Sample 10 mark Essays
Remember
- No introduction is required
- Ideally aim for 3 paragraphs
- You MUST include an argument AND a counter argument
1. The USA’s possession of the atom bomb was the main reason for the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
Argument 1: There is certainly some validity in this statement because Truman's possession of the atomic bomb was used to intimidate Stalin. ‘In July 1945, the USA had successfully tested an atomic bomb. Truman had not told Stalin about this before using the bomb, and the USA refused to share the secret of how to make atomic bombs as Truman was determined to use the bomb for diplomatic leverage over Stalin. Truman called it his ‘ace in the pack’, and said ‘he sure would have a hammer over those boys’. These statements by Truman suggest he would not compromise - in fact his attitude was summed up in his statement, ‘win, lose or draw we must win’. Arguably he felt he could get what he wanted because he had the bomb and this played a big part in the collapse of the Grand Alliance and the start of the Cold War as it seemed the US was not willing to cooperate so Stalin was more determined to ensure he created a Soviet 'sphere of influence' in Eastern Europe.
Argument 2: Furthermore, Truman went on to use the bomb on Japan arguably for political reasons and as a show of strength not just to end the war in the East. Although the Soviets had entered the war, the USA wanted a swift end so the Soviets did not gain too much influence. Stalin interpreted this to mean that the USA would use the atomic bomb to win worldwide power’. Indeed, after the war the USA built up Japan.
Counter - Argument: However, Stalin knew about the bomb as he had spies informing him of its development, so it came as no surprise to him when Truman informed him at Potsdam. Yes, the US possession of the bomb contributed to the deterioration of East West relations but had Stalin not gone back on the agreement made at Yalta (The Declaration on Liberated Europe) agreeing to free elections in the liberated countries of Eastern Europe Truman may have adopted a more conciliatory approach to the USSR. The reality after WWII was that the Red Army remained in occupation and, rather than allowing free elections, and the USSR started to impose communist rule on these countries using 'salami tactics' such as in Poland where 16 non-communist politician were arrested! This did more to create post war suspicion and mistrust than did the USA's possession of the atomic bomb.
On balance....
Argument 2: Furthermore, Truman went on to use the bomb on Japan arguably for political reasons and as a show of strength not just to end the war in the East. Although the Soviets had entered the war, the USA wanted a swift end so the Soviets did not gain too much influence. Stalin interpreted this to mean that the USA would use the atomic bomb to win worldwide power’. Indeed, after the war the USA built up Japan.
Counter - Argument: However, Stalin knew about the bomb as he had spies informing him of its development, so it came as no surprise to him when Truman informed him at Potsdam. Yes, the US possession of the bomb contributed to the deterioration of East West relations but had Stalin not gone back on the agreement made at Yalta (The Declaration on Liberated Europe) agreeing to free elections in the liberated countries of Eastern Europe Truman may have adopted a more conciliatory approach to the USSR. The reality after WWII was that the Red Army remained in occupation and, rather than allowing free elections, and the USSR started to impose communist rule on these countries using 'salami tactics' such as in Poland where 16 non-communist politician were arrested! This did more to create post war suspicion and mistrust than did the USA's possession of the atomic bomb.
On balance....
2. ‘It was the Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe that caused the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
Argument: There is certainly validity in this statement. ‘Following Yalta, it was expected that there would be free elections in eastern European countries after their liberation. It was the West’s view that Stalin had agreed to and would implement the Declaration on liberated Europe, which called for liberated countries to have these elections. However, The Red Army made sure their new governments were communist controlled. For example, Fearing that a non-communist government would be elected in 1947, Stalin invited 16 non-communist politicians to Moscow, where they were arrested. With their political opponents removed, the Polish communists won the election. Moreover, in Czechoslovakia in 1948 elections only communists were allowed to stand and a communist government was duly elected. So it certainly could be argued Stalin’s ‘salami tactics ’ played a significant role in creating the mistrust that was the basis of the Cold War.
Counter argument: However, it could be argued that the Soviet Union and Stalin were only acting according to genuine security needs and that USA misinterpreted Soviet actions as an aggressive takeover. After all, the Soviets had incurred 27 million deaths in WW2 so after the war they felt they needed a sphere of influence to given them a protective buffer zone from a resurgent Germany. The USA chose not to see this and their decision to merge their zones of Germany could be seen as an aggressive act on their part justifying the USSR’s creation of satellite states. The US then introduced the Truman Doctrine and Marshall plan which basically suggested they would not try to co-exist with the Soviets, so the US should take much of the responsibility for the start of the Cold War.
On balance...
Counter argument: However, it could be argued that the Soviet Union and Stalin were only acting according to genuine security needs and that USA misinterpreted Soviet actions as an aggressive takeover. After all, the Soviets had incurred 27 million deaths in WW2 so after the war they felt they needed a sphere of influence to given them a protective buffer zone from a resurgent Germany. The USA chose not to see this and their decision to merge their zones of Germany could be seen as an aggressive act on their part justifying the USSR’s creation of satellite states. The US then introduced the Truman Doctrine and Marshall plan which basically suggested they would not try to co-exist with the Soviets, so the US should take much of the responsibility for the start of the Cold War.
On balance...
