Cold War: Soviet Policy 1945-48 Return to the case study menu
Worksheets Big Question Print Source (this will open a PDF file containing images used in this case study)  

Work online using a word editor
Comprehension

5a Make your own copy of this table, or copy this one into your word processor and complete it. Your task is to study each statement and decide whether the writer of Source 5 would accept it.

Statement Writer of Source 5 would say this is true / false because …
Stalin has no plans to take control of Continental Europe
Stalin is happy to co-operate with all other governments  
Stalin wants to take over the Far East  
Stalin's aims are immense, but there is no way he can practically achieve them  
The West does not need to act quickly against the USSR  
Western Civilisation is under threat  


Analysis and Interpretation
5b Add another column to your table. This column should be headed 'My view of this statement'
5c What is your overall impression of this source:
  • a reasonable assessment of Stalin's aims based on the facts?
  • an over reaction to Stalin's actions based on fear and prejudice against the USSR?


    • Case Study Question
    Fill out the relevant line of your Case Study Worksheet.

    The Big Question
    Look at your answers to the questions on source 5.
  • Has this source given you any ideas about awkward questions to ask the leaders?
  • What evidence have you found which you think they will find hard to explain?
    		• Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5Source 6Source 7

    Extract from a report from the Foreign Secretary to the British Cabinet in March 1948. The title of the report was 'The Threat to Western Civilisation'

    Extract from a report from the Foreign Secretary to the British Cabinet in March 1948. The Title of the report was 'The Threat to Western Civilisation'