a period between c. 1945 and c. 1991 of intense rivalry and tension between the USA and the USSR

a county that is dominated by another country

when countries compete with each other to build up their military strength

using American influence and military resources to prevent the spread of communism into non-communist countries

The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58

History

In this unit, pupils studied the events that led to the outbreak of the Cold War. In 'Cold War development: how did the Cold War develop in Asia?', pupils will look at events in China, Korea and Vietnam and how they affected global relations.

In 'USA Civil Rights: how successful was the American civil rights movement?', pupils studied the efforts that different groups in American society made to gain equality. In 'Cold War origins: what led to the breakdown of the 'Grand Alliance'?', pupils will study the events that led to the outbreak of the Cold War.

In this unit, pupils examine the events that led to the breakdown of the Grand Alliance. They learn about the causes of early tension between the USA and the USSR such as the atomic bomb, Soviet influence in Eastern Europe, the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan and the Berlin Crisis of 1948-9.

Cold War origins: what led to the breakdown of the 'Grand Alliance'?

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Britain and the USA agreed to open up a second front against Nazi Germany.

The superpower relationship worsened due to disagreements over Eastern Europe.

Which of these was a consequence of the Tehran Conference (1943)?

It committed the USA to rolling back communism.

It committed the USA to containing communism.

It committed the USA to war with the USSR.

offered to all European countries, including the USSR and Eastern Europe

only offered to European countries with democratic political systems

aimed at post-war recovery with the hope of containing the spread of communism

pledged over $13bn to Europe's post-war recovery

Which of these statements about Marshall Aid are correct?

He wanted to force the Western powers out of Berlin.

He feared the economic recovery of Trizonia would reflect badly on communism.

He was afraid that West Germany might join NATO.

Large numbers of skilled workers were leaving East Berlin.

Which of these statements best describes Stalin's motivations for blockading Berlin in 1948?

In the 1940s, the USA had an advantage over the USSR.

By the late 1950s, the USA and the USSR were equal in terms of nuclear ability.

In the 1940s, the USSR possessed greater nuclear capacity than the USA.

In the 1950s, the USSR initially developed a superiority in rocket technology.

In the 1950s, the USA developed the hydrogen bomb but the USSR did not.

Which of these statements best describes the development of the arms race in the 1940s and 50s?

If Hungary left the Warsaw Pact, so too might other satellite states.

The USA were threatening to overthrow the government there.

Why did Khrushchev order the invasion of Hungary?

The period of intense rivalry that existed between the USA and the USSR is known as the...

During which conference did the USA test their first atomic bomb?

In which year did Stalin order the blockade of Berlin?

The USA had opposed the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War.

The USSR had initially fought on the side of Nazi Germany.

The USA refused to open up a second front in Western Europe.

Which of these were reasons for the superpowers' mistrust of one another?

Free elections with multiple parties to choose from

Controlled elections with one party to choose from

Businesses outside of government ownership and control

All businesses owned and controlled by the government

Match the economic or political system to its description.

Starting with the earliest, place the following events in chronological order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.