To what extent were Yalta and Potsdam conferences responsible for the growth of the Cold War tension in the years 1945-1946?

Introduction

Grew conflict a lot

Agree

1. USSR made it clear they wanted to weaken Germany - Yalta highlights the different views of the USSR, Britain, and the USA; Stalin wanted higher German reparations, wanted Polish/German border further West to “protect Germany” (SOI) - conflict from the start; USSR wanted weak Germany to ensure it couldn't ever gain the power it once had, USSR continued to demand such reparations at Potsdam aswell (Truman rejected)

2. Disagreements over Poland and Germany borders - Yalta; how declaration on liberated Europe should be applied to Poland - Stalin thought communist gov should stay in place (Roosevelt disagreed) - (London poles in exile in London) USSR supported pro-communist gov, set up since Poland liberation - Stalin ensured that non-communist leaders who had resisted the Nazis eliminated so they couldn't transplant the Polish gov in exile back into post-war Poland - USSR severed relationships with this gov in 1944 whereas USA believed Poland should have self-determination - Britain believed they should protect the territorial integrity and self-determination of Poland

3. Both conferences also failed to sort long term plan for the future of Germany which caused major tensions

Disagree

1. Nuclear technology - USA got their atomic bomb in 1945, told Stalin but he didnt bat an eyelid; suddenly realised possession; Soviets realised, tension increased

2. Kennans long telegram - Kennan emphasized view that USSR viewed West as hostile/ West must be prepared to threaten use of force to ensure unity among allies-—increased Truman's dislike for the USSR/contributed to Truman's formation of the Truman Doctrine

3. Sinews of Peace (Iron Curtain Speech) - Sinews of Peace; public dictation of the divide between West and USSR, anti-communist, speech attacked USSR and clearly stated the divide

Conclusion

Yes grew conflict