From 1917 revolution great mistrust between USSR & West especially after West backed anti-Bolsheviks in Russian civil war.
Based on oppositing economic & political systems; democratic capitalism & dectatorial. Both sides had already started proganda war. (Red Scare in 1920s USA & anti-western imperialist propaganda in the USSR).
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Post-World War 2
USA and USSR opposing superpowers.
Defeat of Germany led to Yalta & Potsdam agreements whereby Europe was split inro two (after much disagreement).
With mutual enemy gone previous mistrust return. USSR imposed communism into occupied territory & US provided Marshall Aid.
Escalated into Cold War with both sides fearing the other would try to assert dominance over them.
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Effects on USSR
Economically the USSR kept levels of military spending high & geared the economy towards rapid military development to counter America.
Acquired atomic bomb in 1949.
Increaed paranoid of Western influence & subversion.
Zhdanov's cultural reforms, Doctors plot & Hysterical isolation.
Increased upsurge in Russian nationalist propagandato counter image of superior West. Past inventions falsely attributed to Russians (Radio) & past Russian leaders like Peter the Great praised despite being previously labelled tyrannical imperialist by the Bolsheviks.
Development of the Cold War 1945-53 had two general effects once it threatened Stalin's grip on power & so the toralitarianism of High Stalinism was needed to counter the threat.
Second it was explioted by Stalin to increase his power through fear.
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