End of World War 2 Flashcards
What occurred in October 1944 and what was the meaning behind this?
The percentages agreement in Moscow: Churchill and Stalin met to establish the percentage of predominance Britain and the USSR would have in each Eastern European state.
When was the percentages agreement of Moscow?
October 1944
Who attended the Yalta conference and what was agreed would happen to Germany?
Churchill (Britain), Roosevelt (USA), Stalin (USSR) - Germany (and Berlin) would be divided into 4 zones.
When was the death of President Roosevelt?
April 1945
When was the Potsdam conference and who attended to represent their nations?
July 1945 - Attlee (Britain), Truman (USA), Stalin (USSR)
Why could the Potsdam conference be considered almost futile?
The conference did nothing to reinforce international cooperation, and had failed to address the growing suspicions developing between the USA and the USSR.
What was agreed at the Potsdam conference of 1945?
Germany would be completely disarmed and de-Nazified, that freedom of speech and religion would be restored in Germany, and that the USSR would receive reparations.
2 atomic bombs were dropped in Japan in August 1945 - where?
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
In February 1946, Kennan sent to Washington a telegram. What were his views on communism?
He believed that the communist ideology threatened a post-war world, and that Stalin was trying to associate the names of the USA and Britain with fear.
What did Kennan urge the USA to do, as stipulated in his telegram?
He wanted the USA to adopt a proactive role in Europe, and urged them to increase their security.
How did Soviet ambassador Nikolai Novikov respond to Kennan’s “Long Telegram”?
Novikov concluded that US foreign policy was based on economic imperialism (that the USA were seeking economic global supremacy).
When did Churchill deliver his iconic Iron Curtain speech?
March 1946
How did Stalin perceive and respond to Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech?
Stalin was convinced that the USA and Britain were working together against the USSR. He released a response stating that the USSR sought Eastern European allies to increase their own security.
What happened, in terms of communism, in Bulgaria in 1945?
A communist-led coalition was elected in 1945, but the communists quickly wiped out the opposition.
What was Stalin’s involvement in the Soviet takeover of Poland (1947)?
Stalin had promised at Yalta to set up a coalition government. However, he later had 16 non-communist leaders invited to Moscow and arrested - the communists won the Polish election in 1947.
How did the communists take control of Hungary in 1947?
Communist Rakosi took control of the secret police and had his opponents arrested and executed. The non-communist leader was forced to resign, and by 1948 Rakosi had power.
Who set up a secret police force in Czechoslovakia in 1948, and how did he gain control of the government?
Gottwald - he had non-communists arrested. Even though many communist workers went on strike, Gottwald took control.
What happened in Germany in January 1947?
The British and US zones joined to create Bizonia
When was the Truman Doctrine announced and what was the intent behind it?
March 1947, it was a non-aggressive response to Soviet expansionism in Europe, and designed to keep the USSR from aiding the Greek communist movement.
What did Truman aim to achieve with his doctrine in 1947?
He needed to demonise the Soviet Union in the minds of the American public, and wanted the Soviets to feel threatened.
What is the technical term for the Marshall Plan of June 1947?
European Recovery Program
What was the main focus of the Marshall Plan?
Upon the restoration of Europe’s economic strength rather than combating communism.
How much money did the Marshall Plan provide Europe with over 1947 - 1952?
$13.5 billion
How did Stalin respond to Marshall Aid?
He formed Cominform - the purpose of this was to unite and coordinate the actions of communist groups throughout Europe.
