Who was to Blame for the Start of the Cold War? (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE History)

Revision Note

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Arguments for the USSR

  • Orthodox historians argue that Stalin’s actions caused the Cold War

An illustration showing the orthodox, or the US, opinion on who started the Cold War and the key counter-arguments
An illustration showing the orthodox, or the US, opinion on who started the Cold War and the key counter-arguments

Arguments for the USA

  • Revisionist historians insist that the USA were to blame for the Cold War

An illustration showing the revisionist, or the Soviet, opinion on who started the Cold War and the key counter-arguments
An illustration showing the revisionist, or the Soviet, opinion on who started the Cold War and the key counter-arguments

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Students often struggle to structure their own opinions about who was to blame for the Cold War. There is no ‘correct’ answer. Historians continue to debate the topic today. The Cambridge IGCSE assesses you on your ability to make judgements, using evidence. Look at the two sides of the argument and the evidence that they use. Consider which argument you find the most convincing.

Worked Example

Who was more to blame for the Cold War, the USA or the USSR? Explain your answer

10 marks

Partial answer:

On one hand, the USA was to blame for the start of the Cold War (1). One reason for this was Truman’s attitude towards Stalin (1). Truman did not trust Stalin. He did not disclose the USA’s possession of the atomic bomb in 1945, despite still being in the Grand Alliance with the USSR (1). This created a cold war because not only could the West not be trusted but now they possessed powerful weaponry. As a result, Stalin began to expand into Eastern Europe to create a buffer zone in case of war (1).

Examiner Tips and Tricks

A strong response for this Paper One question needs to examine both sides of the argument. The next paragraph would explain why the USSR could be blamed for the Cold War. You could use the Berlin Blockade as an example of Stalin’s aggressive actions towards the USA. Continue to use a clear PEE structure as shown above.

You would then need to write a conclusion explaining who was more to blame for the start of the Cold War. Remember to use phrases like ‘fully’ or ‘partially’ to proportion the blame for the Cold War.

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Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.