Question

Review and assess the key events that led up to the Cold War. In what year do you think the Cold War started? Explain your answer. The following is a list of Cold War causes. Put the list in order of importance. You may include causes that you think are important that may not be on this list. Write a paragraph explaining your order.

a) 1945
b) 1950
c) 1947
d) 1949

Answer 1

The Cold War likely began in 1947 with the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan, both of which were critical in the policy of containment against the spread of communism. The 1949 formation of NATO and the Soviet Union's first nuclear test, along with the 1948 Berlin Airlift, were also key events. In terms of importance, 1947's events are followed by those of 1949, 1948, and 1950.

Step-by-step explanation:

Assessing the key events that led to the Cold War, it can be argued that the conflict began in 1947 with the declaration of the Truman Doctrine and the implementation of the Marshall Plan. These were significant causes of the American policy of containment, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism. The 1947 doctrine announced support for countries resisting communism, marking the U.S.'s clear stance against Soviet expansion. This escalated to the creation of NATO in 1949, a collective defense alliance against the Soviet bloc's growing influence. The growing tensions also included the establishment of communist governments in Eastern Europe, the Soviet's first nuclear test in 1949, and the Arms Race, accentuated by the development of the atomic bomb. The Berlin Airlift in 1948 was a crucial standoff in the Cold War, showcasing the rivalry between the two superpowers.

As such, the order of importance of the listed events would be:

1. 1947 - Truman Doctrine and onset of containment
2. 1949 - NATO formation and Soviet nuclear tests
3. 1948 - Berlin Airlift
4. 1950 - Ongoing tensions and the start of the Korean War along the 38th Parallel