MDC The Cold War Major Conflicts Between United States and The Soviet Union Essay

/in /by

WRITING ASSIGNMENT 3B The Cold War

Allied during World War II, within two years postwar antagonism led the United States and the Soviet Union into a new conflict that will continue until the end of the 20th century. From its beginning, the United States and the Soviet Union blamed the other for the cold war. Historians currently offer a more critical perspective and differing views as to who was actually responsible.

INSTRUCTIONS:

In order to prepare you must complete the following readings:

  • Review and identify relevant sections of Chapter 27.
  • Read the linked documents. The site will open to the introduction page. You must select the document transcript tab located on the upper right-hand side to open the actual document.
    • The Truman Doctrine: http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?doc=81
    • The Marshall Plan: http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?doc=82. As you read the document, consider the following questions- What arguments are being made in this statement by President Truman in support of the Marshall Plan? What re world events are directly and indirectly alluded to? What message is Truman sending to the Soviet Union and its satellites in this statement?
  • View the following documentary series. As you will note the series is organized into episodes, 24 in total. If you are interested in viewing the entire series, you can go directly to youtube – The Cold War: https://youtu.be/22KIQ1QNnhE?list=PL8hNHC9nbLlzb4miGp5pZPYCk9Zw0dGke

NOTE: Select the link to view documentaries or Copy/Paste URL from each video, if it does not play when you click.

ChinaWatch VideoCold War Documentary Part 1/24 – Comrades 1917 – 1945 –  Transcripts Click for more options

Duration: (46:33)
Added: 3/5/14

YouTube URL: 

Watch VideoCold War Documentary Part 2/24 – Iron Curtain 1945 – 1947 –  Transcripts Click for more options

Duration: (46:32)
Added: 3/5/14

YouTube URL: 

Watch VideoCold War Documentary Part 3/24 – Marshall Plan – 1947 – 1952 –  Transcripts Click for more options

Duration: (46:32)
Added: 3/5/14

YouTube URL: 

Watch VideoCold War Documentary Part 4/24 – Berlin 1948 – 1949 –  Transcripts Click for more options

Duration: (46:32)
User: rjenmiller – Added: 3/5/14

YouTube URL: 

  • Utilize at least one of the linked sources provided in this assignment to support your discussion.
  • Identify and incorporate at least one additional outside source to support your discussion. In addition to the textbook, you may use any material outside of the textbook that is recommended in the Additional Reading section at the end of each chapter. You are also encouraged to do your own research and identify relevant sources. Please keep in mind that WIKIPEDIA is not an acceptable reference.

PREPARE AND SUBMIT:

Write a well-organized essay, a minimum of 700 words (but not limited to), including supporting details from the documents/textbook/other sources, in which you a analyze and discuss the material that has been assigned by addressing the following question:

Identify and discuss the major conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union that resulted at the beginning of the Cold War, and explain important ways in which both nations contributed to the worsening of cold war tensions. As part of your discussion, you should address who, in your opinion, started the cold war.