Poland + Telegrams 1945-47

Question 1

Strategic Importance of Poland

Answer 1

1945-

• Stalin wanted Polish frontier moved so he had most of Poland
• Wanted communist government in what would remain of Poland

Question 2

Security

Answer 2

• Stalin wanted to create zone of ‘friendly’ ,or better, Soviet controlled states in Eastern Europe as a buffer against future invasions

Question 3

Long Telegram

Answer 3

• Kennan (USAS deputy chief of mission) saw USSR as suspicious and recommended firm action against Soviet expansion.
• Long Telegram greatly influenced Truman’s policy of containment

Question 4

Novikov Telegram 1946

Answer 4

• USSR knew about Long telegram and retaliated with this one which was sent to Stalin by Novikov (Soviet Ambassador to USA)
• Hardened Stalin’s attitude towards USA
• Worsened relations

Question 5

How Soviet control was carried out (1945-47)

Answer 5

-rigged elections and banned other parties

Question 6

Impact of USSR expansion on superpower relations

Answer 6

• GB and USA did not expect such complete Soviet domination, more a heavy influence
• Stalin believed he could only ensure support of Eastern European countries if their governments were Soviet controlled
• Truman saw this as a blatant attempt by Stalin to spread communism throughout Europe
• Iron Curtain speech (1946) suggested alliance between US and GB to prevent further Soviet expansion- worsened relations