Case study - Cold War superpowers

Question 1

Uni-polar and bi-polar world

Answer 1

Uni - 1 major superpower

Bi - the world divided into camps

Question 2

Split between USA and USSR?

Answer 2

USA had sphere of influence - containment e.g. NATO + Marshall Plan
USSR created strong core invading/allying with surrounding countries e.g. Warsaw Pact

Question 3

Geography and resources

Answer 3

USA - pop 321 mil, self-sufficient most raw materials

USSR - 291 mil, self-sufficient most raw materials

Question 4

Economic system

Answer 4

USA - capitalist, free market economy

USSR - socialist, centrally planned economy

Question 5

Political system

Answer 5

USA - democracy, elections 4yrs, little difference in political philosophy
USSR - dictatorship, no free elections, 1 party state

Question 6

Allies

Answer 6

USA - west E, Japan, SK + links with Africa, Asia and Middle East
USSR - east E, socialist govts (Cuba), links with Africa, Middle East + Asia

Question 7

Military power

Answer 7

USA - Naval + air based power, nuclear arsenal + bases across globe
USSR - large army, navy and air + nuclear weapons

Question 8

Cultural influence

Answer 8

USA - rapid growth in film industry but no censorship

USSR - tried to sell view that emphasised high culture .e.g ballet + tight censorship