Origins of the Cold War Flashcards
USA and USSR pre-WWII
The USA and the USSR were rivals before WWII - until they became allies to defeat Nazi Germany as the ‘common enemy’.
The three WWII wartime conferences, ordered by occurrence and date
Tehran (1943)
Yalta (1945)
Potsdam (1945)
Things agreed at Tehran
USA and Britain would open a second front by launching an attack against Germany in Western Europe.
Stalin would declare war on Japan once Germany was defeated
Poland given land from Germany
An international body to solve problems by discussion was agreed, namely the United Nations (UN).
Disagreements and signs of tension at Tehran 1943
Stalin was suspicious that the West had delayed the second front on purpose in the west so that the USSR would be weakened
Disagreement over a second front in the Balkans (SE Europe)
Roosevelt seemed to view British Colonialism as more of a threat than the USSR!
Things agreed at Yalta
Germany to split into four zones, each controlled by a different power: USA, Britain, France and USSR.
Germany to pay $20 billion compensation, half of which went to USSR
Nazi Party abolish and banned, and war criminals prosecuted.
UN to be introduced; first meeting on 25th April 1945.
Conflict within the UN
All countries could join, but USA and France didn’t agree with Stalin.
Stalin asked that all 16 Soviet republics were given individual membership.
But instead, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus were accepted.
How long would Stalin wait to declare war against Japan after Germany’s defeat?
Three months.
Stalin’s agreement at Yalta conference
Free elections in future governments of Eastern European countries.
Co-operation at Tehran 1943 (November - December)
- Agreed about spheres of influence (USSR in Eastern Europe, Britain and USA in Western Europe).
- Western allies agreed to launch attack on Germany from the west (D-Day).
Tension at Tehran
Disagreements about Germany’s future. Stalin wanted reparations from Germany, Roosevelt and Churchill wanted Germany rebuilt.
Co-operation at Yalta Feb 1945
Russia to help US defeat Japan
Work for ‘democracy’ in Europe
Set up UN
USSR sphere of influence as previously discussed at Tehran
Tension at Yalta
Disagreed about what was meant by ‘democracy’
Roosevelt had good relations with Stalin, but after his death Truman was less willing to compromise.
Co-operation at Potsdam 1945 (Jul-Aug)
Ban Nazi part, war criminal prosecution
Reduce size of Germany
Division of Germany
Tension at Potsdam
Reparations on Germany
Truman had replaced Roosevelt
USA had the Atomic Bomb.
Iron Curtain speech 1946
Churchill made famous speech to warn about spread of Communism in Europe, upsetting Stalin and increasing tension as a result.
What were the two telegrams sent from ambassadors of both USA and USSR?
Long and Novikov telegrams, which showed suspicion of one another.
When was the Truman Doctrine introduced?
March 12th 1947
What was the Truman Doctrine?
A pledge in 1947 from Truman of financial aid to Greece and Turkey in the form of $400 million and sending personnel to the region to contain the Communist uprisings.
Later, it became support to all countries opposing Communism.
When was the Marshall plan introduced?
1947, same year as the Truman Doctrine.
