Potsdam 2

What was happening to Churchill’s views during Potsdam?

He was becoming increasingly antagonistic towards Stalin.

What did Churchill judge regarding Stalin?

Judged Stalin’s promises for democratic elections in east European states as a deceptive manoeuvre.

What was happening to Britain’s position as a great power at this time?

It was beginning to wane, and its status was demeaned further by defeat of war leader Churchill at general election in the middle of the summit.

What were Stalin’s interests in Potsdam mostly concerned with?

Mostly with reparations and security.

What had happened to the USSR in the first year after the war?

Agrarian production reduced by 40% and steel production by 50%

What did Stalin want to do based on these falls in production?

Wanted access to industrial areas along the Rhine and the Ruhr.

What was the Potsdam agreement on the whole?

Agreed on ‘protocol of proceedings’.

Stated Germany was to be built on the principle of the 4D’s.

What were the 4D’s?

De-Nazification, demilitarisation, decentralisation and democratisation.

What were the 4 main points of the Potsdam agreement?

• Occupation zones.

• German-Polish Border.

• Reparations.

• Armed forces.

What happened regarding occupation zones in Germany?

It was to be divided into 4 zones of occupation.

What happened regarding occupation zones despite France not being at the Conference?

They agreed that France should still be allocated a zone.

What was each occupying power to do?

Administer its zone independently.

What was assumed regarding occupation zones?

It was assumed Allies would soon negotiate a final settlement for the whole of Germany.

What was to happen until the expected settlement was to be made by the Allies?

The country was treated as one economic unit and all issues were to be decided by the 4 powers unanimously.