Roots of the Cold War

How did the values of the US and USSR differ?

United States Soviet Union

Ideology Liberal democracy Communism

Philosophical
background

Impact of the
Philosophy

How do they
understand
democracy?

Economic system

Positives of the
ideology

Negatives of the
ideology

History of tensions
 Roots of the Cold War
How did the values of the US and USSR differ?
United States
Ideology Liberal democracy:
Advocated rule by elected representatives and
holds that government might broadly regulate
a capitalist, or free market, economy but
should not otherwise try to control it.
Philosophical The English Civil War was when Enlightenment
background ideals were promoted. John Locke promoted
the idea that people have rights and that the
government should protect the rights of the
people, particularly through parliament. Adam
Smith also prom
Impact of the The English Civil War prompted reflection on
Philosophy power and governance. The ideas of the
Enlightenment were put to the test in the
American colonies, France and beyond.
How do they Western democracies emphasized “by the
understand people” in the individual choice and freedom
democracy? citizens enjoyed.
Economic system The free enterprise system allowed for
competition and the markets to decide prices
and wages with little regulation by the
government.
Positives of the Individual rights and freedoms were
ideology protected.
Negatives of the There is a large gap between the rich and poor
ideology with the rise of capitalist economies.
History of tensions The US and USSR became allies during WWII
against Germany and Russia received military
support.
The US was forced to fight against nations
opposed to communism as they were.
Soviet Union
Communism
Advocates authoritarian rule by a single party
and holds that a government should own all
businesses and control the economy.
Karl Marx believed that society moves through
stages and that capitalism would eventually
lead to communism. The working class would
stop their exploitation by overthrowing the
capitalists and establish a classless society
Marx’s ideas were put to the test in Russia
when the Bolsheviks seized power of the
Russian government.
Communists emphasized “for the people” in
the government meeting the needs of people.
State owned all the wealth and a central
bureaucracy set wages, rents and price,
eliminating most poverty.
While not as prosperous as the West, there
was generally economic equality among the
people. They provided health care, living
wages and education.
Despite Lenin’s good intentions, Russia
developed a one-party state that had no
tolerance for criticism and harshly punished
dissent. Under Stalin it became a totalitarian
state.
US supported those who fought against the
Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War. Also, the
US also did not recognize the USSR until 1933