Final answer:
The Cold War began due to ideological differences between the US (capitalism and democracy) and the Soviet Union (communism), both trying to shape the post-WWII world. Responsibility for starting it is shared, with both sides taking aggressive actions that escalated tensions. The necessity of the Cold War is debated, with some justifying it as a defense of democracy and others critiquing it as a cause of global tension and arms proliferation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Origins of the Cold War::
The Cold War began due to ideological differences between the United States, which promoted capitalism and democracy, and the Soviet Union, which supported communism and a one-party state. The conflict started after World War II as both nations emerged as superpowers with competing visions for the post-war world order. The United States felt it had to prevent the expansion of communism because it was seen as a threat to democracy and capitalist economic structures. The suspicion and competition escalated with the arms race, including nuclear capabilities, and both countries exerted influence through proxy wars.
Responsibility for Starting the Cold War
Assessing which side had more responsibility for starting the Cold War is a complex issue; it is a matter that historians continue to debate. While the Soviet Union aggressively expanded its influence in Eastern Europe and supported communist regimes, the United States initiated policies like the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan to contain the spread of communism, which intensified tensions. The responsibility is shared, as actions on both sides contributed to the atmosphere of mistrust and rivalry.
First Conflict of the Cold War
The United States first found itself in conflict with the Soviet Union during the Berlin Blockade in 1948-49. This was one of the earliest major confrontations of the Cold War, in which the Soviet Union attempted to force the Western allied powers to abandon their post-war jurisdictions in West Berlin. The U.S. responded with the Berlin Airlift, supplying the city and demonstrating its commitment to counter Soviet pressure.
The Necessity of the Cold War
The Cold War's necessity is another subject of extensive debate. Many believe that the United States needed to challenge the spread of communism as it posed a threat to freedom and democracy. Others argue that it created unnecessary global tensions and an arms race that had the potential for catastrophic consequences.