Unit 8, Period 8

HISTORICAL ANALYSIS – Analyzing Causation and DBQ Essentials… Early Cold War, 1945-1960
From the 2015 Revised Framework:

Causation - Historical thinking involves the ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate the relationships among historical causes and effects, distinguishing between those that
are long term and proximate. Historical thinking also involves the ability to distinguish between causation and correlation, and an awareness of contingency, the way that historical
events result from a complex variety of factors that come together in unpredictable ways and often have unanticipated consequences.

Argumentation - Historical thinking involves the ability to create an argument and support it using relevant historical evidence. Creating a historical argument includes
defining and framing a question about the past and then formulating a claim or argument about that question, often in the form of a thesis. A persuasive historical argument
requires a precise and defensible thesis or claim, supported by rigorous analysis of relevant and diverse historical evidence. The argument and evidence used should be
framed around the application of a specific historical thinking skill (e.g., comparison, causation, patterns of continuity and change over time, or periodization).Furthermore,
historical thinking involves the ability to examine multiple pieces of evidence in concert with each other, noting contradictions, corroborations, and other relationships among
sources to develop and support an argument.

From the 2015 Revised Rubric for the Long Essay - Describes causes AND/OR effects of a historical event, development, or process. Explains the reasons for the causes AND/OR effects of a
historical event, development, or process. (2 of 6 possible points) Scoring Note: If the prompt requires discussion of both causes and effects, responses must address both causes and effects in order to
earn both points.

Reminders About Causation

Historians often debate the causes and effects of events, because history is complex and filled with multiple variables. Some facts are facts: black and white. But most of history is gray: up for
interpretation. When analyzing causation, we must remember that we are making a judgment and defending our viewpoint. And, remember… every viewpoint has an opposing or differing viewpoint.
Analyzing the effects of historical events requires similar skill. It is not only listing ways the event impacted the nation, for example, it is analyzing historical significance of those effects. Did the effect stem
directly from the event? Or, was it simply a coincidence in time and place? Was the effect short term or long term? Which cause was most significant? Which effect was most significant? Etc.

From the Period 8 Content Outline

Key Concept 8.1: The United States responded to an uncertain and unstable postwar world by asserting and working to maintain a position of global leadership, with far-reaching domestic and
international consequences.
I. United States policymakers engaged in a Cold War with the authoritarian Soviet Union, seeking to limit the growth of Communist military power and ideological influence, create a free-market
global economy, and build an international security system.
A) As postwar tensions dissolved the wartime alliance between Western democracies and the Soviet Union, the United States developed a foreign policy based on collective security,
international aid, and economic institutions that bolstered non-Communist nations.
B) Concerned by expansionist Communist ideology and Soviet repression, the United States sought to contain communism through a variety of measures, including major military engagements
in Korea and Vietnam.
C) The Cold War fluctuated between periods of direct and indirect military confrontation and periods of mutual coexistence (or détente).
D) Postwar decolonization and the emergence of powerful nationalist movements in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East led both sides in the Cold War to seek allies among new nations, many of
which remained nonaligned.
E) Cold War competition extended to Latin America, where the U.S. supported non-Communist regimes that had varying levels of commitment to democracy.
II. Cold War policies led to public debates over the power of the federal government and acceptable means for pursuing international and domestic goals while protecting civil liberties.
A) Americans debated policies and methods designed to expose suspected communists within the United States even as both parties supported the broader strategy of containing communism.
B) Although anticommunist foreign policy faced little domestic opposition in previous years, the Vietnam War inspired sizable and passionate antiwar protests that became more numerous as
the war escalated, and sometimes led to violence.
C) Americans debated the merits of a large nuclear arsenal, the military-industrial complex, and the appropriate power of the executive branch in conducting foreign and military policy.
D) Ideological, military, and economic concerns shaped U.S. involvement in the Middle East, with several oil crises in the region eventually sparking attempts at creating a national energy
policy.

