Allied Plans for Germany

Who were the Grand Alliance?

USSR, USA and Britain.

Who were the big three?

Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill.

What did the USA and USSR have in common?

They were both attacked, leading them to involuntarily join the war.

What was agreed in January 1943?

Roosevelt and Churchill agreed they would demand the unconditional surrender of Germany.

When did the first summit of the ‘Big Three’ take place?

In Teheran, Iran in December 1943 to demand Germany’s surrender.

What was the main aim of the Teheran summit?

To determine military strategy for the final phase of the war, but became clear there were serious disagreements about territorial changes in Europe after Hitler’s defeat.

What was discussed regarding Poland and Germany?

The borders between Poland and Germany. USSR wanted to keep territorial gains from Nazi-Soviet pact 1939. Western Allies wanted to keep Stalin on board.

What was one of the more difficult issues discussed?

The extent of compensating Poland with German territories in the west.

What did Roosevelt suggest to eliminate the German threat?

Suggested Germany be divided into smaller states as a means to eliminate the German threat once and for all.

Who drew up the most notorious plan of Teheran?

The US Secretary of state, Henry Morgenthau, in 1944.

What did Henry Morgenthau suggest?

Not only dividing up Germany, but also turning it into a backward, purely agricultural territory, demolishing all existing industry.

What happened to Henry Morgenthau’s idea?

It was overruled for practical reasons.