Cold War Case Study

Question 1

What was the Cold War?

Answer 1

The Cold War was the geopolitical, ideological, and economic struggle between two world superpowers, the USA and the USSR, that started in 1947 at the end of the Second World War and lasted until the dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 26, 1991.The Soviet Union was trying to gain total power and take over all of Europe and encouraged communism.

Question 2

Geography and resources of USA

Answer 2

Population: 287 million
Resources: Self sufficient in most raw materials

Question 3

Geography and resources of USSR

Answer 3

Population: 291 million
Resources: Self sufficient in most raw materials

Question 4

Economic system of USA

Answer 4

Capitalist, free market economy

Question 5

Economic system of USSR

Answer 5

Socialist, centrally planned economy

Question 6

Political system of USA

Answer 6

Democracy with elections for president and congress every 4 years.
Very little difference in political philosophy between republican and democratic parties.

Question 7

Political system of USSR

Answer 7

Dictatorship with no free elections.

Question 8

Allies of USA

Answer 8

Western Europe, through NATO
Strong economic and military ties with Japan and South Korea.
Strong links with Latin America through trade.
Alliances with African, middle eastern and Asian developing nations, using military and development aid.

Question 9

Allies of USSR

Answer 9

Eastern Europe, the Warsaw Pact countries
Alliances worldwide with socialist governments (e.g Cuba)
Alliances with African, middle eastern and Asian developing nations, using military and development aid.

Question 10

Military power of USA

Answer 10

Naval and air based military power; established a ‘ring’ of bases to surround USSR.
Large nuclear arsenal and global network of nuclear bases.
Extensive global intelligence network (CIA)

Question 11

Military power of USSR

Answer 11

Very large army, naval and air capabilities
Nuclear weapons
Troops stationed in eastern Europe
Extensive global intelligence gathering network (KGB)

Question 12

Cultural influence of USA

Answer 12

Rapid growth in film and television industry was a powerful vehicle for conveying a positive view of the USA, especially its high standard of living.
Lack of direct censorship meant that negative views of the USA could be transmitted as well.

Question 13

Cultural influence of USSR

Answer 13

Tried to sell a view of itself that emphasised high culture (as opposed to USA popular culture), with ballet, music and art being central.
Very tight censorship that allowed no criticism.