Historical Analysis Activity written by Rebecca Richardson, Allen High School using the 2015 Revised College Board Advanced Placement United States history framework, 2001 and 2006 released exams, and other sources as cited in document
 Unit 8, Period 8

HISTORICAL ANALYSIS – Causation… The Early Cold War, 1945-1960

Step 1: Address the following prompt by brainstorming relevant information in the spaces provided within the graphic organizer.
Prompt: Evaluate the impact United States foreign policy during the early Cold War had on America’s role in the world, American identity, and the United
States economy from 1945-1960.
Most significant impact? IMPACT ON AMERICAN IDENTITY

RED SCARE…
Increase in patriotism, increased support for democracy
Loyalty Review Boards
Loyalty Review Boards scrutinized federal employees'
IMPACT ON AMERICA IN THE WORLD allegiance, fostering a culture of distrust and conformity amidst
Cold War anxieties.
House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)
ASIA… HUAC's investigations into alleged subversive activities shaped America's
COLD WAR context global image as a staunch defender against communism.
China (DEFINE/LIST CAUSES) China: China's fall to communism in 1949 escalated U.S. fears, influencing
its foreign policies during the Cold War, particularly in Asia.
McCarthyism
The Korean War underscored America's
commitment to containing communism, McCarthyism symbolized an era of intensified anti-communist sentiment, undermining civil
liberties and fostering a climate of fear and suspicion in American society.
significantly impacting its military and Espionage: Cold War espionage heightened U.S.-Soviet tensions, reinforcing mutual
diplomatic strategies in Asia. distrust and accelerating the arms race.
Espionage
Korean War
(DEFINE U.S. FOREIGN POLICY)
The Korean War underscored America's IMPACT ON THE AMERICAN ECONOMY
commitment to containing communism,
significantly impacting its military and
diplomatic strategies in Asia.
DOMESTIC SPENDING…
EUROPE…

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Arms Race

The NATO arms race exemplified the intense competition with the Soviet Union, significantly shaping
The NATO arms race exemplified the intense U.S. defense policies and international relations.
competition with the Soviet Union, significantly shaping
U.S. defense policies and international relations. Interstate Highway Act
Greece/Turkey
The Interstate Highway Act spurred economic growth, facilitated military logistics, and
U.S. aid to Greece and Turkey during the Truman Doctrine transformed American landscapes and culture.
era illustrated America's strategic efforts to counter Soviet
influence in key geopolitical regions.
Space Race
Germany The Space Race, a symbol of U.S.-Soviet rivalry, catalyzed American advancements in
science and technology, boosting national pride and global prestige.
Post-war policies in Germany reflected America's role in
reshaping European geopolitics, fostering democracy, and
countering Soviet influence in the region. INTERNATIONAL SPENDING…
Western Europe U.S. international spending during the Cold War, particularly through initiatives like the
Marshall Plan, aimed to contain communism and rebuild war-torn Europe, thereby
The Korean War underscored America's commitment to containing extending American influence globally.
communism, significantly impacting its military and diplomatic strategies in
Asia.

Historical Analysis Activity written by Rebecca Richardson, Allen High School using the 2015 Revised College Board Advanced Placement United States history framework, 2001 and 2006 released exams, and other sources as cited in document
 Unit 8, Period 8

HISTORICAL ANALYSIS … The Early Cold War, 1945-1960

Step 2: Address the following prompt using your thesis formula. Include some relevant historical context as well.
Prompt: Evaluate the impact United States foreign policy during the early Cold War had on America’s role in the world, American identity, and the United
States economy from 1945-1960.
Remember how to use your formula for this type of prompt?
LC=Explain the context of the topic. If you recognized significance of the years of your parameters, explain them!
X = least important consequence, with an explanation why & at least one specific piece of historical evidence clarifying/backing up X (this prompt basically gives you your ABC; which was least significant? Make that your X
AND make it your first body paragraph (A))
Y = your assertion statement
A, B, C = most important consequences, explanations why (you already explained A/X… now explain the more significant consequences as your BC)

During the early Cold War (1945-1960), United States foreign policy, marked by containment strategies, alliances
like NATO, and interventions in Korea, not only cemented America's role as a global superpower but also
profoundly shaped its national identity as the leader of the free world against communism. This period also
witnessed significant economic transformations, as defense spending and international aid through programs like
the Marshall Plan spurred industrial growth, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for America's future
economic challenges, including the rise of military-industrial complexities.

