After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union experienced economic growth. Both nations put efforts into rebuilding after the war, as well as continued industrialization and food production. Starting in the late 1940s, both nations also began to increase military spending. This increase in spending was due to a developing lack of trust between the two nations and growing suspicions over one another’s political goals.

Question

After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union experienced economic growth. Both nations put efforts into rebuilding after the war, as well as continued industrialization and food production. Starting in the late 1940s, both nations also began to increase military spending. This increase in spending was due to a developing lack of trust between the two nations and growing suspicions over one another’s political goals.

Which of the following events most likely led the United States and the Soviet Union to increase military spending?
A.
the McCarthy investigations
B.
the Berlin Blockade
C.
the Five-Year Plan
D.
the communization of China

Answer 1

B. the Berlin Blockade

The Berlin Blockade was a crisis that occurred in 1948 when the Soviet Union blocked all land and water routes into West Berlin, cutting off the western sectors of the city from the rest of Germany. This event heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, leading to increased military spending as both nations sought to protect their interests and project power.