Explain why relations between the USA and the USSR worsened in the years 1947-49? (12 marks)

It is very important when approaching a question like this, to not only consider the number of marks, but likewise the dates given. This question is worth 12 marks, so requires you to focus on around three themes which you can develop on. The date highlighted is 1947-49: a three year period is very short in such an essay question, so it does mean something very significant must have occurred. I would sugget you write down everything you know that happened during those three years. In this case, three themes emerge: economic, political and military.

Following the Second World War, relations deteriorated quickly between the United States and the Soviet Union. The two superpowers had two distinct visions for the world. Whilst the U.S. endorsed Capitalism, the U.S.S.R believed in communism. With the occupation of Eastern European countries and East Germany, the Iron Curtain was in place and the U.S. did everything to resist communist expansion, thus worsening their relations with the U.S.S.R.

In the introduction, it is important you emphasise the differing political opinion of the two superpowers and the political ideas enforced by the U.S - the domino theory and containment. It only requires a sentence to explain: The differing views of the two superpowers meant that the U.S implemented a strategic political plan by Truman called containment, protecting any countries from communist threat and thus preventing the much dreaded domino theory from occurring. 

Focusing on the economic aspect, you can draw on the Marshall Plan from 1947. The U.S offered $13 billion in aid to countries that were trying to reconstruct after the war, but which were therefore more susceptible falling to communism. This worsened relations as Stalin accused the U.S of dollar imperialism and consequently refused Soviet countries to accept the plan. The U.S.S.R responded with their own form of economic aid in 1949 known as Comecon, thus boycotting the Marshall Aid in Eastern Europe. 

Focusing on the political factor, you can look at the Berlin Blockade of 1949. Stalin, who was in control of East Berlin, wanted West Berlin to be dependant on the Soviets. By cutting off all road, rail and canal routes he threatened the stability of East Berlin. However, the U.S. decided to respond peacefully by airlifting supplies to West Berlin for eleven months, until Stalin backed down. This significantly worsened relations between the two superpowers, heating the situation almost to the brink of war.

Finally, it is important to look at the military aspect, which likewise worsened relations. In 1949 the USSR created the atomic bomb, threatening not only the US, but the world. In a defensive response the US formed NATO - a military alliance, where members would defend other members if attacked. Stalin saw the alliance as a direct threat to the Soviet Union and therefore relations further deteriorated between the two superpowers.

The conclusion should be concise and should weigh up the different factors. In this case, the Berlin Blockade can be regarded as having worsened the relations to the potential point of war, heightening tension and deteriorating relations.