i need ti write a paper on why the soviet union is to blame for the cold war. could an example i cit be when the soviet union invaded afghanistan?
You need to go farther back in time than the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Start with the end of World War II.
These sites should help you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/coldwar.htm
why do i need to do that? I have to focus on events of the 1970s and 1980s
Blame is usually attached to the beginning of a conflict. However, the articles above detail the Cold War in the 70s and 80s so you should find lots of information there.
Yes, the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan can be cited as an example of why they were blamed for the Cold War. To write a paper on this topic, you can follow these steps:
1. Introduction: Start by providing a brief background on the Cold War and its origins. Explain that the blame for the Cold War has been attributed to both the United States and the Soviet Union, but your paper will focus on the Soviet Union's role.
2. Thesis statement: Clearly state your thesis, which is that the Soviet Union is to blame for the Cold War. Provide a brief overview of the main arguments and examples that you will discuss in the paper.
3. Historical context: Describe the events leading up to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Discuss how the power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union in the post-World War II era heightened tensions and laid the groundwork for the Cold War.
4. Soviet invasion of Afghanistan: Provide a detailed account of the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Explain the motivations behind the invasion, such as the desire to spread communism and protect their interests in the region.
5. Global response: Discuss the international reaction to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Explain how this event intensified tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, as the invasion was seen as a direct challenge to U.S. influence in the region.
6. Escalation of the arms race: Analyze how the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan led to an escalation of the arms race between the two superpowers. Discuss how the United States responded by providing military and financial support to Afghan rebels, known as the mujahideen, effectively turning the conflict into a proxy war.
7. Deterioration of relations: Explain how the Soviet Union's actions in Afghanistan further deteriorated relations with the United States. Discuss how this event contributed to the perception that the Soviet Union was an aggressive and expansionist power.
8. Conclusion: Summarize your main arguments and restate your thesis, emphasizing the significance of the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in shaping the narrative of blame during the Cold War.
Remember to support your arguments with credible sources and provide proper citations for any information or quotes used in your paper.