Historical Analysis Activity written by Rebecca Richardson, Allen High School using the 2015 Revised College Board Advanced Placement United States history framework, 2001 and 2006 released exams, and other sources as cited in document
 Unit 8, Period 8
Analyzing Evidence, Interpreting Documents, & Defending an Argument … Early Cold War, 1945-1960
Step 3: Analyze the documents on the following page using your HIPP strategy, and then use your analysis to support your thesis or alternate view.

From the 2015 Revised Framework:

Students will…
ANALYZE EVIDENCE…
1. Explain the relevance of the author’s point of view, author’s purpose, audience, format or medium, and/or historical context as well as the interaction among these features, to demonstrate
understanding of the significance of a primary source.
2. Evaluate the usefulness, reliability, and/ or limitations of a primary source in answering particular historical questions.

INTERPRET DOCUMENTS…
1. Analyze a historian’s argument, explain how the argument has been supported through the analysis of relevant historical evidence, and evaluate the argument’s effectiveness.
2. Analyze diverse historical interpretations.

CREATE AND DEFEND AN ARGUMENT…

1. Evaluate evidence to explain its relevance to a claim or thesis, providing clear and consistent links between the evidence and the argument.
2. Relate diverse historical evidence in a cohesive way to illustrate contradiction, corroboration, qualification, and other types of historical relationships in developing an argument.

Document 1
Source: Senator Harry S Truman to a newspaper reporter, June 1941

“If we see that Germany is winning, we ought to help Russia and if Russia is winning we ought to help Germany and that way let them kill as many as possible.”

Historical Context, Intended Audience, Author’s Purpose, or Author’s Point of View:

Historical Context: Truman's statement reflects the U.S. strategy of balancing powers in Europe during World War II, before the definitive formation of the Cold
War's bipolar global structure.
Intended
How Audience:
this document supports The statement
or contradicts your was
thesis:directed at the American public and policymakers to justify a pragmatic approach towards U.S. involvement in
European conflicts.
Author’s Purpose: Truman aimed to advocate for a strategy that would prevent either Germany or Russia from becoming dominant in Europe, which aligns with
later containment strategies during the Cold War.
Author’s Point of View: Truman exhibits a realpolitik perspective, prioritizing U.S. interests by advocating for a balance of power in Europe.
Supports/Contradicts Thesis: This statement indirectly supports the thesis as it showcases the roots of America's strategic balancing, which evolved into
What other document(s)
containment corroborates
policy during the or contradicts
Cold War, thisinfluencing
analysis? America's global role and economic policies.
Corroborating/Contradicting Document: The "Long Telegram" by George Kennan in 1946 corroborates this analysis, as it laid the groundwork for containment,
reflecting a continuity in U.S. strategy from balancing powers in WWII to containing the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Historical Analysis Activity written by Rebecca Richardson, Allen High School using the 2015 Revised College Board Advanced Placement United States history framework, 2001 and 2006 released exams, and other sources as cited in document
 Unit 8, Period 8
Document 2
Source: “Plans for a New World” political cartoon, author unknown

Historical Context, Intended Audience, Author’s Purpose, or Author’s Point

of View:

