History Module 9: Cold War origins and responsibility

Question 1

What was agreed at the Yalta Conference about the future of Germany?

Answer 1

At the Yalta Conference, it was agreed regarding the future of Germany that:

1. Germany would be divided into occupation zones controlled by the Allies.
2. Berlin, within the Soviet zone, would also be divided into occupation sectors.
3. Germany would undergo demilitarisation and denazification.
4. Decisions on Germany’s final borders and reparations were deferred to a later conference.

Question 2

Describe how the Soviet Union consolidated its hold over Poland from 1945.

Answer 2

The Soviet Union consolidated its hold over Poland from 1945 by:

1. Establishing a pro-Soviet government, ensuring control over Polish political life.
2. Suppressing opposition through arrests, censorship, and the use of secret police.
3. Implementing socialist economic policies, including nationalisation of industry and land reform.
4. Aligning Polish foreign policy with Soviet interests, integrating Poland into the Eastern Bloc.

Question 3

What were the main disagreements at the Potsdam Conference?

Answer 3

The main disagreements at the Potsdam Conference included:

1. The extent and nature of German reparations.
2. The precise borders of Poland and the administration of Germany.
3. The level of industrial dismantlement in Germany to prevent future military capabilities.
4. The implementation and interpretation of the principle of denazification and democracy in occupied territories.

Question 4

Describe the Berlin Blockade.

Answer 4

The Berlin Blockade involved:

1. The Soviet Union blocking all land and rail access to West Berlin in 1948, aiming to force the Allies out.
2. The Western Allies responding with the Berlin Airlift to supply the city with food, fuel, and other essentials.
3. The blockade significantly escalating Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies.
4. The Soviet Union lifting the blockade in 1949, marking a victory for the Western Allies and the effectiveness of the airlift strategy.

Question 5

What was agreed at the Yalta Conference?

Answer 5

At the Yalta Conference, it was agreed that:

1. Germany would be divided into occupation zones.
2. The United Nations would be established.
3. Eastern European countries would have free elections.
4. The Soviet Union would enter the war against Japan after Germany’s defeat.

Question 6

What was the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO

Answer 6

The purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was:

1. To provide collective defence against aggression, embodying the principle that an attack against one member is considered an attack against all.
2. To deter Soviet expansion during the Cold War.
3. To foster political and military cooperation between North America and Europe.
4. To promote democratic values among member countries and ensure their security.