The responsibility for the Cold War can be attributed to both the United States and the Soviet Union, as both countries played a significant role in the escalation of tensions between the two superpowers.
Following the end of World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the two dominant powers in the world. The two countries had vastly different political systems and ideologies, with the US embracing capitalism and democracy, while the Soviet Union adhered to communism and a centralized government.
The conflict between these two ideological systems and their competing interests led to a series of events that ultimately resulted in the Cold War. Both the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a variety of actions that contributed to the escalation of tensions and the development of the Cold War.
For example, the United States established the Marshall Plan, which provided economic assistance to help rebuild Europe after World War II. This was seen by the Soviet Union as an attempt to spread American influence and undermine communism in Europe.
Similarly, the Soviet Union's expansion into Eastern Europe and its support for communist movements around the world were viewed by the United States as a threat to American security and global stability.
Both countries also engaged in an arms race, with each side stockpiling nuclear weapons and developing advanced military technology.
Therefore, while the primary responsibility for the Cold War cannot be solely attributed to one side, the actions of both the United States and the Soviet Union contributed to the escalation of tensions and the development of the Cold War.