Throughout WWII the U.S. and the Soviet Union were allies. They were not, however, good friends. Their alliance was often strained and distrustful as both sides feared what the other may do. The only reason they were allies was their common enemy: Hitler and the Nazis. At the end of WWII, the Nazis were gone and the US/Soviet Union alliance fell apart. This was the start of the Cold War. A rivalry between the Democracy of the U.S., and the Totalitarian Communism of the Soviet Union. This rivalry would last until 1990, and would nearly lead to terrible wars. The Cold War never turned "hot" (meaning there was never actual fighting), but it was clear that the U.S. and the Soviet Union were enemies. Essentially the Soviet Union wanted to spread communism, and the U.S. wanted to spread democracy. Those goals were conflicting which led to the problems. We will take some time to look at the Cold War over the next several weeks.
Here is a PPT presentation with much information that will be helpful as we read about some of the major issues during this time. Look over this PPT to better understand how the Cold War began and why it was such a big deal. Reminder: all activities are voluntary. Nothing is required, and nothing will be graded. This is simply an opportunity for you to continue learning. Activity 1 - Iron Curtain/Truman Doctrine primary sources Winston Churchill, the leader of Great Britain, was the first to call the Soviets out for their plan to spread Communism. He greatly distrusted the Soviets, and he wanted to convince the rest of the world that the Soviets were the enemy of Freedom. While visiting America, he gave a speech that becomes known as the "Iron Curtain" speech. Look over his speech and consider the questions at the bottom. Near the same time, the U.S. president gives a speech to congress and the American people and lays down U.S. foreign policy towards the Soviets. This U.S. policy becomes known as the Truman Doctrine. Take a look at his speech and determine what the Truman Doctrine was, and consider how that may have impacted World History during this time. Activity 2 - Cold War Major events Read over these events to better understand some of the major events of the Cold War era. Comments are closed.
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Coach Beard Honors World History AssignmentsArchives
August 2019
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