Examine the factors contributing to the onset of the Cold War, including the disintegration of the US-Soviet alliance post-1945, the USSR's control over Eastern Europe by 1948, the US response to Soviet expansion, the implications of the Berlin Blockade, and assess whether the United States or the USSR bears greater responsibility for initiating the Cold War. Key topics include the 1945 summit meetings, the Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe, the occupation of Germany, the Berlin Blockade, NATO, and the Warsaw Pact.

Quick explanation

Examine the factors contributing to the onset of the Cold War, including the disintegration of the US-Soviet alliance post-1945, the USSR's control over Eastern Europe by 1948, the US response to Soviet expansion, the implications of the Berlin Blockade, and assess whether the United States or the USSR bears greater responsibility for initiating the Cold War. Key topics include the 1945 summit meetings, the Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe, the occupation of Germany, the Berlin Blockade, NATO, and the Warsaw Pact

• This point belongs to Who was to blame for the Cold War?, especially Who was to blame for the Cold War? outcomes.
• You need to be able to examine the factors contributing to the onset of the Cold War, including the disintegration of the US-Soviet alliance post-1945, the USSR's control over Eastern Europe by 1948, the US response to Soviet expansion, the implications of the Berlin Blockade, and assess whether the United States or the USSR bears greater responsibility for initiating the Cold War. Key topics include the 1945 summit meetings, the Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe, the occupation of Germany, the Berlin Blockade, NATO, and the Warsaw Pact.
• The key ideas to know are Describe, Discuss, and Explain.
• Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.