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Superpower Relations

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Submitted By sophiepoppy
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Why did the relationship between the two superpowers deteriorate at the end of the 2nd World War?
The end of the 2nd world war brought a huge change in the relationship between the two superpowers, the USA and the USSR, however early underlying ideological factors may have led to an alliance and strong friendship after the war always being unlikely. The complete contrast of a Communism system, adopted by the USSR, and a Capitalism system, adopted by the USA, was a huge underlying ideological factor that hindered the relationship between the two superpowers not only at the end of the 2nd world war, but also very early on in their relationship. The Russian Revolution could be seen as the starting point of this contrast in societies between the superpowers, as it highlighted the first communism vs. capitalism divide. Communism was viewed by many governments in the west of Europe as a highly destabilising force, and they began to build a pre-conception of communism and the countries that adopt communism. The Economies and Political systems differed hugely between the communist and capitalist societies, for example in capitalist economies the incentive of individual gain was a direct contrast to the community responsibility encouraged by communism, and therefore any possible solutions to help re-build countries such as Germany after the end of the 2nd world war that suit both superpowers societies successfully would have been near enough impossible. It was not only the Communist/Capitalist divide that became an underlying ideological factor to why the relationship between the two superpowers deteriorated at the end of the 2nd world war, the USSR’s initial view of the policy of appeasement also played a large role. The USSR became highly suspicious of Britain’s policy of appeasement towards Germany, seeing it as an attempt to placate Hitler and turn his attention away

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