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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 had a profound impact on superpower relations.
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Truman's Strategic Advantage: The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki not only ended World War II but also positioned the USA as a superpower, influencing post-war negotiations with the Soviet Union.
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Arms Race Initiation: The USA’s possession of nuclear weapons provoked a sense of urgency in the USSR to develop their own, leading to the onset of the nuclear arms race, characterized by increased tension and military advancements.
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Diplomatic Tensions: The testing of the atomic bomb raised fears within the Soviet leadership, intensifying hostilities and complicating diplomatic relations, notably during negotiations at the Potsdam Conference, thereby exacerbating the emerging Cold War.
Step 2
The importance of the Bay of Pigs incident for relations between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Answer
The Bay of Pigs invasion was a pivotal point in US-Soviet relations that highlighted the ideological conflict.
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Failed Invasion and Soviet Confidence: The US’s unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Castro demonstrated a lack of competence and strengthened Soviet beliefs in their own strategies, leading to a more confrontational posture against the USA.
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Impact on Cuban Relations: The failed invasion pushed Cuba closer to the USSR, resulting in increased military and economic support from the Soviet Union and solidification of Cuba as a key player in the Cold War.
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Khrushchev's Policies: The incident reinforced Khrushchev's resolve against the USA, leading to the establishment of more aggressive policies in response to perceived American threats, setting the stage for later crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis.