Chapter 17 Kissinger

Who succeeded Roosevelt as President of the United States?

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, who took office after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death in April 1945, and played a pivotal role in leading the nation through the conclusion of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War.

Who served as Truman's advisor on Soviet leaders, advocating for accommodation?

Joseph E. Davies, a former U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, who served as an advisor to President Truman and promoted a policy of engaging with Soviet leaders, particularly advocating for a more accommodating approach during the early Cold War.

Who was sent to Moscow as Truman's envoy?

Harry Hopkins, a close confidant and advisor to President Truman, who was tasked with conveying U.S. interests and negotiating post-war arrangements in Moscow during a critical phase in U.S.-Soviet relations.

Which British Prime Minister urged leveraging Allied-controlled territory for negotiations with the Soviet Union?

Winston Churchill, who served as Prime Minister during World War II and later, advocated for using territorial advantages gained through military victories as political leverage in negotiations with the Soviet Union to mitigate their expansionist tendencies.

Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during this period?

Joseph Stalin, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and a key figure in Soviet governance from the 1920s until his death in 1953, whose policies significantly influenced international relations and the Cold War.

Who was the Soviet Foreign Minister who refused American demands for free elections in Eastern Europe?

Vyacheslav Molotov, serving as the Soviet Foreign Minister and a close advisor to Stalin, who was known for his staunch defense of Soviet policies and opposition to U.S. demands for democratic elections in Eastern European countries after World War II.

Who analyzed Stalin's strategies in the 'Long Telegram'?

George Kennan, a U.S. diplomat and historian who penned the influential 'Long Telegram' in 1946, outlining his views on Soviet behavior and recommending a policy of containment in response to the perceived threat posed by Stalin's regime.

Who was the U.S. Secretary of State who demanded free elections in Eastern European nations at Potsdam?

James Byrnes, who served as Secretary of State under President Truman and was a key figure during the Potsdam Conference, where he advocated for free elections in Eastern Europe as part of the peace process.

Where did Kissinger visit Truman in 1961?

The Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, where former National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger met with Truman, reflecting on U.S. foreign policy and leadership.

Where was the Potsdam Conference held?

The Potsdam Conference took place in Potsdam, Germany, from July 17 to August 2, 1945, involving leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union to discuss post-war order.

What significant event occurred on April 12, 1945?

The death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, which led to Truman assuming the presidency during a crucial time in world history.

What conference in July 1945 highlighted the diverging goals of the Allies?

The Potsdam Conference, which brought together leaders from the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom to address post-war arrangements but revealed significant disagreements over the future of Europe.

What was Truman reluctant to appear to be doing with Churchill before the Potsdam Conference?

He was reluctant to appear to be colluding with Winston Churchill in forming an Anglo-American alliance against the Soviet Union, which could exacerbate tensions with Stalin.

What meeting saw Truman attempt to build trust with Stalin, though their goals diverged?

The Potsdam Conference, during which Truman aimed to foster a cooperative relationship with Stalin despite significant differences in their political objectives and visions for post-war Europe.

What was the purpose of Harry Hopkins' mission to Moscow?

The mission aimed to establish communication and rapport with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, with the goal of discussing post-war cooperation and addressing U.S. interests in the context of the emerging Cold War.

What was the state of the war in Europe when Roosevelt died?

At the time of Roosevelt's death, Allied forces were deep within German territory, signifying a critical phase nearing the end of World War II in Europe.

What battle in the Pacific was underway when Roosevelt died?

The Battle of Okinawa, one of the largest and bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theater, was ongoing at the time, impacting both American military strategies and public opinion.

What key issue did Hopkins fail to emphasize during discussions with Stalin?

The importance of free elections in Eastern Europe, which was a significant point of contention between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in post-war negotiations.

What did Stalin claim justified Soviet actions in Poland?

Stalin asserted that military necessity during World War II justified Soviet actions in Poland, specifically concerning control over the region and post-war governance.

How did Stalin view American demands for self-determination in Eastern Europe?

He regarded American demands for self-determination as irrelevant to Soviet strategic interests, perceiving them as potentially veiling ulterior motives.

What strategic advantage did Churchill urge the Allies to use in negotiations with the Soviet Union?

Allied-controlled territory, which Churchill believed should be leveraged to gain favorable terms in negotiations with the Soviet Union, aiming to counteract their growing influence.

What did Byrnes observe about the Soviets' behavior after the war?

Byrnes noted that the Soviets had become increasingly aggressive regarding political and territorial issues, challenging the post-war order established by the Allies.

According to Kennan, what did Stalin want to avoid?

Direct confrontation with the United States, as Kennan argued that Stalin's strategies were largely aimed at consolidating Soviet power without provoking a military response from the U.S.

What was Churchill's historical pattern in foreign policy?

Churchill's approach typically involved advocating for rearmament in the face of appeasement with adversaries and promoting a policy of diplomatic confrontation to counter threats.