A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72

Question 1

Increased tensions between the USSR and USA

Atomic Bomb: effects

Answer 1

Stalin was threatened by the atomic bomb, he believed that it was a direct threat towards the USSR

In some sources, it is said that Stalin was not informed of this deadly weapon

This misinformation led Stalin and the Soviets to assume the real reasons of why they dropped the bomb, therefore thinking that it is a direct threat

This links back to rising tensions as this ‘threat’ created Russia to believe that the US was conspiring against them

Question 2

Kickstarted the arms race

Atomic Bomb: effects

Answer 2

As Stalin felt as the atomic bomb was a threat to the USSR, he had sent out scientists to work on the atomic bomb

The USSR succeeding at the development of the atomic bomb then led to the development and testing of hydrogen bombs and ICBMS (both countries)

Both countries built more and more powerful weapons, these weapons served as nuclear deterrents he

This evidence shows that the atomic bomb started the arms race as it started a rivalry and competition between the two countries to compete for more power (in their military and nuclear weapons).

Question 3

Improved relations

Tehran 1943: effects

Answer 3

Stalin agreed to declare war on Japan and provide military aid to help the USA -> when the war in Europe is over

It was agreed that Poland should receive land from Germany (after their surrender) but the USSR can keep land from Poland.

The USA and Britain to open a second front to ease pressure on the USSR (expected them to delay)

The united nations will be set up

This shows that relations were improved as the superpowers came to many agreed conclusions to help one another out throughout the war against Germany and Japan.

Question 4

Damaged relations

Tehran 1943: effects

Answer 4

Britain wanted to set up the second front in the Balkans

There was not much tension between the USSR and USA. But the USA viewed the British as more of a threat than the USSR to world peace.

Stalin wanted to keep his land from Poland to keep a buffer zone

This shows that relations were slightly damaged as there were some minor disagreements and there were different views and ideologies between the countries.

Question 5

Improved relations

Yalta 1945: effects

Answer 5

The Grand Alliance agreed to split Germany into four sections
The USSR would receive $10B from Germany, agreed by all the superpowers
Stalin agrees to join the war against Japan

These three points show points of agreement between USSR and the USA. This implies that the relations were relaxed and less tense.

Question 6

Damaged relations

Yalta 1945: effects