History – 2. Core Content Option B – The 20th century: international relations since 1919 | e-Consult

Answer: This statement presents a strong argument, suggesting the Soviet Union bore the main responsibility for the Cold War's outbreak. While the Soviet actions were undeniably significant, it's an oversimplification to completely absolve the United States of any blame. The Cold War was a complex event with multiple contributing factors and shared responsibilities.

Arguments supporting the statement (Soviet Responsibility):

• Expansionist Policies: Stalin's post-war expansionist policies in Eastern Europe, including the establishment of satellite states and the suppression of dissent, directly challenged Western ideals of self-determination and democracy. The Iron Curtain became a physical and ideological barrier.
• Ideological Conflict: The fundamental ideological differences between communism and capitalism created deep distrust and suspicion. Stalin's commitment to spreading communism globally fueled American fears of a communist takeover.
• Broken Promises: Stalin's failure to honour agreements made at Yalta and Potsdam, particularly regarding free and fair elections in Eastern Europe, eroded trust and solidified the perception of Soviet aggression.
• Military Buildup: The Soviet Union's rapid military buildup, including the development of nuclear weapons, created a climate of fear and insecurity in the West, prompting the US to respond in kind.

Arguments against the statement (Shared Responsibility):

• US Policy of Containment: The US policy of containment, while intended to prevent the spread of communism, often involved aggressive actions and interventions that heightened tensions. Examples include the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, which were viewed by the Soviets as attempts to undermine their influence.
• Historical Mistrust: A long history of mistrust between the US and Russia, dating back to the Russian Revolution and the US's reluctance to recognize the Soviet Union, contributed to the Cold War dynamic.
• Economic Rivalry: The economic rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union, with each seeking to demonstrate the superiority of their respective economic systems, fueled competition and suspicion.
• Misperceptions and Propaganda: Both sides engaged in propaganda and misperceptions about each other's intentions, further escalating tensions. The Berlin Blockade is a prime example of this.

Conclusion: While the Soviet Union's actions were a major catalyst for the Cold War, the conflict was not solely its fault. The US policy of containment, historical mistrust, and mutual misperceptions all played a significant role. Therefore, it is more accurate to say that both sides shared responsibility for the outbreak of the Cold War, although the Soviet Union’s actions arguably initiated the escalation.