Question

Why did the United States and the Soviet Union go from being allies during World War II to enemies in the post-war period? Use specific examples to justify your answer. Use the R.A.C.E Strategy to answer in 3-5 sentences.

Answer 1

The United States and the Soviet Union went from being allies during World War II to enemies in the post-war period due to their differing ideologies. The US was a capitalist democracy, while the Soviet Union was a communist state. This ideological divide was exemplified by events such as the division of Germany and the formation of the Iron Curtain, as well as the competition for influence in Eastern Europe through initiatives like the Marshall Plan and the establishment of the Warsaw Pact. These differences ultimately led to the Cold War, a period of tension and hostility between the two superpowers.