United States vs. Soviet perspective Cold War Terms United States vs. Soviet perspective

Democracy

Democracy

democracy Democracy is the best…President to TV programs American perspective Soviet perspective Democracy is the best…President to TV programs Yet, African Americans cannot vote in the south until the mid 60s Support governments who favor US business without democratic governments U.S. is hypocritical Cannot have democracy and capitalism at the same time Economic system should benefit everyone equally…few will take advantage and the rest will be miserable

equality

equality

Equality Opportunity, before the law, conditions American perspective Soviet perspective Opportunity, before the law, conditions Opportunity and law are necessary, but conditions are not…it undermines a citizen’s work ethic Opportunity and law were compromised by racism and sexism Condition is essential Society must share it’s material wealth to unsure no unfair advantages Tried to provide employment, healthcare, and basic necessities but true equality was never achieved Top party officials always received the best

capitalism

capitalism

capitalism Better yourself through hard work and individual initiative American perspective Soviet perspective Better yourself through hard work and individual initiative Competitive nature allows for higher quality for lower prices Brings out the best in people Losers should look to winners for inspiration Evil economic system Breeds selfishness and undermines cooperation and community Wanted workers of the world to overthrow capitalism Bring about an economic and social utopia

individualism

individualism

individualism American perspective Soviet perspective Outcomes of people’s lives can be overcome by inner fortitude Basic human nature is individualistic, competitive, and acquisitive Each person has incentive to improve Produces some winners and many losers People are not endowed with the same talents and abilities, nor same circumstances

collectivism

collectivism

collectivism Violates basic human nature Doomed for failure American perspective Soviet perspective Violates basic human nature Doomed for failure Violates rights of individuals to own private property Cooperation and caring are the finest parts of human nature Only way to create fairness

socialism

socialism

socialism Threatens the right to own and control property American perspective Soviet perspective Threatens the right to own and control property Socialism inhibits individual’s desire and ability to achieve betterment for society Response to evils of capitalism Shared ownership could protect common people from the exploitation of capitalist class

totalitarianism

totalitarianism

totalitarianism Equivalent to dictatorship Threatens basic freedoms American perspective Soviet perspective Equivalent to dictatorship Threatens basic freedoms Healthy society comes from not being afraid to express your opinions Protecting the interests of the populace against few people’s selfish desires requires that the government exert its power to quiet dissent

freedom

freedom

Freedom The core of a happy and productive society American perspective Soviet perspective The core of a happy and productive society “Give me liberty, or give me death” People are not free unless they have a fair share of wealth that allows them to live beyond basic needs

Cold War Terms & Quotes Interpreted

Assignment Find two quotes that you are able to refute using the others’ perspective. 1 quote from United States terms and refute using the Soviet Union perspective. 1 quote from Soviet Union terms and refute using the United States perspective.

Individualism Belief that people working on their own to reach their highest level of achievement produces the best results for individuals and society. “If you work hard and play by the rules you should be given a chance to go as far as your God-given ability will take you” -Bill Clinton Soviets would disagree with Bill Clinton because some are not born with the same talents and abilities as others. Sometimes circumstances that a person is born into doesn’t allow for them to use their “God-given” abilities.