Causes of the Cold War
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Ideological Differences:
The USA supported capitalism and democracy, while the USSR promoted communism and a one-party state. -
Power Vacuum After WWII:
The defeat of Germany and Japan left a global power vacuum, leading to a struggle between the USA and USSR to influence postwar reconstruction. -
Atomic Weapons Race:
Both superpowers competed to develop and stockpile nuclear weapons, creating fear and tension. -
Mistrust and Betrayal:
Despite being WWII allies, deep mistrust arose from broken promises and different war goals, especially regarding Eastern Europe. -
Soviet Control Over Eastern Europe:
The USSR installed communist governments in Eastern Bloc countries, alarming Western nations. -
The Iron Curtain Speech (1946):
Winston Churchill highlighted the growing divide between East and West, symbolising the beginning of Cold War tensions.