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Explain two of the following: - The importance of the USA’s development of the atomic bomb for relations between the superpowers in the years 1945-49 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of the USA’s development of the atomic bomb for relations between the superpowers in the years 1945-49. - The import... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of the USA’s development of the atomic bomb for relations between the superpowers in the years 1945-49 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
The importance of the USA’s development of the atomic bomb for relations between the superpowers in the years 1945-49.
Answer
The development of the atomic bomb by the USA significantly impacted relations with the Soviet Union in several ways:
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Initial Superiority: The atomic bomb provided the USA with a strategic advantage during the early stages of the Cold War, establishing it as a military superpower. President Truman believed that this capability would give the USA the upper hand in post-war negotiations with the USSR.
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Potsdam Conference Tensions: The testing of the atomic bomb at the Potsdam Conference in 1945 led to increased hostility between the two nations. This development raised suspicions and fears in the Soviet leadership about American intentions, complicating further diplomatic relations.
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Arms Race Initiation: The success of the atomic bomb also marked the beginning of an arms race. The USSR felt compelled to accelerate its own nuclear program to ensure security, leading to a cycle of distrust and competition in nuclear armament, which would shape international relations for decades to come.
Step 2
The importance of the Bay of Pigs incident for relations between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Answer
The Bay of Pigs incident in 1961 is a significant moment in Cold War history that affected USA-Soviet relations:
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Anti-Communist Position: The failed invasion of Cuba by US-backed forces demonstrated an aggressive anti-communist stance, straining relations between the USA and the Soviet Union. This event showcased the lengths to which the USA was willing to go to counteract perceived communist threats in the Western Hemisphere.
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Opportunity for the USSR: The incident gave the Soviet Union greater leverage, allowing it to position itself as a protector of socialist nations against American interference. It heightened tensions as the USSR began to view Cuba as a vital ally in the Western Hemisphere.
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Shift in Perception: The failure of the Bay of Pigs acted to reinforce the USSR's belief in the USA's commitment to eliminate communism, which influenced subsequent actions, including the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba, ultimately leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis.