Given factor How far was the feeling of mistrust between Democratic and Communist countries the main

reason for the outbreak of the Cold War? Explain your answer. (12m) Issue Feeling of mistrust There was widespread mistrust between Democratic West and Communist USSR from before WWII. This mistrust was due to the fact that both sides have different ideologies and they have different views on how to govern a country. For example, in the October Revolution, Communist government in Russia called for a world revolution. However, the USA was afraid that a worldwide Communist revolution would bring about the end of Democracy. This showed Russias determination to spread Communism, further enhancing the mistrust that the West had for Russia as the West knows Russia could call for the revolution at any time. The mistrust is deep-seated and it results in Democratic West wanting to spread their ideology to establish more power before the Communist USSR. Breakdown of wartime alliances The Allied Powers in WWII consisted of democratic countries like Britain, France and USA, and communist Russia. The end of WWII brought about the end of their common enemy, Fascism (Germany). This made them realise that there were now two ideologies confronting each other, Democracy and Communism. For example, at the Potsdam Agreement, Stalin insisted on Russian acquisition of territories from Poland. He was also determined to set up Communist government in Eastern Europe. As the West had different concerns and decisions about Poland, it resulted in poor relations between USSR and the West, marking the end of wartime alliances and resulting in tense relations between both sides. With the breakdown of wartime alliances, Russia chose to spread its Communist sphere of influence in Eastern Europe. This showed Communisms determination to compete with Democracy and spread its ideology, resulting in fierce competition to establish dominance by both sides. Competing ideologies USA followed Democracy while USSR followed Communism. This meant that they had different concepts of governance, wealth distribution and freedom. With these difference, they view the opposite side as threatening the way of live and hence want to show that their own ideology is the better one. For example, Communism believes workers were the slaves of the riches in a democratic society, while Democracy believes choosing Communism meant they had to give up their freedom and accept the control of the government. As each side felt their own ideologies were the best to be followed, there was competition amongst them to prove otherwise. This made both sides engage in a conflict where they want to establish power by spreading their ideologies and gaining influence among other countries.

How successful was the Marshall Plan in its attempt to fight the spread of Communism in the post Second World War in Europe? Explain your answer. (13m) Yes, Marshall Plan was successful. Balanced conclusion No, Marshall plan was a failure.