History questions on Soviet Russia and its relations with the rest of the World.

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Damian Niebler

Period 04

January 1, 2013

Winter Break Questions

The Long Telegram

1, According to Kennan, what were the main reasons for the Soviets' "neurotic view of world affairs?" To what extent was it the result of Russian/Soviet history, Marxist ideology, or western actions?

        The main reasons for the Soviets’ “neurotic view of the world affairs” is insecurity. This included the fear of being overpowered or allowing the Russian people to know about the outside word. Since Russia is ruled in an archaic manner, many Western countries that may seem more powerful or have a different ruling style may learn knowledge of the Russian ruling style; same for Russians who are not aware may learn about other countries. Russia wishes to say away from world affairs to avoid being overpowered, to avoid being discovered, and to avoid contact with any Western people. Due to this fear, and immoral intentions, Russian/Soviet history was later made which also sparked Marxist ideology and western actions.

2) What did Kennan believe were the main international goals of the Soviet Union?

  1. To undermine general political and strategic potential of major western powers.
  2. Violent efforts will be made to weaken power and influence of Western Powers of colonial backward or dependent peoples.
  3. Where individual governments stand in path of Soviet purposes pressure will be brought for their removal from office.
  4. In foreign countries Communists will, as a rule, work toward destruction of all forms of personal independence, economic, political or moral.
  5. Everything possible will be done to set major Western Powers against each other.
  6. In general, all Soviet efforts on unofficial international plane will be negative and destructive in character, designed to tear down sources of strength beyond reach of Soviet control.

3) According to Kennan, what were the prospects that the United States and other western nations would be able to meet Soviet challenges? What policies should they adopt or actions should they take?

        Some things Kennan noticed were that even though the Soviet Union is going against the entire Western world, it is still a weaker force. He also noticed that their plan is very weak against logic and intelligence, so it should be easy to take down. He also said their system has not proven worthy yet to bring success. Some things that Kennan suggests to do are to study the situation and be aware of it. Then it must be made sure that the society is healthy and vigorous and that domestic and foreign policies meet every courageous and incisive measure to solve internal problems of our own society, to improve self-confidence, discipline, morale and community spirit of our own people. Also, we need to aid other nations and give them positive and constructive guidance. And lastly, we have to stay courageous and stick to our methods as a society as a whole.

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4) Why do you think Kennan's Long Telegram aroused so much interest in Washington in early 1946? What contributions, if any, do you think Kennan made to the emergence of the Cold War?

        I feel like Kennan had many valid points that made clear sense that the Soviet Union was ready to destroy and conquer and gain as much power as they could get. Not only that but he also gave some suggestions, he actually stepped up and gave some guidance to the people, helped inspire people to become aware of the situation and even make others aware. ...

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