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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 was a strategy adopted by the United States aimed at preventing the spread of communism during the Cold War. This policy was characterized by initiatives such as the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, which sought to curb totalitarianism and promote political stability in Europe.
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 United States could have applied containment globally, ensuring that allied nations committed to resisting communism.
- Military intervention could have been employed where necessary to counter any communist threats.
- Economic aid could have been directed towards countries in need to help reconstruct their economies, thereby reducing the influence of communism.
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 Europe was crucial for the U.S. economy in the late 1940s as it helped stabilize these nations, creating a demand for American goods and services. By providing aid, the United States would not only prevent the spread of communism but also open new markets abroad, fostering international trade. A prosperous Europe would also mean stronger political alliances, making the U.S. a dominant economic power globally.
Step 4
State TWO ways in which George Marshall intended assisting people in various European countries.
Answer
- He aimed to restore confidence among Europeans by ensuring economic stability, which was essential for rebuilding.
- The assistance involved facilitating food supplies and resources necessary to alleviate hunger and poverty.
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
The source suggests that without restoring economic health, nations would fall into chaos and despair. It was necessary to stabilize the global economy to prevent the spread of communism, ensuring that nations could resist totalitarian regimes.
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 encounter the opposition of the United States’?
Answer
This statement implies that the United States was prepared to intervene against any entities that exploit suffering for political gain. It reflects a commitment to promote democracy and human rights, positioning the U.S. as a protector of welfare and stability within nations facing oppression.
Step 7
Comment on the usefulness of the information in this source to a historian researching how the Marshall Plan was implemented.
Answer
This source is useful as it provides direct insights from George Marshall regarding the aims and strategies of the Marshall Plan. It details the rationale behind the plan, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to counteract communism and facilitate European recovery. Additionally, it offers context for the interrelations between economic stability and political security, essential for understanding the broader implications of the Marshall Plan.