LEARNING INTENTIONS

Explain what is meant by Communism and Capitalism

Describe why the two ideologies helped cause the Cold War

During the Cold War, the USA and Soviet Union were divided by ideology. An ideology is the belief of how a country should be run.

The USA believed in Capitalism. This is the belief that governments should play only a small role in peoples lives.

Instead people are free to own property and set up businesses.

Many people supported capitalism because it gives freedom; people can choose what to do with their lives. However other people think it is unfair because it leads to some people being very poor.

The Soviet Union supported Communism. This is the belief that everyone should be equal, meaning the government control most things. e.g. companies would not be privately owned

The Soviets believed that Communism would create a fairer society, and reduce crime if everyone was equal. However others felt that Communism gave the government too much control, and took away freedom.