To what extent was the conflict between the USSR and the PRC ideological?

1. To what extent was the conflict between the USSR and the PRC ideological? Thesis: The conflict between the USSR and PRC was ideological to a large extent due to Mao’s disagreement with both Stalin and Khrushchev; however, factors such as territorial disputes and nuclear disagreements simultaneously contributed to the Sino-Soviet Split.

2. Paragraph 1: Mao vs. Stalin’s Ideology Topic sentence: The conflict between Mao and Stalin was ideological to a large extent and aggravated the conflict between the USSR and the PRC. • Different approaches to Communism • Maoism vs. Marxism-Leninism • Fueled by national interests • China’s massive labor force • Manifested itself to fall out

3. Paragraph 2: Mao vs. Khrushchev's Ideology Topic sentence: The conflict between Mao and Khrushchev was ideological to a large extent and heightened tensions between the USSR and PRC. • Fight for power • De-Stalinization • Neglected core of Communism • Khrushchev's changing relationship with USA

4. Paragraph 3: Territorial Disputes Topic sentence: Although the aforementioned factors played a vital role, circumstances such as the territorial disputes also contributed to the cause of the Sino-Soviet split. • Sino-Soviet border • Fight for Outer Mongolia • Zenith of border tensions • Negotiations deteriorated • Power struggle

5. Paragraph 4: Nuclear Disagreements Topic sentence: Although ideological disputes were the roots of the conflict between USSR and PRC, nuclear disagreements also contributed to the Sino-Soviet split. • Nuclear competition • Military dominance • Magnified tensions • Threat of nuclear weapons