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HOW DID THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE SOVIET UNION RESPOND TO THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN EUROPE AFTER 1946? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 1
HOW DID THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE SOVIET UNION RESPOND TO THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN EUROPE AFTER 1946? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and answer the questions ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:HOW DID THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE SOVIET UNION RESPOND TO THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN EUROPE AFTER 1946? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the term containment in the context of the Cold War.
Answer
Containment refers to a U.S. foreign policy adopted during the Cold War aimed at preventing the spread of communism beyond its existing borders. The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan were instrumental in implementing this policy by providing military and economic aid to countries resisting communist influence.
Step 2
State THREE ways in the source that the United States of America could have used to implement the policy of containment.
Answer
- The U.S. could have applied containment universally, ensuring no country slipped into communist control.
- It could have utilized military intervention to support nations fighting against communist threats.
- Economic aid could have been focused on assisting nations in reconstructing their economies, particularly in war-torn Europe.
Step 3
Using the information in the source and your own knowledge, explain how the economic reconstruction of countries in Western Europe could have benefited the economy of the United States of America in the late 1940s.
Answer
The economic reconstruction of Western European countries, facilitated by U.S. aid, would lead to increased stability and economic growth in the region. This would create demand for American goods and services, expanding U.S. markets abroad and facilitating trade. Moreover, a prosperous Europe would reduce the appeal of communism, securing political alliances beneficial to U.S. interests.
Step 4
Step 5
Why, according to the source, was it necessary for the United States of America to restore the 'economic health in the world'?
Answer
Restoring economic health was viewed as essential to stabilize countries, thus preventing political chaos and extremism. Economic prosperity was believed to deter the spread of communism.
Step 6
What do you think, was implied by the following statement: '… governments, political parties or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery in order to profit politically or otherwise, will undermine the opposition of the United States'?
Answer
This statement implies that the United States should oppose any regimes or ideologies that exploit human suffering for political gain. It suggests that an essential part of U.S. foreign policy should be to support those who seek to improve conditions rather than profit from them.
Step 7
Comment on the usefulness of the information in this source to a historian researching how the Marshall Plan was implemented.
Answer
The source provides valuable insight into the rationales behind the Marshall Plan, outlining both the immediate economic goals and the broader political implications. It captures the urgency and motivations of U.S. policy-makers and illustrates the strategic context of the program, making it indispensable for historians studying that era.