Historical Context: The cartoon likely reflects post-World War II

sentiments, depicting the emerging new world order influenced by
Cold War dynamics.
Intended Audience: The cartoon targets the general public, using
satire to comment on the geopolitical strategies of the time.
Author’s Purpose: The creator aims to critique or illuminate the
strategic maneuvers of major powers, possibly underscoring the
How this document
competitive supports
nature or contradicts
of U.S. and Sovietyour thesis:
policies.
Author’s Point of View: The cartoonist presents a skeptical or critical
perspective on the Cold War's impact on global affairs, possibly
questioning the motives or outcomes of U.S. foreign policy.
Supports/Contradicts Thesis: Without seeing the specific content,
it's challenging to determine, but generally, political cartoons of this
era can support the thesis by highlighting public perception and
discourse around U.S. foreign policy's global and domestic impacts.
Corroborating/Contradicting Document: George F. Kennan’s "X
Article" (1947)
What other could
document(s) either corroborate
corroborates or contradictsor contradict
this analysis? this analysis,
depending on the cartoon's message, as it outlines the containment
policy that significantly shaped U.S. actions during the Cold War.

Document 3
Source: President Harry Truman, 1952

“I suppose that history will remember my term in office as the years when the Cold War began to overshadow our lives. I have hardly a day in office that has not been dominated by
this all-embracing struggle. And always in the background there has been the atomic bomb. But when history says that my term of office saw the beginning of the Cold War, it will
also say that in those eight years we have set the course that can win it."
Historical Context, Intended Audience, Author’s Purpose, or Author’s Point of View:
Historical Context: Truman's term (1945-1953) coincided with the formative years of the Cold War, witnessing key events like the Berlin Blockade, NATO's
formation, and the Korean War, setting foundational strategies for U.S. foreign policy.
Intended
How Audience:
this document supportsTruman's statement
or contradicts your thesis:was aimed at the American public and future historians, offering a reflection on his presidency's challenges and
achievements in the context of the Cold War.
Author’s Purpose: Truman sought to justify his administration's actions and policies during the Cold War, emphasizing a strategic approach to countering the
Soviet Union and promoting U.S. leadership.
What other document(s)
Author’s Point of View: corroborates or contradicts
Truman portrays thishis
analysis?
presidency as a pivotal period in shaping the Cold War's course, asserting a proactive and strategic stance in U.S.
foreign policy.
Supports/Contradicts Thesis: This statement supports the thesis, illustrating how early Cold War U.S. foreign policy under Truman aimed to establish America's
Historical Analysis Activity written by Rebecca Richardson, Allen High School using the 2015 Revised College Board Advanced Placement United States history framework, 2001 and 2006 released exams, and other sources as cited in document
role as a global leader and shape its national identity in opposition to the Soviet threat.
Corroborating/Contradicting Document: NSC-68, a key 1950 National Security Council document, corroborates this analysis by outlining a strategy of
containment and military buildup, reflecting the proactive stance Truman describes.
 Unit 8, Period 8

Document 4
Source: George Kennan, State Department official, September 1946

I don't think that we can influence them [the Soviets] by reasoning with them, by arguing with them, by going to them and saying, "Look here, this is the way things are." I don't
believe that is possible. . . . If we can keep them maneuvered into a position where it is always hard and unprofitable for them to take action contrary to the principles of the United
Nations and to our policies and where there is always an open door and an easy road to collaboration . . . I personally am quite convinced that . . . sooner or later the logic of it will
penetrate their government and will force changes there.”

Historical
HistoricalContext, Intended
Context: Audience,
Kennan's Author’s
statement Purpose,
comes fromorhis
Author’s Point
insights of shaped
that View: the containment policy, a cornerstone of U.S. strategy during the Cold War, aimed at preventing Soviet
expansion.
Intended Audience: Kennan's audience was U.S. policymakers, providing guidance on how to approach the Soviet challenge within the context of U.S. foreign policy.
Author’s Purpose: Kennan aimed to influence U.S. strategy towards the Soviet Union, advocating for a policy of containment rather than direct confrontation or persuasion.
Author’s
How Point of supports
this document View: Kennan expresses
or contradicts your athesis:
pragmatic approach to Soviet relations, emphasizing strategic positioning and the long-term impact of consistent U.S. policies.
Supports/Contradicts Thesis: Kennan's perspective supports the thesis by illustrating how U.S. foreign policy during the early Cold War was shaped by a strategic approach to contain
Soviet influence, impacting America's global role and shaping its national identity.
Corroborating/Contradicting Document: The "Long Telegram" and Kennan's "X Article" in Foreign Affairs both corroborate this analysis, as they expand on the principles of containment
and the strategic rationale behind U.S. policies towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
What other document(s) corroborates or contradicts this analysis?

