(Originais Teachy 2024) - Question Medium of History

During the Cold War, the world was divided into two power blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union, respectively, establishing an ideological, political, and military confrontation that shaped international relations for decades. Historian Eric Hobsbawm describes the period as 'a long armed peace between the two superpowers.' Based on this context and Hobsbawm's quote, analyze the following excerpt from the speech of the U.S. President, John F. Kennedy, delivered in 1961: 'Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.' (John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961) Considering the historical perspective and the bipolarity of the world during the Cold War, discuss: 1) How did the context of the Cold War and ideological polarization influence the international actions and policies of the United States and the Soviet Union? 2) Evaluate, based on historical knowledge, to what extent Kennedy's statement reflects the reality of the period and whether the 'liberation from tyrannies' mentioned in the speech can be interpreted in light of the events of the time.