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End of WWII, Beginning of Cold War. Though the US and the Soviet Union fought together during WWII, relations quickly thawed due to differing political ideologies.
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End of WWII, Beginning of Cold War • Though the US and the Soviet Union fought together during WWII, relations quickly thawed due to differing political ideologies. • As WWII ended, the Soviet Union began annexing countries, creating what was known as the Eastern Bloc. Democratic countries and Communist countries were divided by what was known as the iron curtain. • America, afraid of Communism, began a foreign policy (Truman Doctrine, containment) dedicated to stopping the spread of Communism through out the world. This would lead to both the Korean and VietNam wars. • To further complicate matters, both the US and the Soviet Union possessed nuclear weapons. This began what was known as the arms race.
Democracy • US decisions from who is President to what teenagers watch on TV, made by majority rule • Soviets argued true democracy can only be secured in an economic system that rewards everyone equally. • Otherwise a few will take advantage of those in poverty.
Equality • US same chance to succeed by giving equality to everyone adversely affects society. • Soviets • Equality is essential for healthy society. • Basic needs are cared for.
Capitalism • US can better yourself through hard work • Brings out best in people • Soviet • Competition breads selfishness • Cooperation, love, concern for others should be the focus
Individualism • US individual has potential to reach highest level of success. • Incentives move society. • Soviets • Society creates many losers • Inequality and exploitation
Collectivism • US says violates basic human nature competition • Soviets • Everyone works for the good of the whole
Socialism • US says this denies people of basic needs the right to own property • Soviets • Wealth of society should be spread to all of the community
Totalitarianism • US says creates dictatorships, denies freedoms • Soviets • It is required to transform a society from unequal to equal. Protect from selfishness.
Freedom • US core for happy and healthy society • Soviets • People are not free unless they have a fair share of the wealth. Need to control things so capitalists do not take advantage of the weak.
Economy • US: Free Market, allows for competition and encourages people to work harder. More laissez faire than anything else • Soviet Union: Command economy, government should set prices, quantities and decide workers’ wages