How relevant is the orthodox theory in understanding the origins of the Cold War?

The first 200 words of this essay...

How relevant is the orthodox theory in understanding the origins of the Cold War?

At the end of the Second World War two countries emerged as respective superpowers. Allies during the war the United States of America and Russia were less devastated than many of the other countries involved. The Russians had driven back and defeated the Nazis on the eastern front, and the Americans had eventually defeated the Japanese by dropping the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima in 1945.

Although Russia and the US had been allies during the war ideologically and politically the countries were polar differences. They were united in the common goal of defeating Fascism in the form of Nazi Germany but it was apparent that this was the only link between the two countries. Even before the end of the Second World War, differences and tension between the two countries emerged as discussions and negotiations turned to the topic of the post war world. Both countries had strong beliefs as to how the world should be run economically and politically, the explanations of which were entrenched into their political ideologies. The US championed the need for free trade, liberal capitalism and liberal democratic