The USA is represented by the Eagle.

A sense of gloom or trouble ahead is represented by the Dark clouds.

The USSR is represented by the Bear.
The dangerous division between them is represented by the Gulch/ravine.

(b) Do you think that this cartoon is biased or neutral in its portrayal of
America’s role in the Cold War? Tick () one of the following: pro-American
anti-American neutral

To decide whether the cartoon is pro-American, anti-American, or neutral, we

must analyse how it portrays the USA and its role in the Cold War:

 Pro-American: The cartoon might be pro-American if it portrays the USA

positively (e.g., as justified, noble, or a victim of aggression).
 Anti-American: It would be anti-American if it portrays the USA negatively
(e.g., as the aggressor, unreasonable, or hypocritical).
 Neutral: It would be neutral if it presents both sides fairly, without favouring
one or criticising the other.

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Interpretation:

In this cartoon, the USA is symbolised by the eagle, a noble and strong national
symbol, while the USSR is symbolised by the bear, often depicted as aggressive or
threatening in Cold War imagery. The caption “Time to Bridge That Gulch” suggests
a call for cooperation, rather than outright criticism of either side. However, the
deepening suspicions and irresponsible statements imply both sides share
blame for the tension.

Likely Answer:

This cartoon leans towards being neutral because it highlights the Cold War
tensions without overtly criticizing or praising one side. It suggests that both nations
are responsible for overcoming their differences.

(c) Explain your choice, supporting your answer with reference to the cartoon

To write a strong response to part (c), you should:

1. Underline the key words in the question:

o Explain your choice
o Supporting your answer
o With reference to the cartoon
2. Plan your answer:
o Begin by stating your choice clearly.
o Provide a reason for your choice, using specific details from the
cartoon.
o Mention key features such as expressions, actions, or text in the
cartoon.
o Conclude by summarising how the cartoon effectively supports your
choice.

Sample Answer:

In this cartoon, the USA is symbolised by the eagle, a noble and strong national symbol,
while the USSR is symbolised by the bear, often depicted as aggressive or threatening in
Cold War imagery. The caption “Time to Bridge That Gulch” suggests a call for cooperation,
rather than outright criticism of either side. However, the deepening suspicions and

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irresponsible statements imply both sides share blame for the tension. This cartoon leans
towards being neutral because it highlights the Cold War tensions without overtly criticising
or praising one side. It suggests that both nations are responsible for overcoming their
differences.

(d) What is meant by the cartoonist’s statement, ‘Time to bridge that gulch’?

The cartoonist’s statement, ‘Time to bridge that gulch,’ in the context of the Cold
War, refers to the need to address the growing tensions between the two
superpowers: Russia, symbolised by the bear, and the USA, represented by the
eagle. The ‘gulch’ symbolises the ideological, political, and military divide between
these nations during the Cold War, particularly the opposing systems of communism
and capitalism.

The bear (Russia) and the eagle (USA) are traditional symbols of the two nations,
often used to depict their power and rivalry. In the cartoon, they likely appear facing
one another, with the gulch representing the Cold War conflicts such as the arms
race, the space race, and proxy wars. The cartoonist’s use of the phrase suggests
that it is time to overcome this division, possibly through diplomacy or a reduction in
hostilities, as the tensions threaten global stability.

By depicting these powerful symbols on either side of the gulch, the cartoon conveys
the precarious balance of the Cold War. The phrase, ‘Time to bridge that gulch,’
could imply a call for peaceful coexistence or an effort to de-escalate the
competition, such as arms control agreements like SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation
Talks).

In conclusion, the cartoonist’s statement reflects the hope or need for the USA and
Russia to overcome their differences, bridging the divide that defined the Cold War
era.

(e) From your study of the Cold War, name an incident which involved the
USA, the USSR, and at least one other country (e.g. Germany, Korea, Cuba,
etc.).

The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).

(f) Give an outline of what happened during this incident.

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Outline of the Incident:

The Cuban Missile Crisis was one of the most significant confrontations of the Cold
War, involving the USA, the USSR, and Cuba. It began in October 1962 when
American reconnaissance planes discovered Soviet nuclear missiles being installed
in Cuba, just 90 miles from the US coastline.

Cuba, under Fidel Castro, had aligned itself with the Soviet Union, seeking protection
after the failed US-sponsored Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Soviet Premier Nikita
Khrushchev saw an opportunity to place missiles in Cuba, both to counter the US
missiles in Italy and Turkey and to strengthen the USSR's strategic position.

US President John F. Kennedy responded by imposing a naval blockade (referred to

as a "quarantine") around Cuba to prevent further Soviet shipments of military
equipment. Tensions escalated as both sides prepared for possible military action,
with the world on the brink of nuclear war.

After intense negotiations, Khrushchev agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba in
exchange for a US promise not to invade Cuba and a secret agreement to remove
American missiles from Italy and Turkey.

Key Points:

1. The crisis lasted for 13 days, from 16th to 28th October 1962.
2. It marked the closest point the world ever came to a full-scale nuclear war.
3. The incident demonstrated the dangers of nuclear brinkmanship and led to
improved communication between the superpowers, including the
establishment of the "Hotline" between Washington and Moscow.

This incident highlighted the global implications of the Cold War and the involvement
of third-party nations like Cuba in the ideological and military rivalry between the
USA and the USSR.

(g) What was one outcome of this event for each of the countries involved in
this incident? Name of incident: USA: USSR: The third country:

The Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962) was a 13-day confrontation between the
United States and the Soviet Union over the presence of Soviet ballistic missiles in
Cuba. Here's an outcome for each of the countries involved:

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  USA: The United States successfully forced the USSR to withdraw its missiles
from Cuba, demonstrating its military and political strength. This resulted in
the U.S. gaining a strategic advantage in the Cold War and solidifying
President John F. Kennedy's leadership.
 USSR: The Soviet Union was forced to remove its missiles from Cuba, which
was seen as a significant political and military setback. However, in a secret
agreement, the U.S. later agreed to remove its missiles from Italy and Turkey,
which helped mitigate the embarrassment for the USSR and preserved Soviet
influence in the Cold War.
 Cuba: Cuba, while not directly involved in the negotiations, was caught
between the superpowers. The crisis strengthened Fidel Castro's resolve to
defend the island against U.S. influence, but it also placed Cuba in a more
dependent position on the USSR, highlighting the tensions between its
sovereignty and the Cold War rivalry.

The Cuban Missile Crisis marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War, leading to direct
communication between the U.S. and the USSR (the "Hotline Agreement") and
efforts toward arms control.