The Cold War emerged from complex tensions between the USA and USSR, driven by ideological differences, personality clashes, and escalating reactions. Who was to blame for the Cold War remains a debated topic, with key factors including the atomic bomb development, Marshall Plan implementation, and fundamental differences in political systems.
• Trust breakdown began with USA's secretive atomic bomb development in 1945
• Personality conflicts between Stalin's ruthlessness and Truman's polarized worldview shaped tensions
• Ideological clash between capitalism and communism fundamentally divided the superpowers
• Escalating responses created a cycle of increasing hostility
• Economic initiatives like the Marshall Plan and COMECON deepened the divide
• Military alliances (NATO and Warsaw Pact) further institutionalized the conflict