Chapter 1 - US, British and USSR relations in 1945 Flashcards
1
Q
Why was there tension between the allies leading up to Yalta?
A
- W powers aware many Eastern European states had been liberated from Nazi occupation by USSR
- Stalin’s guarantee of security through network of Eastern European allies conflicted Roosevelt’s commitment to post-war reconstruction based on unity amongst victorious powers
2
Q
Why did Yalta conference take place?
A
- In preparation for planning for imminent end of World War 2
3
Q
What was the significance of Yalta?
A
- Represented high point of inter-allied cooperation
- Outcomes reaffirmed belief that Grand Alliance still alive and well
- Evidence that Grand Alliance members committed to long lasting international relations in post-war world
4
Q
What were Western aims for Yalta?
A
- Collective security founded on United Nations
- Long term cooperation with USSR
- Right to national self-determination = no spheres of influence
- Germany’s reconstruction and re-education as a democratic nation
- World economic reconstruction through creation of World Bank
5
Q
What were Stalin’s aims for Yalta?
A
- USSR to be in control of its own destiny
- Cooperation with Anglo-Americans
- USSR’s security guaranteed through Soviet spheres of influence in Europe
- Germany to remain weak for indefinite future
- Economic reconstruction for USSR - mainly at Germany’s expense
6
Q
What was agreed at Yalta?
A
- Germany would be divided into 4 zones, each administered by an allied power
- Berlin would be similarly divided
- United Nations Organisation officially created
- USSR to gain land from Poland, and Poland expanded to North and West
- Declaration on Liberated Europe to be created
7
Q
What were Stalin’s priorities in Europe?
A
- Ensuring Eastern Europe remained within Soviet sphere of influence
- Intended to turn whole of Germany into communist state at some point in future
- Keep Germany economically week until it could secured as a communist state
8
Q
Why was there tension between Churchill and Stalin following Yalta?
A
- C believed S’ intention to expand Soviet power in post-war Europe
- Believed USSR could threaten British imperial interests
- Believed Britain must establish close alliance with US to counter this potential threat
9
Q
What was agreed during the Percentages Agreement?
A
- 1944
- Churchill and Stalin met in Moscow
- To establish predominance of Britain and USSR in Eastern Europe
- USSR = 90% Romanis
- USA = 90% Greece
- Hungary = 50/50
10
Q
How did things change between Yalta and Potsdam?
A
- War had ended in May 1945
- April 1945 = Roosevelt died, replaced by Truman
- July 1945 = Churchill replaced by Attlee after losing General Elections
11
Q
What was agreed at Potsdam?
A
- Germany to be completely disarmed and demilitarised
- de-Nazification to be carried out = war crimes judged and all former Nazi party members removed from public office and education system
- decentralisation of political system
- Freedom of speech, free press, religious tolerance restored
- Germany to become a single economic unit with common policies on industry and finance
- USSR to receive reparations from its own zone, and additional 25% from W zones
