Causes of the Cold War (1943-1948)

A review of conferences, agreements, and rising tensions between the Allied powers from 1943 to 1948, marking the beginning of the Cold War.

Where and when did the first meeting of Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill take place?

Tehran, Iran in November, 1943

What were the two major strategic decisions made during the Tehran Conference?

An American-British invasion of France and a Soviet invasion of eastern Europe

When did the Yalta Conference occur, and who were the 'Big Three' leaders present?

February, 1945; Stalin, FDR, and Churchill

What was Stalin's agreement regarding the war with Japan at the Yalta Conference?

Stalin agreed to enter the war against Japan once Germany had surrendered

According to the Yalta agreements, how were governments to be chosen in liberated countries?

Through free elections to choose the government they wanted

Into how many zones was Germany divided at the end of World War II?

Four zones: American, French, British, and Soviet

Why did the Big Three agree to see eastern Europe as a 'Soviet sphere of influence'?

Because the Soviet Union had suffered approximately 20 million deaths and Stalin was concerned about future security and the risk of another invasion

What was the main point of disagreement during the Yalta Conference?

The border of Poland and the movement of Soviet borders westwards

What key leadership change occurred in the United States in April 1945, before the Potsdam Conference?

Harry S. Truman replaced Roosevelt as President

What significant weapon had the United States successfully tested prior to the Potsdam Conference?

An atomic bomb

When did the Potsdam Conference take place and who were the primary leaders?

July, 1945; Stalin, Truman, and Churchill/Atlee

Which countries had Soviet-controlled governments established through overturned or coerced elections between 1945 and 1948?

Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, and East Germany

What was the function of Cominform, established in October 1947?

The Communist Information Bureau was created to co-ordinate the work of the Communist Parties of eastern Europe and allow Stalin to replace independent-minded leaders

Who was the only Communist leader to escape Stalin's close control and show hostility to Cominform in 1948?

Marshal Tito in Yugoslavia

In which country did Britain and the USA support the royalists against Communist opposition in a civil war?

Greece

When and where did Winston Churchill deliver his 'Iron Curtain' speech?

Missouri, March 1946

According to Churchill's 1946 speech, what are the territorial limits of the 'iron curtain'?

From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic