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Understanding how historians have interpreted the Cold War is essential for A-Level success. The historiography of the Cold War has evolved dramatically since the 1940s, shaped by new evidence (especially from Soviet and Eastern European archives opened after 1991), changing political contexts, and shifting scholarly perspectives. The key question is: how have historians' interpretations of the Cold War changed over time, and what factors have driven these changes?
Key Definition: Historiography is the study of how history is written — examining the methods, sources, assumptions, and perspectives that shape historical interpretation. It is not about "what happened" but about "how and why historians have interpreted what happened differently."
The orthodox interpretation dominated during the early Cold War and reflected the Western consensus of the time. Key features:
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