Potsdam and the bomb Flashcards
Who died between Yalta and Potsdam?
FDR
Who succeeded FDR as president?
Harry Truman
Before becoming president, what had Truman not been informed about?
The development of the atomic bomb
How did historian Oliver Stone describe Truman when he became president?
As “shockingly unprepared” for the job
What attitude did Truman take towards Communism?
A ‘get-tough’ attitude. He hated Communism
What happened in May 1945?
Germany surrendered, ending the war in Europe
When was the Potsdam Conference?
July-August 1945
What had Stalin done in Poland since Yalta?
Installed a Communist government there - ignoring the wishes of the majority of Poles
Where were Stalin’s Red Army?
Throughout eastern Europe, controlling it
What did Truman believe about Stalin?
That his actions in eastern Europe were in preparation of a takeover of all of Europe
When did the USA test the atomic bomb?
16 July - the day before Potsdam began
Did Stalin know about the atomic bomb?
Yes, through his spies - but he acted surprised and angry when told
Who was replaced during the Potsdam Conference?
Churchill, by Clement Attlee
Why was it significant that Attlee replaced Churchill?
Clement Attlee lacked Churchill’s big personality. This meant the rivalry between Stalin and Truman dominated the conference
Why did the USA and USSR disagree over Germany at Potsdam?
The USSR wanted to cripple Germany, including huge reparations. Truman did not want to repeat the mistakes of the ToV
