WW2 - Churchill and Stalin

Question 1

What did Churchill think of Russia?

Answer 1

He had been an outspoken critic during the Russian revolution (1917). He did his best to overturn the Communist regime of Lenin by sending British forces against him.

Question 2

When did Hitler invade the USSR?

Answer 2

June 1941

Question 3

What did Churchill famously say about why he sided with USSR?

Answer 3

‘If Hitler invaded Hell, I would at least make a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons.’

Question 4

What did Churchill believe about the weakness of Russia?

Answer 4

That communism had weakened them and they would soon be destroyed by Hitler.

Question 5

Turning point of the war?

Answer 5

Russia’s resistance to Hitler through the winters of 1941-2

Question 6

What did Churchill not provide sympathy for?

Answer 6

Sieges of Stalingrad and Leningrad, and counter attacks in 1943.

Question 7

When was Churchill and Stalin’s first meeting?

Answer 7

1942

Question 8

What did Stalin criticise in 1942 at their first meeting?

Answer 8

failure of Britain to invade Europe.

Question 9

Germany and Russia’s relationship with Britain before war?

Answer 9

Both viewed Britain as the “ultimate enemy”

Question 10

Collier and Halifax’s opinions on an alliance with Russia?

Answer 10

“Simply complicate the task of reconstructing eastern Europe after the war.”