History Extra Credit

Anonymous High School Student

April/May 2025

SAQ:

1. (A) Identify and explain one way in which the Cold War influenced political or military alliances in the second half of the 20th century.

One way the Cold War influenced political and military alliances in the second half of the 20th century is through the formation of NATO in 1949.  NATO, which stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established by the United States and several other Western European nations as a way to defend themselves through an alliance against the perceived threat of Soviet expansion. The alliances meant that fewer countries would attack them, making it beneficial for all of the countries in the alliance.These alliances institutionalized the Cold War rivalry and shaped global military and political strategies throughout the latter half of the 20th century.

2. (B) Identify and explain one economic impact of the Cold War on either the United States or the Soviet Union.

One significant economic impact of the Cold War on the Soviet Union was the diversion of resources towards military spending. This significantly tired and strained the economy and hampered the progress in other sectors. This arms race led to a decrease in overall economic growth, leading to a loss, and an ever growing gap in living standards between the Soviet Union and the West. 

3. (C) Identify and explain one way in which a Cold War conflict outside of Europe (such as in Asia, Latin America, or Africa) reflected broader Cold War tensions.

One clear example in which the Cold War conflict outside of Europe reflected broader Cold War tensions is the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was a direct reflection of the ideological struggle between Communism led by the Soviet Union and China and Capitalism led by the United States. This conflict mirrored the broader Cold War tension because it was not just a fight over control of a single country but rather a high-stake ideological and geopolitical struggle between two powerhouses. The U.S. wanted to contain communism, while the Soviet Union and China wanted to spread it, making Vietnam a key battleground in the larger Cold War conflict.