Unit 3: The World After World War II

The Cold War in the West, 1945-1961

2002 Qn4:
(a) Why did the USA introduce the Marshall Plan? (12m)
(b) Was the Soviet Union’s fear of attack from the West the most important cause of the Cold War? Explain your answer. (13m)

2004 Qn 4:
(a) Why did the USA and the USSR become enemies after the end of the Second World War? (12m)
(b) How far do you agree that the Berlin Blockade was a mistake by Stalin? Explain your answer. (13m)

2006 Qn 4:
(a) Why did the Berlin Blockade take place? (12m)
(b) ‘The USSR’s control over Eastern Europe was complete by the early 1960s.’ How far do you agree with this judgment? Explain your answer. (13m)



China: From the Civil War to the Death of Mao

2005 Qn 4:
(a) Why did Mao start the Cultural Revolution? (12m)
(b) ‘Mao’s leadership of China between 1966 and 1976 was a success.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (13m)



The Failure of Communism in the Soviet Union and the Disintegration of the Iron Curtain (1989)

2003 Qn 4:
(a) Why did Communist governments in Eastern Europe fall in 1989? (12m)
(b) ‘The main reason for Gorbachev’s failure as leader of the Soviet Union wa his policy of glasnost.’ How far do you agree with this judgment? Explain your answer. (13m)