Roles of individuals in the breakdown of the grand alliance

Question 1

Churchill’s aims

Answer 1

-Didn’t trust Stalin + was convinced his intentions were to expand soviet power in the EU
-Believed the USSR were a threat to GB interests, wanted to protect British interests—> percentages agreement 1944
-Wanted to form an alliance w the US, as he felt threatened + in the case where they’d have to fight against the USSR

Question 2

Roosevelt’s aims

Answer 2

-Wanted post-war world to reflect the American concept of democracy
-Was certain he could set democratic and non-democratic states
-Underestimated soviet need for security

Question 3

Truman’s aims

Answer 3

-Wanted an open world trading system based on international economic cooperation through IMF + World bank
-Wanted to minimise possibilities of the US experiencing the Great Depression

Question 4

Stalin’s aims

Answer 4

-Ensure the security of the USSR as 25 million Soviets died
-Wanted to keep Germany weak till he could turn it into a communist state
-Wanted a sphere of influence in Europe to build soviet security
-Believed US + UK were anti-USSR

Question 5

Atlee

Answer 5

-Was easily taken advantage of by Stalin as he joined the war late and took on a less aggressive approach compared to Churchill