US, British and USSR Relations in 1945 – Early Tensions

Conflicting Ideologies – Main Differences

• USA/UK were capitalist democracies with free elections

• USSR was a communist one-party state with a command economy and state control.

Conflicting Ideologies – Source of Mistrust

Each side viewed the other as expansionist

• the West feared communism spreading

• the USSR feared capitalist encirclement.

Conflicting Ideologies – Impact of WWII

The shared goal of defeating Nazi Germany masked ideological conflict but did not remove underlying distrust.

Yalta Conference – Key Agreements

• Germany divided into four zones

• free elections promised in Eastern Europe

• USSR to enter war against Japan

• creation of the UN.

Yalta Conference – Sources of Tension

Vague wording about “free elections” allowed different interpretations, increasing suspicion between powers.

Yalta Conference – Poland Issue

• The USSR wanted a pro-Soviet Polish government for security

• the West insisted on democratic participation

Roosevelt vs Churchill Approaches to Stalin

• Roosevelt sought cooperation with Stalin

• Churchill was more distrustful and believed only strength would limit Soviet expansion.

Stalin’s Suspicion of Allies

Stalin distrusted the West due to delays in opening the Second Front, ideological opposition to communism, and fear of encirclement.

Leadership Personalities

• Roosevelt’s diplomacy eased tensions

• Churchill’s realism increased caution

• Stalin’s paranoia increased mistrust.

Potsdam – Changes Since Yalta

Roosevelt died, Churchill was replaced mid-conference, and the US had tested the atomic bomb, altering relations.

Potsdam – Main Disagreements

Disputes over reparations, Germany’s future, and Soviet control of Eastern Europe created significant tension.

Potsdam – Atomic Bomb Impact

Truman tried to pressure Stalin with the bomb; Stalin already knew from espionage, worsening distrust.

Truman’s Attitude vs Roosevelt’s

Truman took a tougher stance, refusing further concessions to the USSR and favouring containment.

Attlee’s Attitude to USSR

Attlee shared US concerns but focused on domestic reconstruction; still supported a firm approach to the USSR.

Post-Potsdam Soviet Actions

USSR’s rapid imposition of communist governments in Eastern Europe alarmed Truman and Attlee.

Summary – Collapse of the Grand Alliance

Ideological differences, leadership changes, disputes over Eastern Europe, and atomic diplomacy caused the alliance to break down.

Summary – 1945 and the Start of the Cold War

Failure to agree on the post-war order and rising mistrust created hardened blocs, making Cold War conflict likely.

Summary – Symbols of Breakdown

Potsdam disputes, Soviet domination of Eastern Europe, and Truman’s hardline stance marked the end of cooperation.