In Cold War historiography, which view best describes responsibility for the outbreak of the Cold War?

Introduction / Context:
The Cold War was a long period of political, military, and ideological tension between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II. Historians debate which side bears responsibility for its origin. This question asks you to identify the balanced view that both superpowers share responsibility, a position often called the revisionist or post revisionist interpretation in Cold War historiography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Cold War emerged after World War II between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• Both nations had conflicting ideologies: capitalism and communism.
• Diplomatic mistrust, security fears, and competing interests shaped their actions.
• The question focuses on responsibility for causing the Cold War.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is that many modern historians argue that both superpowers made decisions that increased tension. Early interpretations sometimes blamed only one side, but post revisionist views consider a mix of ideological conflict, security dilemmas, and misperceptions. To answer correctly, choose the option that assigns responsibility to both the United States and the Soviet Union, rather than placing blame on only one side or on minor powers.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the United States promoted capitalism, democracy, and free markets, while the Soviet Union promoted communism and state planning. Step 2: Recognize that each side feared the expansion of the other's system and took steps to secure its own sphere of influence. Step 3: Think about actions such as the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, Soviet control of Eastern Europe, and the Berlin Blockade. Step 4: See that these moves reflected both defensive motives and aggressive attempts to shape the postwar world. Step 5: Evaluate option c, which states that both the United States and the Soviet Union contributed to tensions that led to the Cold War. Step 6: Compare this with options a and b, which unfairly place all blame on only one superpower. Step 7: Note that options d and e ignore the central role of the superpowers and are therefore clearly incorrect.

Verification / Alternative check:
Post revisionist historians usually emphasize a combination of ideological conflict, mutual suspicion, and security concerns on both sides. They argue that no single actor bears complete responsibility. Standard exam materials often stress this balanced view. This supports option c as the most accurate summary of current mainstream interpretations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a is over simplified, ignoring Soviet actions in Eastern Europe and elsewhere. Option b is also one sided, ignoring United States policies that the Soviet leadership perceived as threatening. Option d is wrong because the Cold War clearly involved deliberate policies and responses from both superpowers. Option e is incorrect because smaller countries were affected by superpower rivalry rather than being the primary cause.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes adopt a nationalistic view that automatically blames the rival superpower, or they assume that one side must be entirely innocent. Another mistake is to forget that both countries interpreted the same events differently and made decisions based on fear as well as ambition. Remembering that the Cold War emerged from an interaction of policies and perceptions on both sides will help you choose the balanced option in similar questions.

Final Answer:
Both the United States and the Soviet Union contributed to tensions that led to the Cold War.