Chapter One Flashcards
What were the beliefs of the USSR?
Karl Marx founded the Communist ideology. Stalin adapted Leninism to suit his own needs. Promoted himself as the interpreter of communism and became obsessed with protecting his own power and the machinery of the state that guarded it.
What were the beliefs of the USA?
Laissez-faire principles. Free market, supply and demand and minimal interference from the state with political freedom.
What was the percentages agreement 1944?
Between Churchill and Stalin, established the percentage of predominance Britain and the USSR would each have in Eastern Europe. Churchill wanted to control Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe. e.g Hungary 50% each.
Before Yalta, what were the concerns of the Western powers regarding the USSR?
Many EE states had been liberated from Nazi occupation by the USSR.
What was Roosevelt committed to after the War and how was Stalin in conflict with this view?
Committed to post-War reconstruction based on unity among victorious powers. He believed this should reflect the American concept of democracy and thought this would be in the interests of everyone inc USSR since it would provide security, but Stalin’s guarentee of security through network of EE was in conflict.
What were the agreements at Yalta?
Germany to be divided into 4 zones, each administered by USA, USSR, UK and France, Berlin also. UN formally ratified. USSR gained land from Poland, Poland expanded, declaration on liberated Europe.
What was the state of the USSR after WW2 and what did Stalin become obsessed with as a result?
Devastated the Soviet Union, 25 million dead, widespread destruction so Stalin became obsessed with security, viewed allies as anti-USSR but wanted to keep open an avenue of cooperation with the West. In Europe he focused on ensuring EE was within Soviet sphere of influence.
What was Roosevelt certain of? How was he criticised for this view?
Certain he could secure a non-communist democratic future for EE, and the UN managing international affairs. Criticised for naivety and underestimating the security needs of the Soviet Union.
What was Churchill’s attitude towards the USSR?
Convinced Stalin wanted to expand Soviet power. Felt threatened and wanted to establish alliance with USA which assumed a greater urgency considering the economic impact of the War. 1944, wrote to foreign secretary “I cannot feel the slightest trust or confidence in them”
When were Yalta and Potsdam?
Feb 1945
Jul-Aug 1945
What was happening relating to Japan at the time of Potsdam?
War against Japan. Stalin was aiding Western powers with Japan which they did not relish as they feared Stalin would turn it communist.
What happened the day before Potsdam?
First successful detonation of the USA’s atomic bomb.
What were the agreements at Potsdam?
Germany completely disarmed and demilitarised, de-Nazification, decentralisation of pol system, freedom of speech, press, religious tolerance, single economic unit. USSR received 25% of reparations from Western zones and received from own zone.
What were the criticisms of Potsdam?
Nothing was done to reinforce the notion of international cooperation, no long term future constructed for post War Europe. Failed to address growing uncertainty between US and USSR.
What did Truman become increasingly convinced of?
That force may be needed to stop expansionist USSR, and to make it comply with US wishes. Hoped USA’s possession of nuclear technology would be the key to ensuring Stalin’s cooperation.
