The attitudes of Truman and Stalin

What was Truman's background?

A plain-speaking politician from Missouri; very different from the elite Roosevelt.

How did Truman view Communism?

As a "monolithic" evil that had to be stopped everywhere.

What was Truman's "Iron Fist" policy?

He believed in being blunt and tough with the Soviets.

What was Stalin's main personality trait?

Deep, clinical paranoia; he trusted nobody (not even his own family).

How did Stalin view the Atomic Bomb?

As a way for the USA to bully the USSR into accepting Western terms.

Why did Truman mention the A-bomb at Potsdam?

To gain "leverage" over Stalin in the negotiations over Poland.

How did Stalin view Truman compared to Roosevelt?

He found Truman aggressive, rude, and untrustworthy.

What was the "Truman Doctrine" a response to?

The civil war in Greece and threats to Turkey.

Why did Stalin believe war with Capitalism was inevitable?

Because Marxist theory said Capitalist nations would eventually fight for resources.

What was the "Policy of Containment"?

The official US strategy drafted by George Kennan.

How did Stalin's WWII experience shape his post-war view?

The betrayal by Hitler made him resolve never to trust a Western power again.

Define "Appeasement" (in Truman's mind).

He believed the West's mistakes in the 1930s (giving into Hitler) must not be repeated with Stalin.

| What was the "Molotov Plan"?

The Soviet system of bilateral trade agreements to counter the Marshall Plan.

Why did Stalin create Cominform?

To ensure all Communist parties followed the "Moscow Line."

How did Truman's attitude toward reparations change?

He moved from wanting some to wanting none, to help West Germany recover.

What was Stalin's view of "Free Elections"?

He believed elections were only "free" if they resulted in a Communist victory.

Why did Truman send the A-bomb capable B-29s to Britain in 1948?

To show Stalin he was prepared to use nuclear force.

What was "Zhdanovism"?

The Soviet cultural policy of strict ideological control under Stalin. |

How did Truman view the Berlin Blockade (1948)?

As a test of his resolve; he refused to back down.

What was Stalin's goal with the Berlin Blockade?

To force the West to abandon their plans for a new West German state. |

Why did the personal dislike between the leaders matter?

It meant minor disagreements were seen as major acts of aggression.

What was the "Stalin Cult of Personality"?

The propaganda that portrayed Stalin as a god-like, all-knowing leader.

How did Truman justify the Marshall Plan to Congress?

He called it a "crusade" for democracy.

What was the "Grand Alliance" epitaph?

"A marriage of convenience that ended in a bitter divorce."

What was the ultimate result of these 1941-47 tensions?

The permanent division of Europe and the start of the 40-year Cold War. |

Explain two effects of the Yalta Conference,"

Declaration of Liberated Europe and the Division of Germany