Document 5 Document 6
Source: Gallup Poll conducted in the United States, May 1948

Do you think the United States is too soft or too tough . . . in its policy toward Russia?
Too soft ...................................................................................................... 69%
Too tough .......................... . ...................................................................... 6
About right ...................... . ....................................................................... 14
No opinion ................................................................................................ 11

Historical Context, Intended Audience, Author’s Purpose, or Author’s Point of View:

Historical Context: The poll reflects early Cold War tensions and American public
sentiment towards the Soviet Union, during a time when U.S. policy was increasingly
focused on containment and demonstrating strength against communism.
Intended Audience: The poll aimed at gauging the American public's opinion, providing
policymakers and the broader public with insights into national attitudes towards Historical Context, Intended Audience, Author’s Purpose, or Author’s Point of View:
Historical Context: Kennan's statement comes from his insights that shaped the containment policy, a
U.S.-Soviet relations. cornerstone of U.S. strategy during the Cold War, aimed at preventing Soviet expansion.
Author’s
How thisPurpose:
document Thesupports
Gallup organization
or contradictsaimed to capture and reflect public
your thesis:
Intended Audience: Kennan's audience was U.S. policymakers, providing guidance on how to approach the
Soviet challenge within the context of U.S. foreign policy.
sentiment on U.S. foreign policy, offering a snapshot of American views on the nation's Author’s Purpose: Kennan aimed to influence U.S. strategy towards the Soviet Union, advocating for a policy
approach to handling the Soviet Union. of containment rather than direct confrontation or persuasion.
Author’s Point of View: The poll itself is neutral, serving as a tool to gauge public How this document
Author’s Point ofsupports or expresses
View: Kennan contradicts your thesis:
a pragmatic approach to Soviet relations, emphasizing strategic
positioning and the long-term impact of consistent U.S. policies.
opinion rather than expressing a specific viewpoint, though the results indicate a Supports/Contradicts Thesis: Kennan's perspective supports the thesis by illustrating how U.S. foreign policy
prevalent perception among Americans that U.S. policy might have been too lenient during the early Cold War was shaped by a strategic approach to contain Soviet influence, impacting America's
global role and shaping its national identity.
towards the USSR. Corroborating/Contradicting Document: The "Long Telegram" and Kennan's "X Article" in Foreign Affairs both
Supports/Contradicts Thesis: The poll results support the thesis by highlighting the
What other document(s) corroborates or contradicts this analysis?
domestic perspective on U.S. foreign policy, showing public support for a tough stance
What other document(s) corroborates or contradicts this analysis?
corroborate this analysis, as they expand on the principles of containment and the strategic rationale behind
U.S. policies towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
against the Soviet Union, which aligns with the era's broader strategic aims and
impacts on American identity.
Corroborating/Contradicting Document: Truman's "Truman Doctrine" speech in 1947,
advocating for support to Greece and Turkey against Soviet expansion, corroborates
Historical Analysis
this analysis, Activity
reflecting thewritten by Rebeccaalignment
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High School using thefavoring
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a College Board Advanced Placement United States history framework, 2001 and 2006 released exams, and other sources as cited in document
firm stance against the Soviet influence.
 Unit 8, Period 8

Document 7
Source: The Bull in the Room, 2010, stateofthenation2012.com

Historical Context, Intended Audience, Author’s Purpose, or Author’s Point of View:

