Cold War
Description
Competition between the First and Second Worlds dominated global politics from 1945 to 1991. This cold war emerged out of differing visions for a postwar Europe between the United States and the Soviet Union. In addition, ideological differences and mutual distrust fueled the tension. By 1947, both sides viewed the competition with the other as truly global and the greatest threat to their security. The following documents trace the evolution of the rhetoric of the early Cold War, both public and private. As you examine them, analyze how leaders and opinion makers portrayed their own antagonists’ motives. Why did they increasingly view each other as the biggest threats to their own security? Is one side to blame, or were both responsible for the Cold War rivalry? Was the conflict preventable? Sources “Resolution of the USSR Central Executive Committee,” (October 20, 1927) https://services.wwnorton.com/aws/pdf?&file=/wwnorton.college.public/coursepacks/history/worlds5/docs/ussr.pdf Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” Speech, March 5, 1946 https://services.wwnorton.com/aws/pdf?&file=/wwnorton.college.public/coursepacks/history/worlds5/docs/churchill.pdf Commencement Address, Harvard University, June 5, 1947. Speaker: George C. Marshall, U.S. Secretary of State https://services.wwnorton.com/aws/pdf?&file=/wwnorton.college.public/coursepacks/history/worlds5/docs/marshall.pdf Vyshinsky speech to U.N. General Assembly, September, 1947 https://services.wwnorton.com/aws/pdf?&file=/wwnorton.college.public/coursepacks/history/worlds5/docs/vyshinsky.pdf
