SUMMARY

​La Faber-A view of the United States as primarily responsible for the Cold
            War
Gaddis-A view of the Cold War as caused primarily by Soviet aggression

1. How does each historian see American and Soviet motives?

Walter LaFeber (revisionist perspective):

• U.S. motives: LaFeber suggests American policymakers were overly suspicious and framed Soviet actions in the worst possible light. He emphasizes that the U.S. used economic pressure and interpreted Soviet behavior as aggressive expansionism.
• Soviet motives: He argues Stalin was primarily defensive, seeking:
  • Security after WWII devastation
  • Strategic buffer zones (Eastern Europe)
  • Protection against perceived Western encirclement
• Overall: Soviet actions were misunderstood and exaggerated by the U.S.

John Lewis Gaddis (post-revisionist leaning traditionalist in this early work):

• U.S. motives: The U.S. acted within constraints of democracy—public opinion, Congress, and political pressures limited flexibility.
• Soviet motives: Stalin had greater freedom of action due to his authoritarian control. Even if he didn’t intend a Cold War, his system allowed more aggressive or uncompromising policies.
• Overall: Both sides contributed, but Soviet structure and power gave Stalin more responsibility.

2. On what basis does each assign primary responsibility?

LaFeber:

• Blames the U.S. more heavily.
• Argues American leaders:
  • Misinterpreted Soviet intentions
  • Escalated tensions through economic and ideological pressure
• Responsibility is based on American overreaction and global economic ambitions.

Gaddis:

• Places more responsibility on the Soviet Union (specifically Stalin).
• His key argument:
  • Responsibility lies with the side that had greater ability to change its behavior
• Since Stalin faced fewer internal constraints, he had more opportunity to avoid conflict.
• Responsibility is based on political structure and decision-making freedom.

3. How would each interpret Greece and the Truman Doctrine?

LaFeber’s interpretation:

• Would likely see the Truman Doctrine (1947) as:
  • An overreaction to a localized conflict in Greece
  • A way for the U.S. to expand its economic and political influence globally
• He would argue:
  • The U.S. exaggerated the communist threat
  • Greece became a justification for a broader containment strategy
• Conclusion: The U.S. helped escalate the Cold War unnecessarily

Gaddis’s interpretation:

• Would likely view the Truman Doctrine as:
  • A reasonable response to instability and potential Soviet expansion
• He would emphasize:
  • The U.S. had to act within domestic expectations to resist communism
  • Stalin’s system made the threat appear more rigid and dangerous
• Conclusion: The U.S. acted defensively, while Soviet structure made tensions harder to defuse

Quick Comparison Table

MCQs

ANSWER KEY​

1. B
2. C
3. B

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