsible than the USA for the development of the Cold War outside Europe in the period from 1950 to 1985’. How far do you agree? This question required candidates to display kn owledge and understanding of how and why the Cold War spread beyond Europe to various parts of the world in the period from 1950 to

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2013 paper 3 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 5 / 11 pages total, pdf

the USA’s allies also supported the Khmer Rouge ( X-Ref with D and E ). The article disapproves of the US Cold War policy of supporting China as a common enemy of Vietnam and the USSR, and blames this for t he USA’s unacceptable on-going support for the Khmer Rouge. To some extent this undermines its credibility and reliability. However, the allegation that the USA continued to back the

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2011 paper 1 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 18 / 52 pages total, pdf

USSR OR other reasons [3–5] e.g. ‘The USSR was to blame because they placed nuclear missiles on Cuba. Medium range missiles could reach most of the USA from Cuba and the USA felt threatened by this. The nuclear missiles were too close for comfort.’ OR e.g. ‘The USA was to blame for the crisis. At the Bay of Pigs, the Americans had tried to overthrow Castro’

(A/s) History May/June 2018 paper 3 variant 2

the Cold War, 1941–1950 3 What can you learn from this extract about the interpretation and approach of the historian who wrote it? Use the extract and your knowledge of the Cold War to explain your answer. Interpretation/Approach The main interpretation is that the USA/Britain were responsible for the souring of relations which began at Potsdam, and that Stalin’s position at the conference was more logical/

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2011 paper 3 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 7 / 12 pages total, pdf

the Cold War. Khrushchev distanced the USSR from the Marxist world-wide revolution concept, a key factor in deteriorating relationships between the USSR and the PRC. While the USSR did supply and ‘advise’ North Korea, its own involvement in the Korean War was limited and far less than that of the USA. Stalin had only given his ‘permission’ for the North to attack the South on the understanding that the USA

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2015 paper 4 variant 2

was convenient for both the USSR and the USA at the beginning of the 1970s, it merely recognised the existing status quo. SALT II was never ratified by the USA, while the USSR continued to globalise the Cold War (e.g. Iran, Angola, Afghanistan) and largely ignore its Helsinki agreements on human rights. As the USA recovered from the humiliation of Vietnam, right-wing anti-communist views again

(IGCSE) History Feb/March 2017 paper 1 variant 2

Mark scheme found on page 26 / 76 pages total, pdf

was seen by the USA as a Soviet attempt to spread communism around the world.’ OR e.g. ‘In July 1945, the Americans had successfully tested an atomic bomb. Truman had not told Stalin about this before using the bomb and the USA refused to share the secret of how to make atomic bombs. Stalin interpreted this secrecy to mean that the USA would use the bomb to win worldwide

(A/s) History May/June 2010 paper 3 variant 3

Mark scheme found on page 5 / 6 pages total, pdf

To what extent was the development of the Cold War, in the years from 1945 to 1949, caused by misunderstanding between the USA and the USSR? Candidates have the opportunity to assess the r easons for the development of the Cold War. They may refer to the ongoing historical debate. They may mention the post revisionist view that suggests that misjudgements and misunderstandings caused the Cold War to develop.

(A/s) History May/June 2015 paper 3 variant 1

Mark scheme found on page 10 / 13 pages total, pdf

the historian who wrote it? Use the extract and your knowledge of the Cold War to explain your answer. [40] Interpretation/Approach The main interpretation is that prospects for post-war cooperation between the former allies were destroyed by the Soviet Union’s determined expansionism. This is a traditional view as it makes little attempt to discuss how both sides might share the blame for the Cold War. The extract argues that

(A/s) History May/June 2014 paper 3 variant 1

to the USA, confined his direct activities to Europe. Khrushchev subsequently dissociated the USSR from the notion of world-wide revolution. • Unlike the USA, the USSR was not directly involved in the Korean War. • The USA over-reacted to what it incorrectly perceived as a Soviet attempt to expand its influence; China’s fall to communism led the USA to incorrectly perceive a monolithic communist plot for world domination. Hence

(IGCSE) History Oct/Nov 2012 paper 1 variant 3

for the future USSR. They wanted buffer states around the USSR to help protect the USSR from the West.’ ‘The Red Army had liberated these countries at the end of the War but they did not evacuate these countries as the Western powers had hoped because Stalin had wanted to maintain a buffer zone to defend the USSR.’ (c) ‘The Marshall Plan was the main reason for Cold War tension increasing

(A/s) History Oct/Nov 2010 paper 3 variant 2