Compare Two Perspectives
Use the sources below to see how the United States and Soviet Union understood the world differently.
What this activity is asking students to do
Students should be able to compare a U.S. perspective and a Soviet perspective and explain how ideology, distrust, and power helped create the Cold War.
Read both perspectives
Harry Truman, 1947
“Free peoples must be supported against groups that seek to control them through force or pressure.”
This statement reflects the idea that the United States should help nations resist outside control, especially communist influence.
Soviet View
“Capitalist nations seek to dominate weaker countries. Socialist nations must resist imperialism.”
This perspective reflects the Soviet belief that capitalist countries were a threat and that communist states needed to defend themselves.
Work through the evidence
1. Source A
What does the United States believe it should do in the world?
2. Source B
What does the Soviet Union seem to fear?
3. Compare
How are these two views different?
4. Connect to the Lesson
Which cause of the Cold War do these sources show most clearly: ideology, distrust, or power? Explain your choice.
Make a claim
In 4–6 sentences, explain how these two perspectives help show why the Cold War began.