Historical Context: "The Bull in the Room" is a modern analysis, reflecting

contemporary perspectives on historical events, likely offering a retrospective
view on U.S. foreign policy and its long-term impacts.
Intended Audience: The article targets readers interested in historical
analysis and contemporary reflections on past U.S. foreign policies,
particularly those related to the Cold War.
Author’s Purpose: The author aims to provide insight or critique on U.S.
Howforeign policy, possibly
this document supportsdrawing parallelsyour
or contradicts or contrasts
thesis: with modern policies or
events.
Author’s Point of View: The author offers a retrospective analysis, which may
include critical or supportive perspectives on U.S. actions during the Cold
War and their aftermath.
Supports/Contradicts Thesis: Without specific content, it's challenging to
determine, but as a modern retrospective, the article could support the thesis
by illustrating the long-term perceptions and impacts of U.S. Cold War
What other document(s) corroborates or contradicts this analysis?
policies.
Corroborating/Contradicting Document: A direct comparison is challenging
without content details, but a historical document like NSC-68 could serve as
a reference point, offering a contemporaneous perspective on U.S. Cold War
strategies that "The Bull in the Room" might analyze or critique.

Outside Evidence…
Step 4: What piece of outside evidence will you use in your essay to further the defense of your argument? Remember you must have at least one piece of outside evidence in
your body paragraphs that defends your argument THAT IS NOT FOUND IN OR INFERRED BY A DOCUMENT. Write several sentences that explain this piece
[thoroughly explain how it supports your thesis]. If this evidence is consistent with one of the documents, include that analysis as well.

The Marshall Plan, initiated in 1948, exemplifies how U.S. foreign policy aimed not only at
containing communism but also at rebuilding war-torn Europe, thereby establishing America's role
as a global leader and economic benefactor. This policy underscores the thesis by illustrating the
U.S.'s strategic approach to shaping international relations, fostering economic stability, and
asserting its influence, aligning with Truman's perspective on setting a course that could win the
Cold War.

Historical Analysis Activity written by Rebecca Richardson, Allen High School using the 2015 Revised College Board Advanced Placement United States history framework, 2001 and 2006 released exams, and other sources as cited in document
 Unit 8, Period 8

Contextualization & Synthesis… Cold War/Containment, 1945-1960

From the 2015 Revised Framework:
Students will…
CONTEXTUALIZE… Situate historical events, developments, or processes within the broader regional, national, or global context in which they occurred in order to draw conclusions about their
relative significance.
SYNTHESIZE…Make connections between a given historical issue and related developments in a different historical context, geographical area, period, or era, including the present.

Step 5: Local and broad context for Containment and Cold War is provided. REVIEW this information, then complete the synthesis step – comparative context.
Remember to THOROUGHLY EXPLAIN HOW OR WHY your two topics/eras are similar or different. This should be SEVERAL sentences.

Local Context--(Who, What, When, Where)

The Cold War was a battle of competing ideologies between the two post WWII Superpowers, the U.S.A. & the U.S.S.R. It began during WWII and ended in 1989. The early Cold War
witnessed the beginning of U.S. foreign policy of containment which sought to stem the spread of communism around the world and support and defend anti-communist nations
around the world. Harry Truman and George Kennan helped to develop containment policy.

Broad
Context
Why, How Comparative/Other Context -Synthesis
What is the Similar in Kind From an Earlier OR a Later Time
“Big Picture?”
What is the theme?

The U.S. policy of Containment

during the early Cold War altered
its role in the world, leading to active
involvement diplomatically, economically, and
militarily in world affairs. The battle against
communism also impacted the environment as nuclear bombs
and the arms race escalated, impacted American
identity as an us-vs-them mentality bolstered
American traditional beliefs and stifled rebellion
due to a Red Scare, and drove economic
expansion due to wartime spending
on things like NASA
and the military.

Historical Analysis Activity written by Rebecca Richardson, Allen High School using the 2015 Revised College Board Advanced Placement United States history framework, 2001 and 2006 released exams, and other sources as cited in document