Tensions

What did the ideological differences between the USA and the Soviet Union lead to?

Tensions and emerging distrust.

What is a ‘Cold War’?

A conflict fought in every way except direct fighting between the 2 sides.

Who became president of the USA after Roosevelt?

Truman became president of the USA after Roosevelt’s death.

How did Truman feel about the Soviet Union compared to Roosevelt?

He was less sympathetic towards communism in the Soviet Union.

How did Truman’s approach differ from Roosevelt’s?

Roosevelt had held the alliance together. After his death, Truman’s approach was more hard line.

Why was Stalin distrustful of Truman?

Because Truman demanded lots of things at Potsdam.

Why was Stalin angry with Truman before the Potsdam Conference?

Because Truman had successfully tested the atomic bomb without consulting him.

Was Stalin aware of the USA’s progress on nuclear weapons?

Yes, Stalin was already aware of the progress the USA was making.

What did Churchill believe should happen to Germany after the war?

Churchill believed that a defeated Germany should be rebuilt.

What did Stalin want for Germany after the war?

Stalin wanted to weaken Germany as much as possible through reparations.

What did Churchill suspect about the Soviet troops?

Churchill suspected that Soviet troops would not leave the Eastern European countries that they had liberated

Why did Britain ally more closely with the USA after WWII?

Britain’s economy had been severely impacted by the war, and it could not act against the Soviet Union on its own.

What did the close alliance between Britain and the USA lead to?

It led to the divisions which would become known as the Cold War.

Which countries were capitalist and which were communist?

The Soviet Union supported communism, whilst the USA and Britain were capitalist countries.