WWII Tensions & The Grand Alliance

What was the "Grand Alliance"?

The temporary WWII link between the USA, UK, and USSR.

What was the "Second Front" delay?

The Allies didn't invade France until 1944; Stalin felt they were stalling.

How many Soviet soldiers died in WWII?

Roughly 8 to 11 million (total deaths 27 million). |

Why did the "London Poles" hate Stalin?

Because of the 1940 Katyn Forest Massacre, where Soviets killed 22,000 Polish officers.

Who were the "Lublin Poles"?

The pro-Soviet communists Stalin put in power in Poland.

What was the 1944 Warsaw Uprising?

Poles rose up against Nazis; Stalin let the Nazis crush them to ensure his control.

Why did the USSR want high reparations from Germany?

To rebuild their own shattered economy and keep Germany weak forever.

What was the 1941 Lend-Lease Act?

The US sent supplies to the USSR; Stalin was grateful but felt it wasn't enough.

What was the 1944 Percentages Agreement?

A secret note where Churchill/Stalin divided the Balkans (e.g., 90% influence in Romania for USSR).

Why did Roosevelt think he could handle Stalin?

He believed Stalin was a "pragmatist" who could be befriended.

Why was Churchill more suspicious than Roosevelt?

He saw the Red Army's advance as the "spread of a plague."

What was the "Soviet Sphere of Influence"?

The area of Eastern Europe that Stalin intended to dominate for security. |

Why did the USSR move the Polish border West?

To take Polish land for the USSR and give German land to Poland.

What was "Operation Barbarossa"?

Hitler's 1941 invasion of the USSR; it forced the Grand Alliance to form.

What was the 1942 Anglo-Soviet Treaty?

A 20-year alliance; it was purely a military necessity.

How did the US public view Stalin during the war?

As "Uncle Joe"—a brave ally against fascism.

Why did the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference matter?

It set up the world's financial system; the USSR refused to join.

What was the "Unconditional Surrender" policy?

Agreed at Casablanca (1943); it meant Germany had to fight to the end. |

Why did the Allies invade Italy (1943) before France?

Churchill wanted to attack the "soft underbelly" of Europe; Stalin hated this delay.

What was the impact of the D-Day invasion (1944)?

It finally opened the Second Front, but by then the Red Army was already in Poland.

Define "Self-Determination."

The right of people to choose their own government; Stalin's biggest lie at Yalta.

What was the "Curzon Line"?

The proposed eastern border of Poland, favoring the USSR.

What was the "Oder-Neisse Line"?

The proposed western border of Poland, taking land from Germany.

Why did the West fear the Red Army in 1945?

It was the largest army in the world and occupied all of Eastern Europe.

What was the "United Nations" (UN) goal?

To replace the League of Nations and keep peace via the Security Council.

Why did Stalin want a "Veto" in the UN?

To ensure the West could never use the UN to act against Soviet interests.

What was the "Council of Foreign Ministers"?

A group set up to deal with the details of the peace treaties.

Why was the Fall of Berlin (1945) a race?

Both sides wanted the prestige and the German scientists located there.

How did the death of Roosevelt (April 1945) change things?

It brought in Truman, who had no personal relationship with Stalin.

What was the "Grand Alliance" status by May 1945?

Victory was won, but the trust was almost completely gone.