'It was the actions of Soviet Union that had laid the foundations of the Cold War by march 1947.'

Introduction

1. Disagree

2. Wasn’t just USSR’s actions but also USA’s

3. Ideological conflict between powers ultimately escalated tensions - not one sided

Agree

1. Soviet Sphere of Influence - achieved by 1948, defensive buffer secured, Eastern Bloc (eastern European countries aligned militarily, politically, economically, and culturally w/ Soviet Union, 1945-1990 the foundations for the Cold War as it secures a strong opposition to the USA/induced American fear

2. Extensive reparations demanded: Yalta; Stalin wanted higher German reparations, decision delayed; Potsdam: Stalin wanted reparations to make up for dead Russians; Truman didn’t want repeat of 1919 Treaty of Versailles

3. Refused to recognize Lublin Poles for the Polish government—direct conflict with the West.

Disagree

1. 1946 Long telegram/Sinews of Peace speech - Kennan emphasized view that USSR viewed West as hostile/ West must be prepared to threaten use of force to ensure unity among allies-—increased Truman's dislike for the USSR/contributed to Truman's formation of the Truman Doctrine - Sinews of Peace; public dictation of the divide between West and USSR, anti-communist, speech attacked USSR and clearly stated the divide

2. March 1947 Truman doctrine - European policy, aid given to countries where in return received loyalty and economic info - aims: provoke the USSR; Truman wanted them to feel threatened, clearly acting to lay the grounds for conflict; senator told Truman to scare US public by demonising USSR intentions, hints of LT in policy, discusses soviet expansionism/aggression

Conclusion

Both powers equally provoked each other