Chapter 7: Start Of Cold War

Question 1

Describe and explain how the power vacuum in Europe led to the rise of USA and USSR and thus led to the Cold War

Answer 1

European powers are weakened after WWII as lands were damaged and had huge debts to pay. Their economies and militaries were bad and unable to provide a strong leadership in Europe, resulting in a power vacuum. USSR and USA were the strongest countries after WWII. US economy and military were strong as they had the atom bomb. USSR had the biggest military and alot of natural resources despite being badly damaged.

Explain : since alot of rebuilding is needed in Europe, USSR and USA had a chance to assert their dominance in Europe. Thus, they began to compete to gain more control, resources and people in Europe. The competition over influence in Europe led to tensions and conflicts between both superpowers and led to the Cold war.

Question 2

Describe and explain how the difference in ideology led to the cold war