The Differences Between United States and The Soviet Union Political Ideology Essay Example

Prior to the Cold War, the United States and The Soviet Union not only had differing ideologies but disagreements during World War II which eventually influenced the implementation of the Cold War policy. The Soviet’s ideologies were very contrary to American political policies. Their totalitarian and communist views were perceived as a threat to American beliefs since communism limited the freedom and rights of the people being governed. Also, their attempts to enforce communism upon eastern nations including themselves has never been auspicious, which is why the Americans were very cautious and wary when becoming aware of their expansion. Moreover, relations between the two countries during World War II, including the American opposition of Soviet expansion to weak and economically developing countries eventually led to President Truman’s establishment of the Cold War policy in order to contain communism.

Between the Soviet Union and the United States, numerous ideological differences affected the Cold War policy. During the time, it was evident that the United States was a capitalist/democratic country, and vehemently believed in their freedom and rights. On the contrary, the Soviets were communist/totalitarian, which opposed most of the American ideological opinions. Due to these differences, both nations had constant suspicions for each other. Located on page 4 in the packet: “Soviet leaders were likewise deeply suspicious of the United States. As communists, they considered conflict with the world’s most prosperous capitalist nation inevitable”. Evidently, both countries had a mutual disliking for each other because of their ideological differences and values, which consequently affected Truman’s reasoning to contain communism throughout the world. But besides this, disputes during World War II also contributed to the Cold War policy consensus.

During World War II, poor relations between the US and the USSR greatly impacted the Cold War policy. Concurrent to the peace treaty in the 1940s, the Soviet Union procured several areas of Finland. Once they invaded, the people of Finland bravely defended their independence and freedom, something which the United States commended. Found on page 3 of the packet: “the Finns retained their independence. The American public admired the valiant defense of the Finns against their larger and stronger neighbor”. Clearly, the Americans disliked the Soviet’s aggression and believed that it must be thwarted before more communism spreads. This was just the beginning of the communist expansion, and disputes between the Americans and the Soviets were already emerging. It is clear that both countries feared each other, along with the chance of fighting in another more dreadful war. President Truman simply decided to take action and prevent this from happening, which was taken into effect in the Cold War policy. 

Considering the differences in ideology and controversies between the US and the USSR during World War II, I believe that among the four options presented before President Truman, option two was superior. Ideological disputes prior to World War II made the Soviet Union very volatile and mistrustful. The premise of communism contradicted what Americans stand for, which is why President Truman prioritized our rights and freedom over mutual agreement with the Soviet Union. Furthermore, during World War II, the Americans were afraid of Soviet expansion potentially galvanizing a more devastating and costly war, which is why it would seem best to prevent communism from spreading. If option two was unavailable, it would be most appropriate to have option four, which essentially promoted the avoidance of foreign entanglement. Doing so would decrease the chance of the United States indulging in another dispute with a foreign country. We would be indifferent in future foreign disputes, which would allow our economy to prosper, while simultaneously keeping our Navy and Air Force strong enough to defend the Western hemisphere.